The purpose of the present study was to analyse the lipid profile in men and women differentiated according to energy expenditure during sports participation (EESPORT), energy expenditure during active leisure time (EEALT) and overall energy expenditure (EETOTAL).

The subjects were grouped by sex, age, EESPORT, EEALT and EETOTAL. Group differences were analysed using analyses of covariance with BMI and alcohol consumption as covariates.

Physical activity was assessed using the Flemish Physical Activity Computerised Questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure total cholesterol (TC), TAG, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and the ratio TC:HDL-C.

The study sample consisted of 1170 Flemish men and women between 18 and 75 years of age.

Differences in lipid profile were observed in the younger age group (<45 years), all in favour of the most active group. More specifically, when differentiating by EEALT and EETOTAL, men had a healthier lipid profile for TAG, HDL-C and TC:HDL-C. Differentiation according to EESPORT revealed the same significant results except for TAG. In women significant results for HDL-C, LDL-C and TC:HDL-C were found when differentiated by EESPORT.

Men and women <45 years of age with higher levels of energy expenditure due to sport show a better lipid profile than their sedentary counterparts. When differentiating subjects according to energy expenditure during active leisure time or overall energy expenditure, only in men was a healthier lipid profile observed in favour of the most active subjects.

Dietary intake of long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA in developed countries is low compared with recommendations. Fish is naturally rich in LC n-3 PUFA, but is also a dietary source of heavy metals and organic pollutants. We investigated whether the recommendation for LC n-3 PUFA could be reached through fish consumption, without exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intake of methylmercury (MeHg) and the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of dioxin-like compounds. Also, the contribution of margarines enriched with LC n-3 PUFA was assessed.

Published nutrient and contaminant data were used in a probabilistic model to calculate the simultaneous nutrient and contaminant intake for different fish consumption scenarios.

The Belgian recommendation for EPA + DHA (0·3 % of total energy intake) can be reached by consuming fatty fish a minimum of twice a week, or by varying between lean and fatty fish a minimum of three times a week. At this fish consumption level, MeHg intake is not an issue of toxicological concern. The intake of dioxin-like compounds approximates the TWI when consuming fatty fish more than twice a week, this being a potential toxicological risk because other food items also contribute to the weekly intake of dioxin-like compounds. Use of margarine enriched with LC n-3 PUFA can help to increase LC n-3 intake, on average by 159 mg/d.

Combination of regular fish consumption (twice a week) with important contribution of fatty fish species, in combination with regular consumption of margarine enriched with EPA + DHA, can be advised to achieve the recommendation for LC n-3 intake.

To identify and describe characteristics of the bias of reported energy intake of participants in the Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) study.

A validated diet history with a detailed questionnaire and an interview was used. Body fat was analysed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The ratio of energy intake (EI) to BMR was used to define under-reporters (EI:BMR < 1·30), acceptable reporters (EI:BMR ≥ 1.30 to <2.64) and over-reporters (EI:BMR ≥ 2.64).

Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

A total of 695 males (18–20 years).

Sixty-eight per cent were classed as acceptable reporters, 22 % as over-reporters and 10 % as under-reporters. The under-reporters had higher BMI and body fat percentage than acceptable reporters (P < 0·001), while over-reporters had lower BMI and body fat percentage (P < 0·001). Over-reporters had more frequent use of protein supplements than acceptable reporters and higher physical activity. Over-reporters had a more regular and under-reporters a less regular meal pattern compared with acceptable reporters.

Important knowledge of dietary reporting bias in a previously sparsely studied population has been provided. Over-reporting of energy intake was more common than under-reporting in the present population of young men and characteristics of under- and over-reporters were identified. The GOOD study was initiated with the central aim to determine environmental and genetic factors involved in the regulation of bone and fat mass, and the nutrient data of the acceptable reporters can be used for further investigation of the health effects of energy and nutrient intake.

To explore the quality (accuracy, balance, practical context) of tabloid articles reporting on nutrition research, and public attitudes towards it.

A qualitative multi-method study consisting of a systematic analysis of tabloid articles and a series of focus groups with members of the public.

Tabloid newspapers (nationwide). Focus groups were conducted at a UK university.

All UK tabloid newspapers were collated for a full calendar month. Members of the local Women’s Institute and non-teaching staff within the University College Chester were recruited as focus group participants.

Twenty-nine tabloid articles were included. A standardised TAT (Tabloid Analysis Tool) was used a total of thirty-nine times (once for each research study cited). Twenty-six failed to accurately report research results, thirty-six failed to mention significant research limitations, and only five quoted a third-party expert source. Two focus groups, each with eight participants, were conducted. Attitudes expressed were largely negative, highlighting elements of confusion and scepticism. Articles were more likely to be disregarded than acted upon, although some value was attached to newspapers providing nutrition information.

Tabloid reporting on nutrition research is not sufficiently accurate, balanced or contextualised, and public attitudes towards the reporting are not wholly favourable. Guidance for journalists via registered dietitians and a strengthening of present links could serve to utilise this form of mass media more effectively.

To examine whether the self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption of Greek primary-school children is associated with the home availability of fruit and vegetables.

Cross-sectional study.

Five primary schools in the city of Pyrgos in south-west Greece.

One hundred and sixty-seven students in fifth and sixth grades.

Fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using an FFQ. Home availability of fruit and vegetables was assessed using a modified version of a US home availability questionnaire. Participant BMI was assessed and parental education obtained by self-report. Hierarchical regression models that took account of the clustering of participants in schools were used to examine the relationship between consumption and availability after controlling for parental education and BMI.

Regression analyses showed that home availability of fruit was a significant predictor of consumption (β = 0·524, Z = 9·77, P < 0·001) in a model that explained 46 % of the overall variance. Home availability of vegetables was a significant predictor of vegetable intake (β = 0·378, Z = 6·23, P < 0·001) in a model that explained 29 % of the overall variance.

Home availability of fruit and vegetables was associated with consumption among Greek primary-school children. The association between home availability of fruit and intake was higher than the associations that have been reported in other samples. Results support focusing on the home availability of fruit and vegetables as a potential mediator of consumption that could be manipulated as a means of increasing fruit and vegetable intake among children.

Animal studies and a few clinical trials lend credibility to the hypothesis that not all types of fatty acids carry the same potential for weight gain. Only a few epidemiological studies concerning this issue are currently available and results are conflicting.

The purpose of the present ecological study was to test the existence of an association between obesity prevalence and the types of fat available in 168 countries.

Data on the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) for women over 15 years of age were obtained from the WHO Global InfoBase. Food balance sheets for the years 1998 to 2002 were obtained from the FAOSTAT database. Five-year means for energy, total fat, MUFA, PUFA, SFA and ‘other fat’ per capita were calculated, with their standard deviations, for each country. Bivariate correlations and a multiple linear regression model were used to test for the association between prevalence of obesity and types of fat available in these countries.

Not surprisingly, dietary energy supply, SFA, PUFA and ‘other fat’ were positively associated with the prevalence of obesity. We also found, however, a strong negative association between MUFA availability and obesity prevalence (β = −0·68, P < 0·0001).

Populations with a lower prevalence of obesity seem to consume a greater amount of MUFA. Considering the partial correlations between variables, our results suggest that in countries with higher obesity prevalence, it is the shift from MUFA to PUFA that particularly appears to be associated with the risk of obesity.

To compare whether serum lipids and their changes during a health education intervention are associated with the Leu7Pro polymorphism in the signal peptide part of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in children with normal weight and in those with overweight.

An intervention study.

A family-based intervention of risk factors for prevention of CHD in Finland.

Subjects were 443 children with a family history of CVD participating in family-based health education. The children were divided into two groups according to NPY genotype: children with Leu7/Pro7 or Pro7/Pro7 genotype (n 50) and children with Leu7/Leu7 genotype (n 393). The final sample of the follow-up study included 353 (80 %) children (Pro7 allelle carriers, n 43; Leu7/Leu7, n 310).

At baseline, the Leu7Pro polymorphism was not associated with serum lipid values after adjustment for body weight in boys or girls. There was a significant interaction of NPY genotype group by time and body weight (P = 0·043 for three-way interaction: time × NPY genotype × body weight) in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration among boys. LDL-C decreased among boys with normal weight in both NPY groups and in overweight boys with the Leu7/Leu7 genotype, whereas it increased in overweight boys with the Pro7 allele. Two-way interaction (time × NPY genotype) showed no significant differences in changes of serum lipids between the NPY genotype groups among boys or girls.

The Leu7Pro polymorphism may be associated with dietary response to LDL-C concentration in overweight boys with a family history of early-onset CVD.

To assess the perceived outcomes associated with diet/food intake in the general adult population.

The Food Benefits Assessment (FBA©) questionnaire was developed from subjects’ verbatim transcripts (n 18) and after comprehension tests (n 5). Normal-weight (n 130) and overweight (n 67) subjects then completed the final questionnaire twice, 7 d apart. Psychometric properties were assessed, including construct validity by principal components analysis (PCA), concurrent validity (Spearman coefficient) with the Short Form-36 scale (SF-36), known-group validity by comparing FBA dimension scores according to lifestyle and clinical variables, internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α) and test–retest reproducibility in stable subjects over 1 week (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC).

PCA and Multitrait analysis confirmed the final version of the FBA comprising forty-one items split into seven dimensions (vitality; digestive comfort; physical appearance; well-being; snacking; disease prevention; aesthetics). All dimensions displayed good item convergent validity (0·44 to 0·80), good concurrent validity (highest correlation between well-being dimension of FBA and mental health scale of SF-36, r = 0·83) and good known-group validity and reproducibility (ICC ≥ 0·76); internal consistency reliability was good to excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0·79 to 0·91).

The FBA is the first valid and reliable questionnaire that allows the assessment of diet effects and impact as perceived by subjects. It is a good candidate in the nutrition field for further use in specific population settings and with a particular food or daily diet. Linguistically validated English (UK and US) and German versions of the questionnaire are available.

To evaluate the factors associated with discontinuation of breast-feeding before 12 months in order to make suggestions for achieving long-term breast-feeding.

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.

Mothers of 1230 children who discontinued breast-feeding at least 15 d before the last visit were asked to fill out a questionnaire about the discontinuation process. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent effects of factors that might influence breast-feeding discontinuation.

Mean breast-feeding duration of the study group was 11·04 (sd 7·45) months. Introduction of bottle-feeding correlated with discontinuation of breast-feeding (r = 0·507, P = 0·001). Important risk factors for discontinuation of breast-feeding before the first 12 months were not exclusively breast-feeding at 3 and 6 months, prematurity, not having a plan about breast-feeding duration and maternity leave duration of ≤91 d for working mothers. The common reasons for abandoning breast-feeding in the first and second 6 months were similar, namely the mother’s concerns about the sufficiency of breast milk. After 12 months and 18 months the reasons for discontinuation were the baby’s unwillingness to eat solid foods while breast-feeding and the mother’s perception that ‘the baby is old enough’, respectively.

The factors that improve long-term breast-feeding are successful exclusive breast-feeding in the first few months, intention of the mother to breast-feed and sufficient duration of maternity leave. This study emphasizes the importance of successful breast-feeding counselling during the first few months to achieve the desired long-term breast-feeding.

The aim of the present study was to describe the nature and extent of food marketing on popular children’s websites and food product websites in Australia.

Food product websites (n 119) and popular children’s websites (n 196) were selected based on website traffic data and previous research on frequently marketed food brands. Coding instruments were developed to capture food marketing techniques. All references to food on popular children’s websites were also classified as either branded or non-branded and according to food categories.

Websites contained a range of marketing features. On food product websites these marketing features included branded education (79·0 % of websites), competitions (33·6 %), promotional characters (35·3 %), downloadable items (35·3 %), branded games (28·6 %) and designated children’s sections (21·8 %). Food references on popular children’s websites were strongly skewed towards unhealthy foods (60·8 % v. 39·2 % healthy food references; P < 0·001), with three times more branded food references for unhealthy foods. Branded food references displayed similar marketing features to those identified on food product websites.

Internet food marketing uses a range of techniques to ensure that children are immersed in brand-related information and activities for extended periods, thereby increasing brand familiarity and exposure. The relatively unregulated marketing environment and increasing use of the Internet by children point to the potential increase in food marketing via this medium. Further research is required to investigate the impact of Internet food marketing on children’s food preferences and consumption, and regulatory options to protect children.

To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of different methods of cleaning and sterilisation of infant feeding equipment used in the home.

Systematic review of studies from developed countries on the effectiveness of methods of cleaning and sterilisation of infant feeding equipment used in the home. A brief telephone survey of UK-based manufacturers of infant feeding equipment and formula to ascertain the evidence base used for their recommendations, and a comparison of current relevant guidelines in developed countries, informed the work.

National guidelines from six countries demonstrated variation and lack of evidence to support current guidance. Manufacturers did not report evidence of effectiveness to support their recommendations. Nine studies were identified; eight conducted between 1962 and 1985 and one in 1997. All had methodological weaknesses. Hand-washing was identified as fundamentally important. Health professionals were reported as not providing appropriate education on the importance and methods of cleaning and sterilisation. Mothers of subsequent babies and women from lower socio-economic groups were less likely to follow recommended procedures.

There is a lack of good-quality evidence on effective ways of cleaning and sterilising infant feeding equipment in the home. The evidence base does not answer the question about which of the methods in common use is most effective or most likely to be used by parents. Hand-washing before handling feeding equipment remains important. Further research on the range of methods used in the home environment, including assessment of the views of parents and carers, is required.