scholarly journals International Analysis of the Nutritional Content and a Review of Health Benefits of Non-Dairy Plant-Based Beverages

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 842
Author(s):  
Winston J. Craig ◽  
Ujué Fresán

Concerns about environmental impact and sustainability, animal welfare, and personal health issues have fueled consumer demand for dairy alternatives. The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional survey of plant-based non-dairy beverages from three different continents (USA, Australia, and Western Europe) to assess their nutritional content and health profile. A total of 148 non-dairy beverages were analyzed from the nutrition label and ingredients listed on the commercial package or from the information located on the website of the manufacturer or retailer. The different types of beverages were extracts of nuts or seeds (n = 49), grains (n = 38), legumes (n = 36), coconut (n = 10), and mixed blends (n = 15). On average, the plant-based beverages generally scored well in terms of not containing high levels of sodium, saturated fat, or calories. Over half of the beverages were fortified with calcium to levels equal to or greater than that of dairy milk. The protein content varied from 0 to 10 g/serving. Levels of vitamin D and B12 fortification were quite low. Consumers should be informed of the nutritional profile and potential health benefits of plant-based dairy alternatives as the nutritional content can vary greatly between the different types of beverages.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4069
Author(s):  
Winston J. Craig ◽  
Cecilia J. Brothers

Yogurt is considered a healthy, nutritious food in many cultures. With a significant number of people experiencing dairy intolerance, and support for a more sustainable diet, consumer demand for dairy alternatives has surged. The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional survey of plant-based yogurt alternatives to assess their nutritional content and health profile. A total of 249 non-dairy yogurt alternatives were analyzed from the nutrition label listed on the commercial package. The various yogurt alternatives contained extracts of coconut (n = 79), almonds (n = 62), other nuts or seeds (n = 20), oats (n = 20), legumes (n = 16), and mixed blends (n = 52). At least one-third of the yogurt alternatives had 5 g or more of protein/serving. Only 45% of the yogurt alternatives had calcium levels fortified to at least 10% of daily value (DV), while only about one in five had adequate vitamin D and B12 fortification at the 10% DV level. One-half of the yogurt alternatives had high sugar levels, while 93% were low in sodium. Except for the coconut-based products, the yogurts were not high in fat or saturated fat. The yogurt alternatives were not fortified as frequently or to the same levels as the corresponding non-dairy, plant-based beverages.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
Winston J. Craig ◽  
Cecilia J. Brothers ◽  
Reed Mangels

A growing number of people are seeking a non-dairy plant-based beverage both for their personal health, and for the health of the planet. The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional survey of single-serve plant-based beverages to assess their nutritional content and health profile. A total of 51 non-dairy plant-based beverages were analyzed from the nutrition label listed on the commercial package. The various beverages contained extracts of soy (n = 14), almonds (n = 13), oats (n = 12), peas (n = 7), banana (n = 2), coconut (n = 2), and rice (n = 1). Almost one-half (45%) of the single-serve beverages had 5 g or more of protein/serving. A total of 75% and 65% of the single-serve beverages had calcium and vitamin B12 levels, respectively, fortified to at least 20% of the Daily Value (DV), while only 28% had vitamin D fortification at the 20% DV level. Two-thirds of the single-serve beverages had high sugar levels, while 39% were low in sodium, 63% were low in fat, and 96% were low in saturated fat. The single-serve plant-based beverages had more protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and sugar but less fat than the non-dairy, multi-serve plant-based beverages/ serving. A limited number of single-serve beverages met the requirements of school meal programs.


Author(s):  
Francis Barchi ◽  
Millan A. AbiNader ◽  
Samantha C. Winter ◽  
Lena M. Obara ◽  
Daniel Mbogo ◽  
...  

Despite the well-documented health benefits of recreational sports, few opportunities exist in lower- and middle-income countries for adult women to participate in recreational physical activities. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to explore associations between an innovative soccer program for adult women and self-reported health status. Cross-sectional survey data were collected in 2018–2019 from 702 women in the Nikumbuke Project, a health and literacy program in southeastern rural Kenya, followed by focus group discussions with 225 women who also participated in the Project’s soccer program. Quantitative findings suggest that women who participated in soccer had 67% greater odds of reporting good or excellent health than their non-soccer playing peers. Thematic analysis of qualitative data indicated that women credited soccer with less pain, fatigue, and stress, as well as weight loss and reduced dependence on medicine for hypertension, pain, and sleep problems. Women equated health benefits with greater ease and efficiency in completing chores, reduced worries, youthful energy, male-like strength, and pleased husbands. Soccer programs for adult women may be particularly effective interventions in settings where access to health care is limited and where lack of opportunity to engage in physical aerobic activity increases women’s risks for poor health outcomes.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e051555
Author(s):  
Veronica Svärd ◽  
Kristina Alexanderson

ObjectivesTo explore physicians’ experiences of using the national sickness certification guidelines introduced in 2007 and the types of information they used, in general and in different types of clinics.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingMost physicians working in Sweden in 2017.ParticipantsA questionnaire was sent to 34 718 physicians; 54% responded. Analyses were based on answers from the 13 750 physicians who had sick leave cases.Outcome measuresTo what extent the guidelines were used and what type of information from them that was used.ResultsTen years after the sickness certification guidelines were introduced in Sweden, half of the physicians used them at least once a month. About 40% of physicians in primary healthcare and occupational health services used the guidelines every week. The type of information used varied; 53% used recommendations about duration and 29% about degree of sick leave. Using information about function and activity/work capacity, respectively, was more common within primary healthcare (37% and 38%), psychiatry (42% and 42%), and occupational health services (35% and 41%), and less common in surgery and orthopaedic clinics (12% and 12%) who more often used information about duration (48% and 53%). Moreover, 10% stated that the guidelines were very, and 24% fairly problematic to apply. Half (47%) stated that the guidelines facilitated their contacts with patients and 29% that they improved quality in their management of sick leave cases. More non-specialists, compared with specialists, found that the guidelines facilitated contacts with patients (OR 3.28, 95% CI 3.04 to 3.55).ConclusionsThe majority of the physicians used the sickness certification guidelines, although this varied with type of clinic. Half stated that the guidelines facilitated patient contacts. Yet, some found it problematic to apply the guidelines. Further development of the guidelines is warranted as well as more knowledge about them among physicians.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Alessandrini ◽  
Feng J. He ◽  
Kawther M. Hashem ◽  
Monique Tan ◽  
Graham A. MacGregor

Cakes and biscuits contribute to energy, total and saturated fat and sugar in British diets. So far, the UK government has prompted manufacturers to reduce energy density in these products through a reduction of their sugar content. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of the fat content of cakes and biscuits available in nine UK supermarket chains. In cakes (n = 381), the mean total fat content was 17.9 ± 5.2 g/100 g (39% of the overall energy); range (1.4–35.6 g/100 g) and the average saturated fat content in cakes was 5.9 ± 3.4 g/100 g (13% of the overall energy); range (0.3–20 g/100 g). In biscuits (n = 481), the mean total fat content was 21.8 g ± 6.3 g/100 g (40% of the overall energy); range (0.7–38.9 g/100 g) and the average saturated fat content was 11.4 ± 4.9 g/100 g (23% of the overall energy); range (0.3–22.3 g/100 g). In both cakes and biscuits, total and saturated fat content was positively correlated with energy density. Our results show that cakes and biscuits sold in UK supermarkets are high in total and saturated fat, and that fat content contributes substantially to product energy density. Fat reformulation in these products would effectively reduce energy density, calorie intake and help prevent obesity. Fat reformulation should be implemented simultaneously with sugar reformulation and be focused on saturated fat, as this will have the additional effect of lowering LDL cholesterol.


2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 623-627
Author(s):  
Ann Olsson ◽  
Evgeny V Kovalevskiy ◽  
Madar Talibov ◽  
Monika Moissonnier ◽  
Graham Byrnes ◽  
...  

ObjectivesA historical cohort study of cancer mortality is being conducted among workers in a chrysotile mine and its enrichment factories in the town of Asbest, Russian Federation. Because individual-level information on tobacco use is not available for Asbest Chrysotile Cohort members, a cross-sectional survey of smoking behaviours was conducted among active and retired workers.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were completed by active workers during meetings organised by occupational safety personnel. Retired workers completed questionnaires during meetings of the Veterans Council or were interviewed via telephone or in person. Of the respondents, 46% could be linked to the Asbest Chrysotile Cohort. Among those, logistic regression models were used to assess associations between smoking and cumulative dust exposure.ResultsAmong men, smoking prevalence was high and relatively consistent across birth decades (average, 66%), and was similar in workers across all levels of cumulative dust exposure (p trend, 0.44). Among women, the prevalence increased from <10% in those born before 1960 to 30% in those born after 1980, and smoking was associated with exposure to dust versus not exposed to dust (p value, 0.006), but did not vary appreciably across workers in different cumulative dust exposure categories (p trend, 0.29).ConclusionsOur study suggests that cross-sectional surveys may be a useful tool for understanding the potential health impact from smoking in occupational cohorts, including possible confounding by smoking. This survey showed that adjustment at the age group level among women is needed to reduce residual confounding and account for smoking patterns, which have changed substantially over time.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 558-558
Author(s):  
Christie Kirchoff ◽  
Karina Abadia ◽  
Cristina Palacios ◽  
Marianna Sanchez

Abstract Objectives The college food environment plays an integral role in student dietary intake during a critical transitional time. Snacking in the US is frequent and even more so among college students, with 98% consuming snacks daily, and about four times per day. Snacking affects overall diet quality by contributing 22% of the total energy, 36% of the total sugar, and 19% of the total fat and saturated fat consumed daily. Vending machines (VM) at colleges are of increased importance because they are used frequently and contain calorie-dense, nutrient-poor, and highly-processed foods. Many schools have attempted to improve the quality of snack foods offered in VMs with a top-down approach that often fails and might decrease VM revenue. This study aims to uncover college students' purchasing habits and preferences for improving snack options. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered in the Spring of 2019 to a sample of 194 college students examining snacking practices and preferences at a large Hispanic serving university in South Florida. Statistical analysis using SPSS 26 included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis in determining frequency, percentages, and relationships between VM use and factors influencing snack choice and perception of intervention effectiveness. Results Respondents' ages ranged between 18–40 years old (M = 20.9, SD = 3.10), 91% reported purchasing snack foods from vending machines. Participants who used VM (occasionally or frequently) ranked lowering the price of healthy products (score 3.45 and 3.60, respectively) as the intervention that would be most helpful in choosing a healthy snack. However, participants who rarely or never use VM chose labels indicating which items were healthy (score 3.40) as the most helpful intervention. Significant differences exist between VM users and Non-VM users related to intervention preference. Conclusions Incorporating student perspectives to tailor VM interventions to impact a broader range of VM users and non-users will improve the effectiveness. Without students' perspective, many factors that influence students' snack food choices and how they utilize VMs will be missed. By eliciting student consumers' feedback, Universities can improve food environments to include healthier options without sacrificing revenue. Funding Sources None.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Almughthim ◽  
Hoda Jr

Abstract Background Products that carry health or nutrition claims may be perceived by consumers as healthier than those that do not carry claims. Therefore, they will have a more favorable attitude towards it and may also be easily misled about the nutritional profile and may misinterpret it. Nutritional quality of those products should be assessed to protect consumers against being misled and ensuring that they receive accurate information about food products carrying a claim.Methods a cross-sectional survey for a total of 1153 foods were randomly sampled from fourteen stores in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from nutritional facts present on food labels and evaluated by comparing the mean level of nutrients between products that carried claims and those that did not using the UK nutrient profile model (UKNPM).Results Overall, 29% of products carried either health or nutritional claims. Only 19.2% of foods that carried health claims met SFDA requirements, while 28.9% of all products that carried nutritional claims met SFDA criteria. The results indicate that products that carried health or nutritional claims were significantly lower in sugar (9.67 g/100 g), fat (9.2 g/100 g), saturated fat (3.2 g/100 g), and sodium (371.36 mg/100 g). According to the UK nutrient profiling model, 46.9% of the products carrying claims were less healthy than those not carrying claims, and statistically significant differences were observed by product origin and category (p=0.005 and p=0.000, respectively).Conclusion a great need for the regulation and monitoring of claims on food packages for the optimal protection of the population’s health.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (11) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Yusuf Musa Ahijjo ◽  
A. N. Baba-Kutigi ◽  
M. Momoh ◽  
A. M. Bayawa ◽  
M. Hussain

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yauri LGA, Kebbi State in between April, 2015 and January, 2016 in order to ascertain the level of awareness of inhabitant’s exposure to radioactivity from the mines. Yauri LGA was sampled based on its metropolitan and suburban parts that receives heavy mining activities by stratified random sampling by proportions. An interactive medium was created to sample the opinions of inhabitants around these mines through questionnaire. A total of 150 questionnaire were designed, 30 were accepted by the respondents and 22 were returned with response from the correspondents during the survey and interview to document and assessment awareness of the inhabitants. The study unveiled facts about the inhabitant’s awareness towards the environmental and health effect of indiscriminate mining activities around living places. The results shows that over 70% of the inhabitants within the suburb and metropolis concurred to the potential health consequences in their dwellings as a result of exposure to radioactivity from the mines respectively. These results indicates that the environmental and health discomfort due to indiscriminate mining activities around living places will be more significant in the near future if no immediate efforts are put in place to mimic future malady. The second aspect of this study whose results will be published in the subsequent issue involved collection of soil, water and vegetation samples in order to further assess the level of radioactive elements viz: 226Ra, 232Th and 40K occurrence in the study locality.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Pawan Rekha ◽  
Sheena Kumari ◽  
Amna Aamir Khan

BACKGROUND Trauma is globally encountered in the emergency department on regular intervals placing a burden on the economy through an increase in the mortality and morbidity. Multiple types of fractures have been notified leading from moderate to severe disability. The aim of the study is to assess different types of fracture entering the emergency department, the risk of these fractures and also to find the association between genders. A cross sectional survey was conducted on 450 participants in different Emergency Departments of tertiary care units of Karachi. It has been observed that fracture cases are increasing in emergencies in Karachi. Road Traffic Injuries (RTA) with 41.6% is the most dominant cause of fracture whereas fall or slip injuries and brawl/fight show 22.2% and 14.7% respectively. Generally, alcohol and cigarette smoking has adverse effect yet 91.6% population revealed no relationship. Regional distribution of fracture shows lower limb fracture with 40.9% as most commonly occurring fractures where male percentages is higher than females. The selected population presented no idea about BMD and Vitamin D test which causes fractures in old age commonly.


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