Dietary Pattern and Metabolic Syndrome in Thai Adults

Objectives. To determine the dietary patterns of middle-aged Thais and their association with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods. The Thai National Health Examination Survey IV data of 5,872 participants aged ≥30–59 years were used. Dietary patterns were obtained by factor analysis and their associations with Mets were examined using multiple logistic regression. Results. Three major dietary patterns were identified. The first, meat pattern, was characterized by a high intake of red meat, processed meat, and fried food. The second, healthy pattern, equated to a high intake of beans, vegetables, wheat, and dairy products. The third, high carbohydrate pattern, had a high intake of glutinous rice, fermented fish, chili paste, and bamboo shoots. Respondents with a healthy pattern were more likely to be female, higher educated, and urban residents. The carbohydrate pattern was more common in the northeast and rural areas. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of carbohydrate pattern was associated with MetS (adjusted odds ratio: 1.82; 95% CI 1.31, 2.55 in men and 1.60; 95% CI 1.24, 2.08 in women), particularly among those with a low level of leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Conclusion. The carbohydrate pattern with low level of LTPA increased the odds of MetS

Commercial growing up milks: Usage frequency and associated child and demographic factors across four Asia Pacific countries

Background Commercial growing up milks (GUMs) targeted at children from 12 to 36 months of age are a rapidly growing industry, particularly across the Asia Pacific. Methods The present study assessed the frequency of use and socio‐demographic and child associations of commercial GUM feeding in children, aged between 12 and 36 months, in capital cities in four Asia Pacific countries. Mothers of children aged between 12 and 36 months were surveyed, assessing GUM feeding frequency in the past month. A market research company database was used to survey across Asia Pacific urban cities, including Bangkok Thailand, Jakarta Indonesia, Singapore and Australian Capital Cities (ACC). Results More than 1000 women (n = 1051) were surveyed (Bangkok, n = 263; Jakarta, n = 275; ACC, n = 252; Singapore, n = 261). The mean (SD) age of mothers was 32.4 (5.3) years and that of children was 23.6 (6.7) months. In total, 62.7% of the children were fed GUMs more than once per week with significant country variance. In comparison with ACC, Asian countries were significantly more likely to feed GUMs ≥once per week: Bangkok [odds ratio (OR) = 5.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.8–8.6]; Jakarta (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 2.3–5.5); and Singapore (OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 4.9‐11.1). Associations of GUM feeding included: maternal tertiary education; mothers younger than 30 years; working full time; and feeding of commercial infant formula under 12 months. Conclusions This is the first published study to explore commercial GUM feeding in and between countries. The incidence of GUM feeding, in contrast to international recommendations, signals the need for further research into the drivers for GUM feeding and its contribution to the diet