Metabolic Impact Of 100% Fruit Juice Consumption On Antioxidant/Oxidant Status And Lipid Profiles Of Adults: An Evidence-Based Review

One hundred percent fruit juice (FJ) contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. As such, this fruit form has the potential to improve antioxidant status and mediate outcomes influenced by redox status. A systematic review of the literature published between 1995-2013 was conducted using PubMed database to evaluate associations between intake of 100% FJ and markers of antioxidant/oxidant status and blood lipid levels in healthy, free-living adults > 18 years. Data extraction and analysis was conducted according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process.Limited evidence from ten clinical trials meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria suggests potential improvements in a variety of antioxidant or oxidants biomarkers post-consumption of 100% FJ. Weak evidence from five studies suggests that one or more blood lipid measures may be positively influenced by consumption of 100% FJ. Heterogeneity in study methodology including biomarkers, 100% FJ type, dosage, and intervention duration precludes the ability to make evidence-based recommendations regarding a specific dose-duration-juice effect. Key characteristics in study designs were identified which must either be controlled or statistically adjusted for in future investigations in order to obtain a more accurate understanding of the complex relationship between metabolic outcomes and consumption of 100% FJ in context of a healthy dietary pattern

Patients' Perspectives About Dietary Maintenance In Type 2 Diabetes

This investigation used a qualitative, open-ended semistructured interview guide to understand the perspectives of individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 23) concerning factors necessary to maintain dietary changes. Five categories related to maintenance of diagnosis-related dietary changes emerged: self-discipline; understanding emotions; supportive relationships with family, friends, and health care providers; need for education; and strategies to maintain a healthy diet. While the small sample limits applicability of findings to all people with diabetes, dietitians can develop a repertoire of strategies within each category to facilitate mastery over daily challenges and maintenance of healthy dietary behaviors

Changes In Food Choices Of Rural Preadolescent And Adolescent Children Following A Theory-Based After-School Nutrition Intervention

This study implemented and evaluated a 12-week, theory-based nutrition intervention, incorporating hands-on activities, healthy snack preparation, and goal setting among rural children (ages 8-15, n = 44). Paired samples t tests measured participant changes in outcomes from pretest to posttest, including anthropometric measures, self-efficacy, and nutrition knowledge and behaviors. Significant decreases in servings per week of sweetened beverages (22.3 ± 9.7 to 16.8 ± 7.8, P < .001), sweet snacks (11.3 ± 8.1 to 7.5 ± 4.4, P = .03) and salty snacks (6.5 ± 4.2 to 3.7 ± 2.5, P = .001) were reported. More changes to diet may occur in situations where children are able to choose their own food

Counseling Strategies To Improve Nutrition Care For Rural Appalachian Patients

Culturally sensitive strategies are critical to help the rural Appalachian population prevent and manage chronic diseases. A multiple-methods approach examined specific nutrition strategies used by practitioners and community members (n = 61). Strategy subthemes were categorized into 4 themes from the previously established Rural Nutrition Care Model (1) access and resources (budgeting, planning, resources), (2) sociocultural influences (whole-family approach, simple messages, building rapport, avoiding assumptions), (3) traditional foods (gardening, cooking), and (4) health behaviors (small changes, prevention). Practitioners and patients had differing perspectives on the nutrition context of the rural population (P < .05), which provides a further rationale for the importance of culturally sensitive nutrition counseling strategies

Impact Of 100% Fruit Juice Consumption On Diet And Weight Status Of Children: An Evidence-Based Review

Consumption of 100% fruit juice remains controversial for its potential adverse impact on weight and displacement of essential foods in the diets of children. A systematic review of the literature published from 1995–2013 was conducted using the PubMed database to evaluate associations between intake of 100% fruit juice and weight/adiposity and nutrient intake/adequacy among children of 1 to 18 years of age. Weight status outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, ponderal index, obesity, weight gain, adiposity measures, and body composition. Nutrient outcome measures included intake and adequacy of shortfall nutrients. Data extraction and analysis was conducted according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process. Twenty-two studies on weight status provided evidence that did not support an association between 100% fruit juice consumption and weight/adiposity in children after controlling for energy intake. Limited evidence from eight studies suggests that children consuming 100% fruit juice have higher intake and adequacy of dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Differences in methodology and study designs preclude causal determination of 100% fruit juice as sole influence of weight status or nutrient intake/adequacy of shortfall nutrients. In context of a healthy dietary pattern, evidence suggests that consumption of 100% fruit juice may provide beneficial nutrients without contributing to pediatric obesity

Food Insecurity Among College Students with and without Medical Disorders at a University in Appalachia

Objective: This study compared severity of food insecurity, characteristics, and behaviors of college students with and without diagnosed medical disorders. Design: Data were collected using a cross-sectional online questionnaire. Variables measured were food security status, disorders, coping strategies, and perceived barriers to food access. Descriptive and inferential statistics examined associations and compared groups. Statistical significance was p≤0.05. Setting: Data were collected at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Participants: The sample was 247 food insecure students, of whom 60% were females, 50% 3rd- and 4th-year students, and 75% whites. Results: Medical disorders were reported by 67.2% of food insecure students, and a greater proportion of students with than without disorders experienced very low food security (63.3% vs. 43.2%, p=0.003). The most common disorder categories were psychiatric (40.5%) and gastrointestinal (31.6%). Characteristics of food insecure students with disorders included female gender, suboptimal academic performance, employed, off-campus residence. Coping strategies used by students with and without disorders, respectively, to improve food access, included brought food back to school after visiting family, friends, significant others (90.9% vs. 63.0%) and ate less healthy food so you could eat more (77.7% vs. 49.4%). Perceived barriers among students with disorders included feel overwhelmed making food choices (12.7%) and meal plan runs out (10.2%). Food insecure students with disorders made greater use of coping strategies and identified more perceived barriers. Conclusions: Food insecure students with disorders experienced more severe food deprivation and require multidimensional food assistance programs beyond those generally available on college campuses

Comparisons of Cooking, Dietary, and Food Safety Characteristics of Food Secure and Food Insecure Sophomores at a University in Appalachia

Introduction: Food insecurity means lacking access to adequate, nutritious, and safe food. Collegiate food insecurity rates at ten Appalachian campuses range from 22.4% to 51.8%, and have been associated with unfavorable health and academic outcomes. Purpose: This study compared cooking, dietary, and food safety characteristics of food secure (FS) and food insecure (FI) sophomores at a university in Appalachia in the context of the USDA definition of food security. Methods: Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential procedures compared FS and FI sophomores (p \u3c 0.05). Results: Participants (n = 226) were 65.0% females, 76.1% whites, and 46% FI. About 40% of on-campus and 50% of off-campus residents were FI, and 70% of FI students reported needing help accessing food. Cooking was undertaken “less often” by 61.5% of FS and 55.8% of FI sophomores. Mean cooking self-efficacy scores for FS and FI students were 44.9 , vs 43.4 , (p \u3e 0.05) out of 52 points. Grains were consumed most often by 40% of FS and FI students and vegetables were consumed least often by 70% of both groups. Mean food safety test scores for FS and FI students were 6.2 1.60 vs 6.6 1.52 (p \u3e 0.05) out of 11 points. Requested educational activities included making a budget and planning balanced meals. Implications: The high rate of food insecurity reflects an ongoing need among sophomores for campus and community food assistance and for educational activities that teach purchasing and preparation of affordable, healthy and safe foods

Hunger, Poverty And Health: Community-Academic Partnerships That Improve Food And Nutrition Security In Rural Appalachia

Background/Purpose: Malnutrition, present as both overnutrition and undernutrition, is the largest single contributor to disease in the world. This article will describe the relationship between hunger, poverty and health, from the global to local level, with a focus on the relationship between hunger and obesity in the United States. The socio-ecological model will be used to present a community-academic partnership for addressing food insecurity and improving health in rural Appalachia. Partners: Hunger and Health Coalition, Appalachian State University Department of Nutrition and Healthcare Management, and the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System collaborated to address the hunger-obesity paradox in Appalachia. Target population: Individuals in Watauga County, which has the third highest poverty rate in North Carolina. The population of 51, 079 residents is 94.5% White, 1.7% African American, and 3.4% Hispanic or Latino and 59% are recipients of food assistance. Methods: Describe community, organizational and policy-level initiatives implemented by the partnership, including community forums, nutrition education, sustainable food systems, healthcare-based food security screenings and resource referrals. Discuss facilitators and barriers over time, and the interface among academic and local partner responsibilities, resources, and goals. Outcomes: Action steps focus on growing the community-clinical partnership, influencing policy, systems and environmental change, and ultimately fostering a clinical shift toward sustainable health. Improved food security and health status of the target population, nutrition professionals prepared for non- profit work, and a partnership model that can be replicated or scaled nationwide. Conclusions Social, economic, and environmental factors have a profound impact on nutrition-related health outcomes and call for integrated, system-based approaches. Community-academic partnerships offer a unique opportunity to address food insecurity as a social determinant of health

Perceived Barriers to Application of Glycaemic Index: Valid Concerns or Lost in Translation?

The term glycaemic-index (GI) originally appeared in the literature in the early 1980s. GI categorizes carbohydrate according to glycaemic effect postprandially. Since its inception, GI has obtained and maintained interest of academics and clinicians globally. Upon review of GI literature, it becomes clear that the clinical utility of GI is a source of controversy. Can and should GI be applied clinically? There are academics and clinicians on both sides of the argument. Certainly, this controversy has been a stimulus for the evolution of GI methodology and application research, but may also negatively impact clinicians’ perception of GI if misunderstood. This article reviews two assessments of GI that are often listed as barriers to application; the GI concept is (1) too complex and (2) too difficult for clients to apply. The literature reviewed does not support the majority of purported barriers, but does indicate that there is a call from clinicians for more and improved GI education tools and clinician GI education. The literature indicates that the Registered Dietitian (RD) can play a key role in GI knowledge translation; from research to application. Research is warranted to assess GI education tool and knowledge needs of clinicians and the clients they serve