nutrient intake Archives - Amazing Health Advances

New Study Reveals Declining Nutrient Intake Among U.S. Women of Reproductive Age

The AHA! Team — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:42:21 +0000

Pooja Toshniwal Paharia via News-Medical – Groundbreaking study reveals how chromatin and DNA methylation changes during brain development contribute to the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open compares trends in nutrient consumption from dietary sources and supplements in pregnant and non-pregnant women in the United States. The impact of nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy Nutritional status is crucial for maternal health and fetal growth, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases in later life. Energy requirements are greater during pregnancy due to increased metabolic processes and workload on the lungs and the heart. During pregnancy, women require multiple nutrients, including protein for tissue growth, iron to produce red blood cells, folate to prevent neural disorders, calcium to develop strong fetal bones, and iodine for increased thyroxine secretion. Several studies have reported inadequate nutrient intake among pregnant women in the United States, with a high prevalence of magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin E deficiencies. Pregnant women also consume less potassium, choline, and vitamin K, despite higher rates of nutrient supplementation than non-pregnant women. Furthermore, most pregnant women consume eicosapentaenoic acid (EHA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) below the recommended threshold for optimal health. About the study The current study, which was conducted between February 2022 and July 2024, included 1,392 pregnant and 9,737 non-pregnant women between 20 and 44 years of age. Data were obtained from at-home interviews and visits to mobile examination centers. Study participants provided one or more 24-hour dietary recalls at mobile examination centers, followed by telephonic conversations. The study participants also provided information on their age, race, ethnicity, education, smoking status, and income-to-poverty ratio (PIR). Pregnancy status was determined from positive urine pregnancy tests and self-reported trimester. The primary study measures included the average regular consumption of micronutrients and macronutrients, as well as the prevalence of micronutrient intake insufficiency. The U.S. Food Security Survey Module was utilized to assess adult food security. Participant enrollment in the Food Stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was also recorded. Program enrollment was based on benefits received in the previous year. Data were also analyzed from ten National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) cycles between 1999 and 2018. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) approach and linear regressions enabled the analysis, whereas the Simulating Intake of Micronutrients for Policy Learning and Engagement (SIMPLE) tool evaluated nutrient intake. Trends in supplement use and dietary intake The mean age of pregnant and non-pregnant women was 29 and 32 years, respectively. Among pregnant women, 27% and 34% were in their first and second trimesters, respectively. Dietary supplement use was significantly higher among pregnant women than non-pregnant women at 78% and 46%, respectively. The mean carbohydrate consumption reduced from 307 g/day during 1999-2000 to 275 g/day during 2013-2018 among pregnant women. Among non-pregnant women, carbohydrate intake reduced from 252 g/day to 217 g/day from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. Between 1999-2000 and 2013-2018, an 11 percent point (pp) increase was observed in pregnant women who consumed below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of vitamin A. The percentage of pregnant women who consumed below-EAR vitamin C also increased by 8.9 pp. Likewise, the percentages of non-pregnant women with insufficient consumption of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron increased by 20, 11, and five pp, respectively, from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. The average calcium consumption increased from 1,121 mg/day to 1,309 mg/day for pregnant women and from 850 mg/day to 981 mg/day for non-pregnant women. Among pregnant women, prevalence rates for insufficient intake were reduced by 16 pp for magnesium and 33 pp for vitamin K. Among non-pregnant women, insufficient consumption reduced by 16 pp of calcium, 16 pp of magnesium, and 33 pp of vitamin K. Pregnant women primarily reduced their carbohydrate intake from added sugars, fortified flour, and cereals. Health professionals advise limiting sugar intake; however, reducing fortified flour and cereal consumption could reduce the intake of vitamins A, C, magnesium, iron, and folate. Decreased use of supplements due to side effects like nausea and constipation could further reduce iron intake. Furthermore, reduced vitamin C intake may exacerbate iron inadequacy. Conclusions Carbohydrate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron intake has reduced in the past two decades among pregnant and non-pregnant women in the U.S. The nutrient gaps identified in the present study could inform regulatory, healthcare, and scientific communities to formulate policies and guidelines to improve nutrient intake by reproductive-age women in the U.S.. Journal reference: Miketinas, D., Luo, H., Firth, J. A., et al. (2024). Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intake Among US Women Aged 20 to 44 Years. JAMA Network Open 7(10). doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.38460 To read the original article click here.

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Proper Nutrient Intake Promotes Longevity, Study Suggests

AHA Publisher — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 07:00:26 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – We’ve all heard it’s important to take in enough vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. A healthy, balanced diet is essential to looking and feeling your best. But how are longevity and diet related? Keep reading to find out how your nutrient intake can affect mortality risk. In fact, according to one study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the answer is quite interesting – with a catch. Can Nutrient Intake Promote a Longer Life? If you don’t consume enough nutrients, it could lead to health problems in the long run. But what about nutrition for longevity? This is what the Annals study sought to determine. Researchers tried to find out if there’s a link between adequate nutrient intake and reduced mortality. They followed 27,000 adults over the age of 20 from the United States over several years. Researchers questioned participants about their nutrient intake from both food and supplements. Nutrient intake was considered “adequate” when intake was at or above the estimated average requirements. They then looked for correlations between nutrient intake and mortality. The study concluded that adequate vitamin K and magnesium intake led to a lower risk of death than inadequate intake. Additionally, sufficient vitamin A, vitamin K, zinc, and copper intake appeared to lower heart disease risk. Supplements vs. Nutrients from Food … Which One Is Better? The study suggests nutrient intake may be linked to a lower risk of mortality. However, there was a caveat to these results. The reduced mortality risk was only seen with nutrients that came from food, not dietary supplements. Those who took nutrient supplements didn’t appear to have a decreased risk of mortality or heart disease. So it would seem that the best source of nutrients is the food you eat. Moreover, taking too much calcium in supplements was associated with higher cancer risk. So taking in more nutrients than necessary could actually be harmful to your health. How to Get the Most Nutrients in Your Diet? Of course, don’t misunderstand the message here; dietary supplements can be vital for those who can’t get enough intake through food alone. For example, people with certain health conditions or food allergies. Folic acid is an essential supplement for pregnant women as it helps prevent fetal birth defects. Nutrient supplements have their place when needed. Even if there’s no evidence that nutrient supplements increase longevity, nutrient supplements can significantly improve the quality of your life and may be necessary. Supplementing with essential nutrients like CoQ10, magnesium, and vitamin C is linked to better heart health. You can also up your nutrition intake through food by consuming lots of whole, organic meals. Some foods, like microgreens, are particularly rich in nutrients like zinc, vitamin B6, and magnesium. To strive for the best possible health, choose a diet packed with organic (chemical-free) vegetables, fruits, and non-toxic fats or protein. Whenever possible, minimize (or avoid) processed foods, grow your food or look for high-quality, locally sourced organic food. Undoubtedly, eating a balanced (clean) diet will help you live a long and healthy life. So try making some changes today … what have you got to lose? Sources for this article include: LiveScience.com ACPJournals.org

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Alcohol Consumption Increases Risk of Several Cancers While Coffee Protects Against Liver, Skin Cancer

AHA Publisher — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 07:00:19 +0000

World Cancer Research Fund via News-Medical – Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for several cancers including head & neck (mouth, pharynx, larynx), oesophageal and bowel cancer – as well as the more widely known links to breast and liver cancer – according to a new study funded by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), and published this week in Nature Communications. The study also found increased coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing liver cancer and basal cell carcinoma of the skin. The study looked at data from 860 reviews (meta-analyses) of published studies, which explored the association between food and nutrient intake and the risk of either developing or dying from 11 different cancers. According to NHS Digital, 65% of men and 50% of women in the UK had drunk alcohol in the last week. When alcohol is metabolized, it breaks down into chemicals which can bind to DNA, resulting in mutations which could become cancerous. Alcohol can also increase the levels of the hormones linked to the development of some types of breast cancer. Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages at a global level and it is thought that the beneficial effects of coffee consumption might be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect against diseases triggered by inflammation like cancer. “This umbrella review confirms the evidence we have for alcohol and coffee in relation to cancer. Further research needs to better understand the mechanisms involved in the links between coffee and cancer as well as between alcohol and different cancer subtypes. As always, we continue to encourage limiting alcohol intake as part of our Cancer Prevention Recommendations which include being a healthy weight, being physically active and enjoying a diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and pulses.” Dr Giota Mitrou, Director of Research and Innovation, WCRF The authors of the study are calling for more targeted public health policies in order to deter the known major diet related risk factors for cancer, particularly alcohol consumption. To read the original article click here.

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