Modelling the effects of beverage substitution during adolescence on later obesity outcomes in early adulthood: results from the Raine study

High sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption has been linked with obesity. The present study examined the associations between adolescent SSB intake and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and overweight status in early adulthood, and modelled the association of alternative beverage substitution with BMI and WC. Data of offspring from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study at ages 14 and 22 years were used (n = 667). SSB intake at 14 years (100 g/day) was associated with higher BMI (β = 0.19 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.04, 0.33), WC (β = 0.41cm, 95% CI 0.04, 0.78), and being overweight at 22 years (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02, 1.18). Every 100g modelled substitution of SSB with milk at age 14 years was associated with lower BMI (-0.19 kg/m2) and WC (-0.52 cm) at age 22 years. Replacement of SSB with diet drink was associated with higher BMI and WC. No association was found for substitutions of SSB with water, tea/coffee, or 100% fruit juice with BMI or WC. SSB intake during adolescence was associated with higher BMI, WC, and being overweight in early adulthood. Milk as an alternative to SSB was associated with less adiposity. Caution is necessary in recommending diet drinks as a SSB alternative

Transforming growth factor beta in human milk and allergic outcomes in children: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Human milk (HM) transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is critical for inflammation regulation and oral tolerance promotion. Previous reports suggested that variations in HM TGF-β levels are associated with allergic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We undertook a systematic review (PROSPERO 2017 CRD42017069920) to reassess the evidence on the relationships between HM TGF-β and allergic outcomes in children. METHODS: Electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) were systematically searched. Two independent reviewers screened reference lists, extracted the data and assessed risk of bias using the National Institute for Clinical Excellence methodological checklist. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were identified. Sixteen studies assessed relationships between HM TGF-β and risk of eczema; 14, allergic sensitisation; 9, wheezing/asthma; 6, food allergy; 3, allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis. Five cohorts (5/18, 28%) reported a protective effect of TGF-β1, while 3 (3/10, 30%) suggested increased risk of allergic outcomes development and 1 (1/10, 10%), a protective effect of TGF-β2 on eczema. Meta-analysis was not possible due to significant heterogeneity in methodology, age of outcome assessment and differing statistical approaches. 71% (15/21) of studies carried a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast with previous findings we did not find strong evidence of associations between HM TGF-β and allergic outcomes. Differences in studies' methodology and outcomes do not allow unconditional rejection or acceptance of the hypothesis that HM TGF-β influences the risk of allergy development. Future studies on diverse populations employing standardised methods, accurate phenotyping of outcomes and evaluation of the effect of TGF-β in combination with other HM immune markers, microbiome and oligosaccharides are required

Body mass index, adiposity rebound and early feeding in a longitudinal cohort (Raine study)

Objective: This study examined the influence of type and duration of infant feeding on adiposity rebound and the tracking of body mass index (BMI) from birth to 14 years. Methods: A sample of 1330 individuals over eight follows-ups was drawn from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Trajectories of BMI from birth to adolescence using linear mixed model (LMM) analysis investigated the influence of age breastfeeding stopped and age other milk introduced (binomial 4-month cut-point). A sub-sample of LMM predicted BMI was used to determine BMI and age at nadir for early infant feeding groups. Results: Chi square analysis between early feeding and weight status (normal weight, overweight and obese) groups found a significant difference between age breastfeeding stopped (p Conclusions: Early infant feeding was important in the timing and BMI at adiposity rebound. The relationship between infant feeding and BMI remained up to age 14 years. Although confounding factors cannot be excluded, these findings support the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for longer than four months as a protective behaviour against the development of adolescent obesity

High Prudent diet factor score predicts lower relapse hazard in early multiple sclerosis

Background: Dietary patterns and their association with subsequent clinical course have not been well studied in early multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To describe dietary patterns in people in 5 years following first clinical demyelination and assess associations with MS conversion and relapse. Methods: This study included baseline food frequency questionnaire dietary intake (entry to the Ausimmune Study) and 5-year follow-up; iterated principal factor analysis was applied. MS conversion and relapse risks were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, sex, study site, education, body mass index (BMI), smoking and omega-3 supplement use. Results: In cases with a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination, we identified three major dietary patterns, 'Prudent', 'High-Vegetable' and 'Mixed', explaining 43%, 37% and 24% of diet variance in dietary intake, respectively. Fruits, vegetables, fish, wholegrains and nuts loaded highly on the Prudent pattern, starchy vegetables and legumes on the High-Vegetable pattern, and meats and alcohol on the Mixed pattern. Diet factor scores were not associated with MS conversion risk. Those with baseline Prudent scores above the median had significantly lower relapse risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37, 0.81) with some evidence of a plateau effect. Conclusion: Prudent diet factor score above the median was prospectively associated with lower relapse risk in the 5 years following the first clinical demyelinating event