Koralagamage Kavindu Appuhamy, Danielle Podmore, Alex Mitchell, Helal Uddin Ahmed, Mark Ashworth, Jan R Boehnke, Virtu Chongtham, Asiful Haidar Chowdhury, Olga P Garcia, Richard I G Holt, Rumana Huque, Krishna Prasad Muliyala, Eline Klein Onstenk, Sukanya Rajan, David Shiers, Najma Siddiqi, S Manjunatha, Gerardo A Zavala
{"title":"Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in people with severe mental illness in South Asia: cross-sectional study in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.","authors":"Koralagamage Kavindu Appuhamy, Danielle Podmore, Alex Mitchell, Helal Uddin Ahmed, Mark Ashworth, Jan R Boehnke, Virtu Chongtham, Asiful Haidar Chowdhury, Olga P Garcia, Richard I G Holt, Rumana Huque, Krishna Prasad Muliyala, Eline Klein Onstenk, Sukanya Rajan, David Shiers, Najma Siddiqi, S Manjunatha, Gerardo A Zavala","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.100","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obesity is one of the major contributors to the excess mortality seen in people with severe mental illness (SMI) and in low- and middle-income countries people with SMI may be at an even greater risk. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in people with SMI and investigate the association of obesity and overweight with sociodemographic variables, other physical comorbidities, and health-risk behaviours. This was a multi-country cross-sectional survey study where data were collected from 3989 adults with SMI from three specialist mental health institutions in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was estimated using Asian BMI thresholds. Multinomial regression models were then used to explore associations between overweight and obesity with various potential determinants. There was a high prevalence of overweight (17·3 %) and obesity (46·2 %). The relative risk of having obesity (compared to normal weight) was double in women (RRR = 2·04) compared with men. Participants who met the WHO recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake had 2·53 (95 % CI: 1·65-3·88) times greater risk of having obesity compared to those not meeting them. Also, the relative risk of having obesity in people with hypertension is 69 % higher than in people without hypertension (RRR = 1·69). In conclusion, obesity is highly prevalent in SMI and associated with chronic disease. The complex relationship between diet and risk of obesity was also highlighted. People with SMI and obesity could benefit from screening for non-communicable diseases, better nutritional education, and context-appropriate lifestyle interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10687724/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138463660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of pre-exercise high and low glycaemic index meals on substrate metabolism and appetite in middle-aged women.","authors":"Miki Sakazaki, Yoshie Yoshikawa, Kayoko Kamemoto, Yusei Tataka, Yoshiki Yamada, Ching-Lin Wu, Masashi Miyashita","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.96","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.96","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Few studies have examined the influence of pre-exercise meals with different glycaemic indices (GIs) on substrate oxidation and non-homeostatic appetite (i.e. food reward) in adults of various ages and ethnicities. We aimed to examine the effects of pre-exercise high and low GI meals on substrate oxidation and food reward in middle-aged Japanese women. This randomised crossover trial included fifteen middle-aged women (aged 40⋅9 ± 6⋅5 years, mean ± sd). The participants consumed a high or low GI breakfast at 09.00 and rested until 11.00. Thereafter, participants performed a 60-min walk at 50 % of their estimated maximum oxygen uptake (11.00-12.00) and rested until 13.00. Expired gas samples were collected every 30 min prior to walking, and samples were collected continuously throughout the walking and post-walking periods. Blood samples and subjective appetite ratings were collected every 30 min, except during walking. The Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire in Japanese (LFPQ-J) was used to assess food reward at 09.00, 10.00, and 13.00 h. The cumulative fat oxidation during exercise was higher in the low GI trial than in the high GI trial (<i>P</i> = 0⋅03). The cumulative carbohydrate oxidation during walking was lower in the low GI trial than in the high GI trial (<i>P</i> = 0⋅01). Trial-by-time interactions were not found for any food-reward parameters between trials. Low GI meals elicited enhanced fat oxidation during a subsequent 60-min walk in middle-aged women. However, meals with different GIs did not affect food reward evaluated over time in the present study.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10660074/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138463658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sangeeta Kansal, Aryan Raj, Kumari Smita, Anthony Worsley, Neha Rathi
{"title":"How do adolescents classify foods as healthy and unhealthy?: A qualitative inquiry from rural India.","authors":"Sangeeta Kansal, Aryan Raj, Kumari Smita, Anthony Worsley, Neha Rathi","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.101","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Indian adolescents exhibit obesogenic dietary habits including low intake of fruits and vegetables and increasing consumption of fast food and carbonated beverages. Adolescents' classification of healthy and unhealthy foods is likely to have significant implications for their dietary behaviour, and consequently, their health. However, there is limited evidence about the ways Indian adolescents classify foods as healthy or unhealthy. Hence, this qualitative study was designed to explore how Indian adolescents classify nutritious or non-nutritious food choices. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the study participants from Tikari village in Uttar Pradesh, India. Underpinned by the social constructivist lens, the adolescents were interviewed face-to-face in Hindi. All the interactions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English prior to data analysis. Transcribed data were analysed thematically using inductive as well as deductive coding, and subsequently, conceptual themes were extracted. A total of thirty-nine adolescents (twenty boys; nineteen girls) aged 10-19 years participated in this qualitative inquiry. The adolescents classified healthy and unhealthy foods based on the following six themes: (i) Food groups and nutrients; (ii) Health and immunity; (iii) Type of ingredient; (iv) Place and time of food preparation; (v) Packaging; and (vi) Parental influence. These findings can inform school-based food literacy interventions to foster healthy dietary habits and cooking skills among Indian adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10660067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138463659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence and contributing factors of anaemia among children aged 6-24 months and 25-59 months in Mali.","authors":"Tafere Gebreegziabher, Saran Sidibe","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.93","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.93","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although considerable global initiatives have been undertaken to tackle anaemia, its prevalence continues to be high in sub-Saharan African nations. In Mali specifically, anaemia represents a significant and pressing public health issue. The purpose of the present study was to examine the key risk factors related to anaemia among children aged 6-24 months (younger age group) and 25-59 months (older age group). We used the Mali 2018 Demographic and Health Survey data, collected from 8861 mothers with children under five. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors for childhood anaemia. The results suggest that the prevalence of anaemia was 88 % in the younger and 76 % in the older age groups. The risk factors unique to the younger age group were malaria (OR 4⋅05; CI 0⋅95, 11⋅3) and place of residence (OR 0⋅55; CI 0⋅32, 0⋅94), while for the older age group, they were morbidity (OR 1⋅91; CI 1⋅12, 3⋅24), drinking from a bottle (OR 1⋅52; CI 1⋅04, 2⋅22), and micronutrient intake (OR 0⋅61; CI 0⋅40, 0⋅91). Risk factors that significantly contributed to both age groups include breastfeeding, deworming, maternal anaemia, maternal education, and wealth index. Anaemia also varied by region. The widespread prevalence of anaemia can be attributed to a multitude of factors. In addressing this issue, it is imperative to acknowledge the unique characteristics of specific regions and rural areas, where the incidence of anaemia surpasses the national average. Therefore, any intervention efforts should be tailored to the specific needs and challenges of these areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10641697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"107592534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samar Thiab, Muna Barakat, Razan I Nassar, Rana Abutaima, Asem Alsughaier, Roa'a Thaher, Faten Odeh, Wael Abu Dayyih
{"title":"Knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drinks consumption among university students in Jordan.","authors":"Samar Thiab, Muna Barakat, Razan I Nassar, Rana Abutaima, Asem Alsughaier, Roa'a Thaher, Faten Odeh, Wael Abu Dayyih","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.90","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.90","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Energy drinks gained popularity after the launch of Red Bull in 1997. Different brands are now available and young adults mainly consume these drinks. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude, and perception of energy drink consumption among university students in Jordan. A validated online survey was used to collect the required data, extracted from Google Forms into an Excel spreadsheet and statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. A nationally representative sample of university students with a mean age of 22⋅2 ± 3⋅9 years (<i>n</i> 749) was obtained. The participating students demonstrated a neutral level of knowledge about energy drinks, as the mean score of knowledge = 7⋅1 ± 2⋅2 (out of 12), with 66 % (<i>n</i> 498) of them having consumed energy drinks and experienced their effects. Generally, the study's participants demonstrated a neutral attitude towards energy drinks and 70⋅5 % (<i>n</i> 528) acknowledged that energy drinks increase activity, but more than 70 % of them believed that energy drinks have harmful side effects. It was found that there is a significant (<i>P</i>-value <0⋅5) positive correlation between knowledge score and female gender, studying a medical major, and monthly income. The main reasons for consuming energy drinks were reported to be: to stay awake for longer, help study, and become more energetic. There is a need for more structured awareness campaigns to warn students about the possible side effects of these products in order to reduce the consumption and popularity of these drinks among students.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10641699/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"107592533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Perperidi, Georgios Saltaouras, Alexandros Konstandis, Marieke De Craemer, Emmanouil Saloustros, Yannis Theodorakis, Odysseas Androutsos
{"title":"Barriers and facilitators of healthy lifestyle and perspectives towards the development of weight loss programmes. Focus groups with post-treatment breast cancer survivors in Greece.","authors":"Maria Perperidi, Georgios Saltaouras, Alexandros Konstandis, Marieke De Craemer, Emmanouil Saloustros, Yannis Theodorakis, Odysseas Androutsos","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.94","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.94","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study aimed to identify the factors that prohibit or enable breast cancer survivors from adopting a healthy lifestyle, as well as to record patients' suggestions towards developing a weight-loss lifestyle intervention. Twenty-three breast cancer survivors participated in four online, semi-structured focus groups in Greece. All discussions were video-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants were 50⋅5 ± 7⋅4 years old with a current mean BMI of 29⋅1 ± 3⋅4 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. Four main themes emerged from thematic analysis: (1) dietary and lifestyle practices, (2) the effects of cancer on body weight, (3) the impact of cancer on psychology, and (4) the effect of the environment on body weight. Lack of information from healthcare professionals and lack of time were the main barriers to body weight management, whereas the main facilitators were support from their social environment, along with a comfortable physical environment, and the facility of technology. Participants suggested that an effective weight-loss lifestyle intervention should include psychological and social support, guidance and education, collaboration, flexible recommendations, personalised goals, and a follow-up plan. The needs of breast cancer survivors need to be considered when designing weight-loss lifestyle interventions. A personalised approach may prove more effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle and improving patients' care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10641696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"107592530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Islam Al-Shami, Anfal Al-Dalaeen, Buthaina Alkhatib, Lana M Agraib
{"title":"Dietary fat types consumption association with obesity and coronary indices.","authors":"Islam Al-Shami, Anfal Al-Dalaeen, Buthaina Alkhatib, Lana M Agraib","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.92","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.92","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article aims to study the different dietary fat types associated with obesity and coronary indices. A sample of 491 healthy adults was included in a cross-sectional manner. Dietary fats intake, obesity indices (conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI), and weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI)), and cardiovascular indices (cardiometabolic index (CMI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP)) were calculated and studied. Participants with an acceptable intake of omega-3 had a higher BRI score (1⋅90 ± 0⋅06 <i>v.</i> 1⋅70 ± 0⋅06). Participants with an unacceptable intake of cholesterol had a higher CI (1⋅31 ± 0⋅11 <i>v.</i> 1⋅28 ± 0⋅12; <i>P</i> = 0⋅011), AVI (20⋅24 ± 5⋅8 <i>v.</i> 18⋅33 ± 6⋅0; <i>P <</i> 0⋅001), BRI (2⋅00 ± 1⋅01 <i>v.</i> 1⋅70 ± 1⋅00; <i>P</i> = 0⋅003), WWI (11⋅00 ± 0⋅91 <i>v.</i> 10⋅80 ± 0⋅97; <i>P</i> = 0⋅032), and lower AIP (0⋅46 ± 0⋅33 <i>v</i>. 0⋅53 ± 0⋅33; <i>P</i> = 0⋅024). Total fat, saturated fat (SFA), and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) intake had a significant moderate correlation with AVI and BRI. The monounsaturated fat (MUFA) intake had a significantly weak correlation with CI, AVI, BRI, WWI, and AIP. Cholesterol and omega-6 had weak correlations with all indices. Similar correlations were seen among male and female participants. The different types of fat intake significantly affected obesity and coronary indices, especially SFA and PUFA, as well as omega-3 and cholesterol. Gender and the dietary type of fat intake have a relationship to influence the indicators of both obesity and coronary indices.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10641695/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"107592531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Catarina Rodrigues, Shámila Ismael, Inês Castela, Inês Barreiros-Mota, Maria João Almeida, Gilberto Maia Santos, Conceição Calhau, Júlio César Rocha, Ana Faria, João R Araújo
{"title":"Trimethylamine increases intestinal fatty acid absorption: <i>in vitro</i> studies in a Caco-2 cell culture system.","authors":"Catarina Rodrigues, Shámila Ismael, Inês Castela, Inês Barreiros-Mota, Maria João Almeida, Gilberto Maia Santos, Conceição Calhau, Júlio César Rocha, Ana Faria, João R Araújo","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.91","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.91","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although elevated blood levels of trimethylamine <i>N</i>-oxide (TMAO) have been associated with atherosclerosis development in humans, the role of its gut microbiota-derived precursor, TMA, in this process has not been yet deciphered. Taking this into account, and the fact that increased intestinal fatty acid absorption contributes to atherosclerosis onset and progression, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of TMA on fatty acid absorption in a cell line that mimics human enterocytes. Caco-2 cells were treated with TMA 250 μM for 24 h. Fatty acid absorption was assessed by measuring the apical-to-basolateral transport and the intracellular levels of BODIPY-C<sub>12</sub>, a fluorescently labelled fatty acid analogue. Gene expression of the main intestinal fatty acid transporters was evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Compared to control conditions, TMA increased, in a time-dependent manner and by 20-50 %, the apical-to-basolateral transport and intracellular levels of BODIPY-C<sub>12</sub> fatty acid in Caco-2 cells. Fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) and fatty acid translocase (FAT)/CD36 gene expression were not stimulated by TMA, suggesting that TMA-induced increase in fatty acid transport may be mediated by an increase in FAT/CD36 and/or FATP4 activity and/or fatty acid passive transport. This study demonstrated that TMA increases the intestinal absorption of fatty acids. Future studies are necessary to confirm if this may constitute a novel mechanism that partially explains the existing positive association between the consumption of a diet rich in TMA sources (e.g. red meat) and the increased risk of atherosclerotic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10641700/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"107592535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gender disparity in minimum dietary diversity failure among currently breastfed children aged 6-23 months in Bangladesh: evidence from Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2019.","authors":"Md Ismail Hossain, Samia Kabir, Faozia Afia Zinia","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.89","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.89","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research on children's dietary diversity plays a crucial role in designing effective health interventions. Thus, this study aimed to identify the factors contributing to minimum dietary diversity failure (MDDF) among male and female children aged 6-23 months in Bangladesh. The data for this study was obtained from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2019, which included children currently breastfed within a specific age range. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to assess the strength and significance of the association. The findings revealed that approximately 59⋅4 % of children in Bangladesh experienced MDDF, with 57⋅8 % of male children and 61 % of female children affected. Proportion test uncovered a significant gender disparity (<i>χ</i><sup>2</sup>=6⋅58, <i>P</i>-value = 0⋅01) among children aged 6-23 months. However, the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that both male and female children shared common risk factors for MDDF, which included child age, maternal educational status, wealth status, number of antenatal care visits, and division. In our study, we observed varied spatial patterns in minimal dietary diversity. Sherpur, Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Sylhet districts showed the highest failure rates. Notably, all are flood-affected areas, impacting food availability and diversity. For targeted regional development programmes, district mapping results may offer valuable insights to policymakers, especially in areas with a high prevalence of dietary diversity failure. By understanding these risk factors, policymakers and stakeholders can implement targeted strategies to improve dietary diversity among children, promoting better health and well-being for the young population in Bangladesh.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10641693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"107592532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Response to the Letter to the Editor on the association between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011-2014.","authors":"Khondoker Adeba Ferdous, Linda L Knol, Han-A Park","doi":"10.1017/jns.2023.87","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2023.87","url":null,"abstract":"Dear Editor, We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the letter to the editor by Patel et al. regarding our recently published article on the ‘Association between Selenium Intake and Cognitive Function among Older Adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011–2014’. We are grateful to the authors for taking an interest in our work and providing constructive feedback. In the letter, the authors acknowledged the importance of the study and provided a critical assessment of the study design. The authors suggested additional factors that can influence the effect of selenium such as the use of medications, diet, and the presence of viral infections. Medications such as chemotherapeutic and psychoactive agents and viral infections may potentiate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, whereas a diet rich in antioxidants may help to neutralise excessive ROS. Therefore, these are indeed important factors that can change neuronal structure and function by manipulating signalling pathways associated with ROS, in turn, can provide a better understanding of the relationship between selenium intake and cognitive function. Our main goal in the currently published article was to provide an association of selenium intake on cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. From our analyses, we found the prevalence of inadequate selenium intake was roughly 5 %. Additionally, selenium intake was highly related to overall energy intake. In this population-based study, participants with inadequate selenium intake had an average energy intake of 851 kcal. If the two-dietary recalls were representative of usual intake over time, then risk factors for malnutrition should be considered in any future analyses. We are aware that dietary analysis is important to assess the interaction among nutrients and consequently the effect of selenium. However, this extensive analysis may be more appropriate to be approached as a separate dedicated study in the future. In addition, our study was a secondary analysis of the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data which limited us from including the specific factors mentioned by the authors such as history of COVID infection, and use of anthracycline and platinum derivatives. Moreover, NHANES stopped conducting cognitive assessments after the year 2014. We want to thank the authors again for their thoughtful critique and their commitment to advancing scientific discourse. The issues raised merit further investigation in future research efforts. There are limited epidemiological studies that have explored the potential neuroprotective effects of adequate selenium intake on cognitive function. We hope that our study can serve as a steppingstone for more comprehensive studies that can elucidate the complex relationship between selenium intake, cognitive function, and the various factors including nutritional, biological, medical, and socioeconomic status that can in","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2023-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10600565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71414713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}