A Novel Prebiotic Supplement Increases Bifidobacteria Abundance in Participants Consuming Low-Fiber Diets

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel fiber supplement consumed by healthy individuals with a habitual diet low in fiber (<15 g/day) increases the proportion of saccharolytic gut microbiota which is associated with the increase in the production of SCFA and their related genes in stool without changing their usual diet. Methods Twenty individuals were enrolled in this double-blinded, randomized order, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Participants were young, healthy, normal to overweight (BMI 23.0–32.0) and consumed < 15 g/day of fiber. All participants consumed a fiber and placebo supplement for a period of 4 weeks each, with a 4-week washout between intervention arms in random order. Participants recorded their diet for 3 days using 24-hour diet record at each 2-week segment. The diet was patternized each week (i.e., participants were asked to consume the same meals and foods for the 3 days prior to each test day) without significantly changing the participants’ usual diet. The fiber packets contained 12 g/serving per day as a powder containing resistant starch, fructooligosaccharide, sugarcane fiber, and inulin while the placebo packets contained 12 g/serving per day of a powder that matched the fiber supplement in taste and appearance. The powder packet was mixed with water for consumption. Stool samples were collected every 2 weeks throughout the study, and metagenomic sequencing and SCFA analysis was performed. Results The concentration of SCFA measured in the stool sample did not change after the intervention. However, the relative abundance of one of the well known saccharolytic bacteria, Bifidobacterium, increased after the fiber supplementation. Genes related to acetate and lactate production, poxB (P = 0.04) and ldh (P = 0.07) respectively, showed tendency to increase which aligns with the increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium in stool samples. No significant changes and correlations were found with anthropometrics and diet records. Conclusions A small amount of fiber supplemented on a daily basis to individuals consuming low fiber diets resulted in an increase in the relative abundance of the beneficial gut microbial genus, Bifidobacterium. Funding Sources I would like to acknowledge Usana Health Sciences, Inc. for the support in this research.

Associations Between a Targeted Metabolomics Panel of Urinary Flavonoids and Flavonoid Intakes from Fruits and Vegetables Across Dietary Assessment Periods

Objectives Aligning dietary intake and food composition data with biomarkers of exposure is critical for advancing assessment methodology. Flavonoids present in fruits and vegetables (FV) are rapidly metabolized and excreted in urine; therefore they may serve as acute intake biomarkers. Yet, the optimal dietary assessment period has not been determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between a targeted metabolomics panel of six urinary flavonoids and dietary intakes of these flavonoids from FV across varying dietary assessment periods. Methods In this cross-sectional study, three-day diet records from 17 individuals were analyzed via Nutrition Data System for Research to determine FV intakes over one-day, two-day, and three-day assessment periods. Dietary flavonoids from FV were estimated via the Phenol-Explorer database; total intakes of targeted flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, phloretin, naringenin, hesperetin) were calculated by summing aglycone and glycosylated forms. Twenty-four-hour (24-h) urine was collected on the final day of diet records. Urinary flavonoid aglycones were quantified using HPLC; total urinary flavonoids were calculated by summing targeted flavonoids. Spearman correlations between flavonoid intakes and urinary flavonoids were analyzed by dietary assessment period. Results Mean targeted flavonoid intake from FV was 53.6 mg/day. Ten specific FV provided >95% of dietary flavonoids, with greatest contributions from citrus (orange juice, grapefruit, orange) and onion. Mean urinary flavonoid excretion was 9.5 μmol/24-h. Urinary flavonoids were moderately associated with flavonoid intakes from the one-day assessment period on the day prior to urine collection (rs = 0.485, P = 0.048) and summed intakes from the two-day assessment period (rs = 0.598, P = 0.011), but not from intakes over the three-day assessment period. Conclusions Urinary flavonoids are most strongly associated with dietary flavonoids consumed within two days of 24-h urine collection, indicating two-day diet records aligned with 24-h urine collection is optimal for assessing (poly)phenol exposure from FV in future research. Funding Sources OSU CCTS, Rosita Schiller Award, OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center MCC Program, and OSU CAFFRE.

Posteriori Diet Patterns of Formula-Fed Infants During First 1.5 Years

Objectives For the first time in American history, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) focus on the diet patterns of children under age two. Given the importance of nutrition in early life, the present study reports on the longitudinal data-derived diet patterns of a racially diverse group of infants from the age of 0.5 months, when they were exclusively formula fed, until 1.5 years. Methods Weighed/measured diet records were obtained monthly from enrollment (0.5 months) to 1 year, and at 1.5 years during a trial on healthy infants who were randomized to one of two isocaloric commercial infant formulas. Diet records were analyzed using Nutrient Data System for Research from which foods and beverages were assigned to mutually exclusive ‘What We Eat in America’ food categories; each infant's intake was standardized (g/kg body weight) at each age. Principal component analysis and scree plot inspection were used to derive diet patterns; an absolute loading of at least 0.2 indicated food categories highly correlated within a diet pattern. Results Over the first 1.5 years, regardless of randomization, four diet patterns were identified. The diet pattern for the vast majority of infants at 4.5–5.5 months consisted of iron-fortified infant formula. At 6.5–7.5 months, two-thirds of infants began to transition to a first foods diet pattern comprised primarily of infant cereals, fruits, vegetables, grain mixed dishes, and potatoes (not fried). Shortly thereafter, two unique diet patterns containing table foods emerged, such that by 1–1.5 years, the diet patterns for the majority included but were not limited to pizza, high sugar cereal, milk, fried foods, bakery products and vegetables. Conclusions Infant diet patterns emerge and transition rapidly. While the pattern for the majority of infants was infant formula at or before 5.5 months, as recommended, the diet patterns that emerged during the next 6–12 months contained foods that the DGA recommends should be limited (e.g., fried foods) or eliminated (e.g., added sugars) for young children, underscoring the urgent need to focus on diet patterns before 2 years. Funding Sources NIH Grants R01HD072307 and R03HD09408.

Dietary Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study Using Objective Sequential Diet Records from an Electronic Purchase System in a Workplace Cafeteria in Japan

As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related restrictions, food systems have undergone unprecedented changes, with the potential to affect dietary behavior. We aimed to investigate workers’ dietary changes resulting from the introduction of regulations to combat COVID-19 in a Japanese factory cafeteria. Objective data on daytime dietary intake were automatically collected from electronic purchase system records. The dataset included the weekly data of 890 men from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2020. The cafeteria regulations came into effect on 10 April 2020; in this context, the purchase of dishes and estimated dietary intake were monitored. The number of cafeteria visits decreased slightly after the introduction of the regulations. The purchase of main and side dishes also decreased, but the purchase of grain dishes was less affected. When compared with summer 2019 (pre-pandemic, no regulations: 1 July to 29 September 2019), in summer 2020 (during the pandemic and with regulations: 29 June to 30 September 2020), the estimated mean grain, meat, fish, and total energy intake was stable; however, vegetable intake decreased by 11%. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, workplace cafeteria regulations need to be monitored to avoid unfavorable dietary changes in employees.

Resting Energy Expenditure Is Elevated in Asthma

Background: Asthma physiology affects respiratory function and inflammation, factors that may contribute to elevated resting energy expenditure (REE) and altered body composition. Objective: We hypothesized that asthma would present with elevated REE compared to weight-matched healthy controls. Methods: Adults with asthma (n = 41) and healthy controls (n = 20) underwent indirect calorimetry to measure REE, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure body composition, and 3-day diet records. Clinical assessments included spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and a complete blood count. Results: Asthmatics had greater REE than controls amounting to an increase of ~100 kcals/day, even though body mass index (BMI) and body composition were similar between groups. Inclusion of asthma status and FENO in validated REE prediction equations led to improved estimates. Further, asthmatics had higher white blood cell (control vs. asthma (mean ± SD): 4.7 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.6, p < 0.01) and neutrophil (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.4, p = 0.02) counts that correlated with REE (both p < 0.01). Interestingly, despite higher REE, asthmatics reported consuming fewer calories (25.1 ± 7.5 vs. 20.3 ± 6.0 kcals/kg/day, p < 0.01) and carbohydrates than controls. Conclusion: REE is elevated in adults with mild asthma, suggesting there is an association between REE and the pathophysiology of asthma.

Yogurt Consumption Is Associated with Lower Levels of Chronic Inflammation in the Framingham Offspring Study

Some studies suggest that dairy foods may be linked with less chronic inflammation. However, few studies have investigated the separate effects of different types of dairy on inflammation. Therefore, the current study aims to examine the separate prospective impacts of milk, yogurt and cheese on biomarkers of chronic inflammation in 1753 community-dwelling participants of the Framingham Offspring Study (FOS). Mean intakes of dairy foods were derived from two sets of three-day diet records. Six inflammatory biomarkers were assessed approximately seven years later at exam 7. Results showed that those who consumed yogurt (vs. those who did not) had statistically significantly lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (mean log-transformed levels of 1.31 and 1.26 in consumers/non-consumers, respectively, p = 0.02) and fibrin (mean log-transformed levels of 5.91 and 5.89 in consumers/non-consumers, respectively, p = 0.03). The inverse association between IL-6 and yogurt consumption was similar in participants who were of normal weight and those who were overweight. For fibrin, the effects were stronger in overweight individuals. No statistically significant associations were observed between any of these inflammation biomarkers and milk or cheese intakes. Overall, our study compared the separate impacts of three types of dairy foods on chronic inflammation and found that only yogurt intake was linked with lower levels of chronic inflammation.

Food sources of energy and nutrients among Canadian adults following a gluten-free diet

Background The gluten-free diet (GFD) involves the elimination of wheat and related grains. Wheat is a key fortification vehicle for nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. While there is growing evidence of low nutrients intake and poor diet quality amongst people following long-term GFD, few studies have used a dietary pattern approach to analyse top food sources of nutrients in today’s complex food environment. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify food sources of energy and nutrients from previously collected diet records of adults following a GFD. Methods Three, 3-day food records were collected from 35 participants in a lifestyle intervention study (n = 240 records). All food items were categorised according to the Bureau of Nutritional Sciences Food Group Codes. Percentages of total dietary intakes from food groups were ranked. Results Mean intakes of dietary fibre, calcium and iron (females) were lower than recommended, with half the sample consuming below the recommended proportion of energy as carbohydrate. Meat, poultry and fish were the top source of energy (19.5%) in the diet. Gluten-free (GF) grain products were the top source of carbohydrate, fibre and iron and second greatest source of energy. Amongst grains, breakfast/hot cereals, yeast breads, and mixed grain dishes were the greatest nutrient contributors, despite most commercial cereals and breads (65%) being unenriched. Legumes were not frequently consumed. Conclusions GF grains were the top food source of carbohydrate, fibre and iron, despite few brands being enriched or fortified. It is a challenge to assess and monitor nutrient intakes on GFD due to the lack of nutrient composition data for B vitamins and minerals (other than iron). Dietary planning guidance for the appropriate replacement of nutrients provided by wheat is warranted.

The Association Between Glycemic Variability and Macronutrients in Young Children with T1D

Objective There is limited information regarding the potential effect macronutrients have on postprandial glycemic variability in young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). To date, studies examining nutrition and glycemic outcomes either assess these factors at a single timepoint, or aggregate large datasets for group level analyses. This study examined how inter- and intraindividual fluctuations in carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake impact glycemic variability in the postprandial period for young children with T1D. Methods Thirty-nine young children, aged 2–6 years, wore a continuous glucose monitor for 72 hr, while their parents completed detailed diet records of all food intake. The analyses tested three multilevel models to examine intra- and interindividual differences between food intake and postprandial glycemic variability. Results The results suggest carbohydrate intake, relates to greater postprandial glycemic variability. In contrast, the results reveal the inverse effect for protein, suggesting a tendency for young children who ate more protein at some meals to have lower postprandial glycemic variability, with the exception of lunch. There was no effect for fat on postprandial glycemic variability. Conclusion These results suggest protein consumption may be an important consideration when aiming for optimal glycemic levels for some meals. When counseling parents of young children with T1D on common behaviors underlying glycemic excursion, pediatric psychologists may consider discussing the nutritional make up of children’s meals. Further, the results demonstrate retaining longitudinal data at the person level, versus aggregating individual data for group level analyses, may offer new information regarding macronutrient intake and glycemic outcomes.

Dietary Xanthophyll and Choline Intake Interactively Influence Cognitive Flexibility in Middle-Adulthood

Objectives Consumption and biomarker status of the xanthophyll-carotenoids lutein + zeaxanthin and the dietary component choline have been linked to benefits in cognition. However, knowledge on the interactive influence of these dietary components on cognition is sparse. We examined associations between dietary and bio-markers of lutein + zeaxanthin, choline, and cognitive flexibility among adults with overweight and obesity. Methods 80 adults with overweight and obesity completed 7-day diet records, venous blood draws, heterochromatic flicker photometry for assessment of macular pigmentation (MPOD), the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test–2 (IQ), and a Switch task of cognitive flexibility while undergoing electroencephalographic recording (ERP). Multiplicative interaction terms were calculated to assess interactive capabilities. Hierarchical linear regressions controlling for age, body mass index, sex, annual household income, and IQ were utilized to assess independent and interactive contributions of dietary and metabolite data on Switch task outcomes. Results Dietary intake of lutein + zeaxanthin and choline were correlated with serum lutein concentrations (r = 0.42, P &lt; 0.01, r = 0.35, P &lt; 0.01) but not with plasma choline metabolites nor MPOD. Higher intakes of lutein + zeaxanthin and choline were associated interactively, but not independently, with faster reaction time (RT; β = −0.29, P = 0.01). Plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) concentrations were associated with accuracy in Switch trials (β = 0.28, P = 0.01), while no other biomarkers were associated with cognitive outcomes. Dietary intake and biomarker data were not related to the N2 nor P3 ERP components. Conclusions Individuals with greater intake of lutein + zeaxanthin and choline exhibited faster RT during a cognitive flexibility task. Circulating PC was associated with higher response accuracy. These benefits were evident without differences in the N2 or P3 components, suggesting alternative neural benefits of xanthophyll and choline consumption on cognitive function. Funding Sources Funds were provided by the Hass Avocado Board, the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois, and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project 1,009,249.

Comparison of Skin Carotenoid Content and Dietary Carotenoid Intake

Objectives Skin Carotenoid Content (SCC) is a validated biomarker of vegetable intake. The objective of this study is to compare SCC to self-reported diet and supplement intake. Methods This cross-sectional study used baseline data from 61 participants in an ongoing intervention trial (Nutrition Interventions for Cognitive Enhancement). Participants were cognitively normal older adults (≥65 years, MMSE score &gt;25). SCC was determined non-invasively by Resonance Raman spectroscopy (VEGGIE METER®; Longevity Link Corporation). Three measurements were taken on the fingertip and averaged. Dietary intake was obtained by 3-day diet records. A dietitian reviewed the diet records and entered the records into the Nutrition Data System for Research (version 2019). Linear regression was used to assess relationships between self-reported carotenoid intake and SCC measurement. Results The mean SCC was 279 ± 72.1. Correlations for self-reported individual carotenoid intake and SCC scores were beta-carotene (r2 = 0.15, β̞ = 0.38, P = 0.002), alpha-carotene (r2 = 0.10, β̞ = 0.32, P = 0.01), and lutein + zeaxanthin (r2 = 0.16, β̞ = 0.41, P = 0.001). Correlations for self-reported combined diet and supplement intake and SCC scores were beta-carotene (r2 = 0.15, β̞ = 0.38, P = 0.002), alpha carotene (r2 = 0.10, β̞ = 0.32, P = 0.01), and lutein + zeaxanthin (r2 = 0.07, β̞ = 0.26, P = 0.04). Neither reported diet nor diet and supplement intakes of beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and retinol were related to SCC scores. Correlations for food group and SCC scores were dark vegetables (r2 = 0.15, β̞ = 0.39, P = 0.002), deep yellow vegetables (r2 = 0.09, β̞ = 0.30, P = 0.02), and total vegetable intake (r2 = 0.16, β̞ = 0.40, P = 0.001). Conclusions Within older adults, the SCC is a good indicator of dietary lutein + zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene intake. The finding that lutein + zeaxanthin relationship decreases when accounting for combined diet and supplement intake suggests need to investigate bioavailability of supplemental lutein + zeaxanthin. Funding Sources National Institutes of Health.