Health & Nutrition Sciences Publications

Talavera, J. O., García-Vilchis, M. J., Labrada-Alba, T. S., Olvera-Flores, F., . . . Salgado-Enríquez, B. (2020). Moderate acute malnutrition prevention with a ready-to-use supplementary food in pre-school children from rural communities. Gaceta Medica De Mexico, 156(6), 499–508. doi:10.24875/GMM.M21000454

Abstract:

Introduction: Child malnutrition in Mexico reaches a prevalence as high as 27.5 % in rural areas. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) to correct mild acute malnutrition and prevent moderate acute malnutrition in preschool children from rural communities. Method: Randomized clinical trial, with assignment to two groups: group with RUSF (RUSF-g) or group without it (non-RUSF-g); children aged from two to five years, with weight-for-height Z-scores (WHZ) between -2 and -1 and low socioeconomic status were included. All received education on nutrition, health and hygiene twice monthly; the RUSF-g children had to consume one portion of the supplement every day. WHZ was assessed at baseline and at four, six, and 12 months. The comparison between groups was carried out with Cox proportional hazards model. Results: With regard to mild acute malnutrition correction in the RUSF-g, 68.7 versus 52.1 % in the control group was observed in the intent-to-treat analysis, with a hazard ratio (HR) = 1.25; in the per-protocol analysis of first semester, a HR = 1.48 was observed, and in the second semester, HR = 1.56. One patient progressed to moderate acute malnutrition. Conclusions: The RUSF-g showed a significantly higher resolution of mild acute malnutrition.

Khomich, L. M., Ivanova, N. N., Berezhnaya, Yu. A., Shashin D. L., . . . Perova, I. B. (2020). Nutritional profiles of juices. Moscow: Planeta.

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Vieux, F., Maillot, M., Rehm, C. D., Barrios, P., & Drewnowski, A. (2020). Opposing consumption trends for sugar-sweetened beverages and plain drinking water: Analyses of NHANES 2011–16 data. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7, 587123. doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.587123

Abstract:

Background: Choosing water in place of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) can reduce added sugars while maintaining adequate hydration. The present goal was to examine 2011–16 time trends in SSB vs. water consumption across US population subgroups. Methods: Dietary intake data for 22,716 persons aged >4 years came from two 24-h dietary recalls in successive cycles of the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–16). Water intakes (in mL/d) from plain water (tap and bottled) and from beverages (SSB and not-SSB) were the principal outcome variables. Intakes were analyzed by age group, income to poverty ratio (IPR), and race/ethnicity. Time trends by demographics were also examined. Results: SSB and water intakes followed distinct social gradients. Most SSB was consumed by Non-Hispanic Black and lower-income groups. Most tap water was consumed by Non-Hispanic White and higher-income groups. During 2011–16, water from SSB declined from 322 to 262 mL/d (p < 0.005), whereas plain water increased (1,011–1,144 mL/d) (p < 0.05). Groups aged <30 years reduced SSB consumption (p < 0.0001) but it was groups aged >30 years that increased drinking water (p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic White groups reduced SSB and increased tap water consumption. Non-Hispanic Black and lower income groups reduced SSB and increased bottled water, not tap. Conclusion: The opposing time trends in SSB and water consumption were not uniform across age groups or sociodemographic strata. Only the non-Hispanic White population reduced SSB and showed a corresponding increase in tap water. Lower-income and minority groups consumed relatively little plain drinking water from the tap.

Lockyer, S., Cade, J., Darmon, N., Flynn, M., . . . Buttriss, J. L. (2020). Proceedings of a roundtable event ‘Is communicating the concept of nutrient density important?’. Nutrition Bulletin, 45(1), 74-97. doi:10.1111/nbu.12421

Abstract:

The British Nutrition Foundation held a 1-day roundtable event to gather views from a wide range of stakeholders on the relevance and importance of the concept of nutrient density in supporting and motivating people to make healthier dietary choices. The opportunities and barriers associated with the use of this concept were also explored. The roundtable involved experts from research, public health nutrition, dietetics, retail and nutrition science communication, and this report describes the main themes emerging from the discussions. High obesity prevalence rates indicate that, on average, we are consuming too many calories relative to energy requirements; yet, the quality of our diets, with respect to certain vitamins and minerals and fibre, seems to be falling somewhat short of recommendations. Addressing this issue may require a more holistic approach than the current focus on restricting single nutrients prevalent in public health messaging internationally. Most members of the roundtable felt that communicating the concept of nutrient density may help in encouraging healthier food choices and dietary patterns that are higher in nutritional quality. However, while nutrient profiling has been used to guide front-of-pack labelling and in restricting the advertising of less healthy foods to children, there is a lack of consensus on the precise definition of a ‘nutrient dense’ food or which nutrients should be used as markers of the ‘healthiness’ of foods/drinks, and the term seems to be poorly understood by consumers and health professionals alike. Therefore, further work is required if tools around this concept are to be developed to try and successfully promote behaviour change.

Vieux, F., Maillot, M., Rehm, C. D., Barrios, P., & Drewnowski, A. (2020). Trends in tap and bottled water consumption among children and adults in the United States: Analyses of NHANES 2011-16 data. Nutrition Journal, 19, 10. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-0523-6

Abstract:

Background: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–20 recommend choosing water in place of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). This study examined water consumption patterns and trends among children and adults in the US. Methods: Dietary intake data for 7453 children (4-18y) and 15,263 adults (>19y) came from two 24 h dietary recalls in three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–2016). Water was categorized as tap or bottled (plain). Other beverages were assigned to 15 categories. Water and other beverage intakes (in mL/d) were analyzed by sociodemographic variables and sourcing location. Consumption time trends from 2011 to 2016 were also examined. Total water intakes from water, other beverages and moisture from foods (mL/d) were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for water. Results: Total dietary water (2718 mL/d) came from water (1066 mL/d), other beverages (1036 mL/d) and from food moisture (618 mL/d). Whereas total water intakes remained stable, a significant decline in SSB from 2011 to 2016 was fully offset by an increase in the consumption of plain water. The main sources of water were tap at home (288 mL/d), tap away from home (301 mL/d), and bottled water from stores (339 mL/d). Water and other beverage consumption patterns varied with age, incomes and race/ethnicity. Higher tap water consumption was associated with higher incomes, but bottled water was not. Non-Hispanic whites consumed most tap water (781 mL/d) whereas Mexican Americans consumed most bottled water (605 mL/d). Only about 40% of the NHANES sample on average followed US recommendations for adequate water intakes. Conclusion: The present results suggest that while total water intakes among children and adults have stayed constant, drinking water, tap and bottled, has been replacing SSB in the US diet.

Dennis-Wall, J. C., Burns, A. M., Solch, R. J., Ukhanova, M., . . . Langkamp-Henken, B. (2019). A beverage containing orange pomace improves laxation and modulates the microbiome in healthy adults: A randomised, blinded, controlled trial. Journal of Functional Foods, 60, 103438. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2019.103438

Abstract:

The aim was to assess whether citrus pomace increases stool frequency in healthy adults. In this randomised, blinded, controlled trial, healthy adults (62% females) received a beverage containing pomace (473 mL/day, providing 10 g fibre/day, n = 111) or control (n = 110) for 3 weeks. Stool frequency, Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores were self-assessed. 24-h diet recalls were completed once/week. Stool microbiota were analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR. Mean total daily fibre intake was higher with pomace vs. control (P < 0.0001). Mean weekly stool frequency was higher, indicating improved laxation, with pomace vs. control (P = 0.0281) and increased from baseline with pomace (P = 0.0003) but was unchanged with control. Mean BSFS scores were higher with pomace vs. control (P = 0.04). GSRS indigestion syndrome scores, specifically symptoms of gas and bloating, were higher with pomace, suggesting fermentation. Pomace intake increased faecal OTUs corresponding to Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae.

Wolever, T. M. S., Jenkins, A. L., Yang, J., Nisbet, M., . . . Pan, Y. (2019). An optimized, slowly digested savory cluster reduced postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy human subjects. Current Developments in Nutrition, 3(3), nzz006. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzz006

Abstract:

Background: Slowly digested carbohydrates are perceived as beneficial by some consumers, and various regulatory bodies have published specific criteria defining lower postprandial glycemic response. We developed an optimized savory cluster snack containing slowly digested starch. Objective: We compared the glucose and insulin responses elicited by the optimized (test-) cluster, a control-cluster, and an available-carbohydrate-matched portion of white bread in healthy individuals. The primary outcome was blood-glucose peak rise. We tested healthy individuals (n = 25) on 3 occasions using a randomized crossover design. On each occasion, the participants provided fasting blood samples and then consumed 1 serving of test-cluster, control-cluster, or white bread. We then measured the participants’ blood-glucose and serum-insulin concentrations over the next 4 h. Results: The test-cluster elicited a significantly lower blood-glucose peak rise (mean ± SEM: 1.24 ± 0.09 mmol/L) and incremental area under the curve (iAUC; 67 ± 8 mmol × min/L) than the control-cluster (2.27 ± 0.13 mmol/L and 117 ± 10 mmol × min/L, respectively) and white bread (2.27 ± 0.16 mmol/L and 114 ± 9 mmol × min/L, respectively). The serum-insulin peak rise and iAUC elicited by the test-cluster (128 ± 13 pmol/L and 6.10 ± 0.73 nmol × min/L, respectively) and white bread (141 ± 20 pmol/L and 6.47 ± 1.11 nmol × min/L, respectively) were significantly lower than those elicited by the control-cluster (205 ± 26 pmol/L and 9.60 ± 1.31 nmol × min/L, respectively). Conclusion: The test-cluster elicited lower glucose and insulin responses than the control-cluster. The results support the hypothesis that the carbohydrates in the test-cluster are digested and absorbed slowly in vivo.

Young, H. A., Cousins, A., Johnston, S., Fletcher, J. M., & Benton, D. (2019). Autonomic adaptations mediate the effect of hydration on brain functioning and mood: Evidence from two randomized controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 16412. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-52775-5

Abstract:

Dehydration (water loss >2.0% of body weight) has significant negative effects on physical and mental performance. In two studies the effects of minor hypo-hydration (water loss <1.0% of body weight) on CNS function, mood and cardiovascular functioning were measured. Study 1: On two mornings twelve male participants were exposed to a temperature of 30 °C for four hours and either did or did not drink two 150 ml glasses of water during that time. Study 2: Fifty-six (25 M) individuals were exposed to the same 30 °C environment and randomly allocated to either drink (2 × 150 ml) or not drink. When not given water 0.59% (Study 1) and 0.55% (Study 2) bodyweight was lost. Participant’s heart rate variability (HRV) was measured, and they rated their thirst and mood. In study 1, participants participated in an fMRI protocol during which they completed a modified version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), at the end of which they rated its difficulty. Decreases in fMRI BOLD activity in the orbito-frontal cortex, ventral cingulate gyrus, dorsal cingulate cortex, hypothalamus, amygdala, right striatum, post-central gyrus and superior parietal cortex were observed when participants were hypo-hydrated. These deactivations were associated with reduced HRV, greater perceived effort, and more anxiety. In study 2 declines in HRV were found to mediate the effect of hypo-hydration on ratings of anxiety. These data are discussed in relation to a model that describes how autonomic regulatory and interoceptive processes may contribute to the affective consequences of minor hypo-hydration.

Ding, J., Johnson, J., Chu, Y. F., & Feng, H. (2019). Enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid, avenanthramides, and other health-promoting metabolites in germinating oats (avena sativa L.) treated with and without power ultrasound. Food Chemistry, 283, 239-247. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.12.136

Abstract:

Power ultrasound as an emerging processing technology has been investigated for stimulating seeds to enhance germination and accumulation of health-promoting metabolites, such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and phenolic compounds. This work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of power ultrasound (25 kHz) on the nutritional properties of germinated oats, and the microstructure of oat groats after treatment. The changes in the external and internal microstructures of the ultrasound-treated oats kernel were investigated using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and 3D X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT). Physicochemical properties of oats including GABA, free sugars, avenanthramides, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacities were enhanced after germination. Furthermore, the power ultrasound treatment for 5 min after soaking significantly enhanced the GABA (48–96 h), alanine (24–96 h), succinic acid (48–72 h), total phenolic content (24 h), and total avenanthramides (24 h) in the germinated oats.

Huang, Y., Park, E., Replogle, R., Boileau, T., . . . Edirisinghe, I. (2019). Enzyme-treated orange pomace alters acute glycemic response to orange juice. Nutrition and Diabetes, 9, 24. doi:10.1038/s41387-019-0091-z

Abstract:

The goal of the present study was to determine the impact of the addition of enzyme-treated orange pomace to orange juice on postprandial glycemic response. Ten healthy subjects (aged 27.9 ± 7.7 years, body mass index 22.1 ± 1.1 kg m−2) participated in a randomized, 2-arm, cross-over clinical trial to test the glycemic response to 100% orange juice (OJ) or 100% orange juice with 5 g of enzyme-treated orange pomace fiber (OPF). Blood samples were collected and glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at fasting (0 min) and every 15 min for 2 h after consuming the study juice products. Analysis of the 2 h incremental area under the curve (iAUC0–2h) indicated a significant reduction in blood glucose after ingesting the OPF juice compared to the OJ, p = 0.02. Peak glucose concentrations were also lowered after the OPF juice compared to the OJ, p < 0.05. No significant difference was observed in insulin responses between treatments, p > 0.05. Overall, this study demonstrated that adding 5 g of fiber from orange pomace into a serving of OJ attenuated the postprandial glucose response.

Sylvetsky, A. C., Hiedacavage, A., Shah, N., Pokorney, P., . . . Dietz, W. H. (2019). From biology to behavior: A cross-disciplinary seminar series surrounding added sugar and low-calorie sweetener consumption. Obesity Science and Practice, 5(3), 203-219. doi:10.1002/osp4.334

Abstract:

Introduction: This report presents a synopsis of a three-part, cross-sector, seminar series held at the George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, DC from February–April, 2018. The overarching goal of the seminar series was to provide a neutral forum for diverse stakeholders to discuss and critically evaluate approaches to address added sugar intake, with a key focus on the role of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS). Methods: During three seminars, twelve speakers from academic institutions, federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and the food and beverage industries participated in six interactive panel discussions to address: 1) Do Farm Bill Policies Impact Population Sugar Intake? 2) What is the Impact of Sugar-sweetened Beverage (SSB) Taxes on Health and Business? 3) Is Sugar Addictive? 4) Product Reformulation Efforts: Progress, Challenges, and Concerns? 5) Low-calorie Sweeteners: Helpful or Harmful, and 6) Are Novel Sweeteners a Plausible Solution? Discussion of each topic involved brief 15-minute presentations from the speakers, which were followed by a 25-minute panel discussion moderated by GWU faculty members and addressed questions generated by the audience. Sessions were designed to represent opposing views and stimulate meaningful debate. Given the provocative nature of the seminar series, attendee questions were gathered anonymously using Pigeonhole™, an interactive, online, question and answer platform. Results: This report summarizes each presentation and recapitulates key perspectives offered by the speakers and moderators. Conclusions: The seminar series set the foundation for robust cross-sector dialogue necessary to inform meaningful future research, and ultimately, effective policies for lowering added sugar intakes.

Wolever, T. M. S., Jones, P. J. H., Jenkins, A. L., Mollard, R. C., . . . Chu, Y. F. (2019). Glycaemic and insulinaemic impact of oats soaked overnight in milk vs. cream of rice with and without sugar, nuts, and seeds: A randomized, controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 73(1), 86-93. doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0329-1

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: Soaking oats overnight in milk renders them ready to eat the next morning, however, it is unknown whether oats prepared this way will retain its relatively low glycaemic and insulinaemic impact. Therefore, we compared the glycaemic, insulinaemic and subjective hunger responses elicited by oats soaked overnight in 110 g skim-milk (ONO) vs. cooked cream of rice cereal (CR), both with and without inclusions. Subjects/Methods: The project was performed at two research centers (Toronto, Winnipeg) as two separate studies each using a randomized, cross-over design with similar methods. The glycaemic and insulinaemic responses of overnight-fasted participants without diabetes (males:females: Toronto, 24:16; Winnipeg, 20:20) were measured for 3 h after consuming CR and ONO fed alone (Toronto) or with added sugar, nuts, and seeds (CRsns and ONOsns) (Winnipeg). Participants rated subjective hunger using visual analog scales. Data were analyzed by paired t-test. The primary endpoint was 0–2 h incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for glucose. Results: Mean glucose iAUC was 33% less, after ONO than CR (mean difference was 39 (51–27) mmol × min/l, p < 0.0001) and 24% less, after ONOsns than CRsns (mean difference was 43 (65–21) mmol × min/l, p = 0.0003). Serum-insulin iAUC was 33% less, after ONO than CR (mean difference 57 (81–40) pmol × hl, p < 0.0001) and 32% less, after ONOsns than CRsns (966 (1360–572) pmol × h/l, p < 0.0001). In both Toronto and Winnipeg, subjective hunger ratings were similar across the two treatments. Conclusions: Oats prepared by soaking overnight in skimmed milk without and with inclusions retain their relatively low glycaemic and insulinaemic impact.

Volokh, O., Klimenko, N., Berezhnaya, Y., Tyakht, A., . . . Alexeev, D. (2019). Human gut microbiome response induced by fermented dairy product intake in healthy volunteers. Nutrients, 11(3), 547. doi:10.3390/nu11030547

Abstract:

Accumulated data suggests that the gut microbiome can rapidly respond to changes in diet. Consumption of fermented dairy products (FDP) fortified with probiotic microbes may be associated with positive impact on human health. However, the extent and details of the possible impact of FDP consumption on gut community structure tends to vary across individuals. We used microbiome analysis to characterize changes in gut microbiota composition after 30 days of oral intake of a yoghurt fortified with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to assess the gut microbial composition before and after FDP consumption in healthy adults (n = 150). Paired comparison of gut microbial content demonstrated an increase in presence of potentially beneficial bacteria, particularly, Bifidobacterium genus, as well as Adlercreutzia equolifaciens and Slackia isoflavoniconvertens. At a functional level, an increased capacity to metabolize lactose and synthesize amino acids was observed accompanied by a lowered potential for synthesis of lipopolysaccharides. Cluster analysis revealed that study volunteers segregated into two groups with post-intervention microbiota response that was dependent on the baseline microbial community structure.

Wolever, T. M. S., Johnson, J., Jenkins, A. L., Campbell, J. C., . . . Chu, Y. (2019). Impact of oat processing on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in healthy humans: A randomised clinical trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 121(11), 1264-1270. doi:10.1017/S0007114519000370

Abstract:

Oats can be processed in a variety of ways ranging from minimally processed such as steel-cut oats (SCO), to mildly processed such as large-flake oats (old fashioned oats, OFO), moderately processed such as instant oats (IO) or highly processed in ready-to-eat oat cereals such as Honey Nut Cheerios (HNC). Although processing is believed to increase glycaemic and insulinaemic responses, the effect of oat processing in these respects is unclear. Thus, we compared the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses elicited by 628 kJ portions of SCO, OFO, IO and HNC and a portion of Cream of Rice cereal (CR) containing the same amount of available-carbohydrate (23 g) as the oatmeals. Healthy males (n 18) and females (n 12) completed this randomised, cross-over trial. Blood was taken fasting and at intervals for 3 h following test-meal consumption. Glucose and insulin peak-rises and incremental AUC (iAUC) were subjected to repeated-measures ANOVA using Tukey’s test (two-sided P<0·05) to compare individual means. Glucose peak-rise (primary endpoint, mean (SEM) mmol/l) after OFO, 2·19 (SEM 0·11), was significantly less than after CR, 2·61 (SEM 0·13); and glucose peak-rise after SCO, 1·93 (SEM 0·13), was significantly less than after CR, HNC, 2·49 (SEM 0·13) and IO 2·47 (SEM 0·13). Glucose iAUC was significantly lower after SCO than CR and HNC. Insulin peak rise was similar among the test meals, but insulin iAUC was significantly less after SCO than IO. Thus, the results show that oat processing affects glycaemic and insulinaemic responses with lower responses associated with less processing.

Schuster, J., & Mitchell, E. S. (2019). More than just caffeine: Psychopharmacology of methylxanthine interactions with plant-derived phytochemicals. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 89, 263-274. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.09.005

Abstract:

In general, preparations of coffee, teas, and cocoa containing high levels of polyphenols, L-theanine and other bioactive compounds selectively enhance mood and cognition effects of caffeine. This review summarizes the bioactive components of commonly consumed natural caffeine sources (e.g. guayusa, mate and camellia teas, coffee and cocoa) and analyzes the psychopharmacology of constituent phytochemicals: methylxanthines, polyphenols, and L-theanine. Acute and chronic synergistic effects of these compounds on mood and cognition are compared and discussed. Specific sets of constituent compounds such as polyphenols, theobromine and L-theanine appear to enhance mood and cognition effects of caffeine and alleviate negative psychophysiological effects of caffeine. However, more research is needed to identify optimal combinations and ratios of caffeine and phytochemicals for enhancement of cognitive performance.

Liska, D., Mah, E., Brisbois, T., Barrios, P. L., . . . Spriet, L. L. (2019). Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population. Nutrients, 11(1), 70. doi:10.3390/nu11010070

Abstract:

Although adequate hydration is essential for health, little attention has been paid to the effects of hydration among the generally healthy population. This narrative review presents the state of the science on the role of hydration in health in the general population, specifically in skin health, neurological function (i.e., cognition, mood, and headache), gastrointestinal and renal functions, and body weight and composition. There is a growing body of evidence that supports the importance of adequate hydration in maintaining proper health, especially with regard to cognition, kidney stone risk, and weight management. However, the evidence is largely associative and lacks consistency, and the number of randomized trials is limited. Additionally, there are major gaps in knowledge related to health outcomes due to small variations in hydration status, the influence of sex and sex hormones, and age, especially in older adults and children.

Pavadhgu, P., Bumrungpert, A., Harjani, Y., & Kurilich, A. (2019). Oat porridge consumption alleviates markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic adults. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 28(2), 260-265. doi:10.6133/apjcn.201906_28(2).0008

Abstract:

Background and Objectives: Oats contain antioxidant phytochemicals that may help reduce inflammation as well as oxidative stress. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of oat porridge consumption on inflammatory marker levels and oxidative stress in Thai adults with high blood lipid levels. Methods and Study Design: A randomized crossover study was conducted. Hypercholesterolemic adults were randomly assigned to a 4-week daily consumption of oat or rice porridge. After 4 weeks, they were switched to alternate intervention arms for 4 weeks. At baseline, before and after each intervention period, inflammatory markers including hsCRP, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 and antioxidant status markers including ORAC, FRAP, and MDA of all subjects were measured. Results: Compared to baseline, levels of hsCRP, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly decreased after oat porridge consumption (mean change: -0.6&#177;0.9 mg/L, -26.9&#177;27.6 pg/mL, -56.3&#177;27.6 pg/mL, and - 9.7&#177;11.6 pg/mL, p＜0.05 for all, respectively). In addition, consumption of oat porridge also increased antioxidant capacity; ORAC and FRAP levels (mean change: 2.7&#177;1.0 μmol of Trolox/L and 2.4&#177;0.8 μmol of Fe^(2+)/L, p＜0.001, respectively). However, MCP-1 and MDA levels were not affected. Consumption of rice porridge did not lead to significant changes in these measures. Conclusions: Daily consumption of 70 grams oat porridge containing 3 grams β-glucan for 4 weeks may help reduce markers of inflammation and oxidation in hypercholesterolemic adults. Therefore, oat may be an appropriate dietary recommendation for individuals with hypercholesterolemia.

Fulgoni, V. L., Brauchla, M., Fleige, L., & Chu, Y. (2019). Oatmeal-containing breakfast is associated with better diet quality and higher intake of key food groups and nutrients compared to other breakfasts in children. Nutrients, 11(5), 964. doi:10.3390/nu11050964

Abstract:

Oatmeal is a whole grain (WG) food rich in fiber and other nutrients. The study objective was to compare diet quality and nutrient intake of children consuming oatmeal breakfasts to those of children consuming other breakfasts using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Dietary intake data from 5876 children aged 2–18 years were divided by breakfast food consumption: oatmeal breakfasts, “Doughnuts, sweet rolls, pastries”, “Pancakes, waffles, French toast”, “Eggs and omelets”, “Ready-to-eat cereal, lower sugar”, and “Ready-to-eat cereal, higher sugar” were used to assess diet quality and intake of food groups and nutrients using the USDA Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Food Patterns Equivalents Database, and Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, respectively. As compared to consumers of other breakfasts or breakfast skippers, oatmeal consumers had consistently higher diet quality (4–16 points higher HEI 2015 total score, p < 0.05), higher WG intake (0.6–1.6 oz eq. higher, p < 0.05), and higher fiber and magnesium intakes compared to consumers of most other breakfasts or breakfast skippers. The results show that children consuming oatmeal breakfasts have better diet quality and increased intake of key nutrients compared to breakfast skippers and other breakfast consumers and suggest oatmeal may represent an important component of a healthy childhood diet.

Joyce, S. A., Kamil, A., Fleige, L., & Gahan, C. G. M. (2019). The cholesterol-lowering effect of oats and oat β-glucan: Modes of action and potential role of bile acids and the microbiome. Frontiers in Nutrition, 6, 171. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00171

Abstract:

Consumption of sufficient quantities of oat products has been shown to reduce host cholesterol and thereby modulate cardiovascular disease risk. The effects are proposed to be mediated by the gel-forming properties of oat β-glucan which modulates host bile acid and cholesterol metabolism and potentially removes intestinal cholesterol for excretion. However, the gut microbiota has emerged as a major factor regulating cholesterol metabolism in the host. Oat β-glucan has been shown to modulate the gut microbiota, particularly those bacterial species that influence host bile acid metabolism and production of short chain fatty acids, factors which are regulators of host cholesterol homeostasis. Given a significant role for the gut microbiota in cholesterol metabolism it is likely that the effects of oat β-glucan on the host are multifaceted and involve regulation of microbe-host interactions at the gut interface. Here we consider the potential for oat β-glucan to influence microbial populations in the gut with potential consequences for bile acid metabolism, reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, bacterial metabolism of cholesterol and microbe-host signaling.

Vieux, F., Maillot, M., Rehm, C. D., Barrios, P., & Drewnowski, A. (2019). The timing of water and beverage consumption during the day among children and adults in the United States: Analyses of NHANES 2011–2016 data. Nutrients, 11(11), 2707. doi:10.3390/nu11112707

Abstract:

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–20 recommend replacing sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) with plain water in order to promote adequate hydration while reducing added sugar intake. This study explored how water intakes from water, beverages, and foods are distributed across the day. The dietary intake data for 7453 children (4–18 y) and 15,263 adults (>19 y) came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–2016). Water was categorized as tap or bottled. Beverages were assigned to 15 categories. Water intakes (in mL/d) from water, beverages, and food moisture showed significant differences by age group, meal occasion, and time of day. Plain water was consumed in the morning, mostly in the course of a morning snack and between 06:00 and 12:00. Milk and juices were consumed at breakfast whereas SSBs were mostly consumed at lunch, dinner, and in the afternoon. Children consumed milk and juices, mostly in the morning. Adults consumed coffee and tea in the morning, SSBs in the afternoon, and alcohol in the evening. Relatively little drinking water was consumed with lunch or after 21:00. Dietary strategies to replace caloric beverages with plain water need to build on existing drinking habits by age group and meal type.