Nutrient Intakes among Jordanian Adolescents Based on Gender and Body Mass Index

Background: This study was conducted to examine the dietary intakes of macro- and micronutrients for a Jordanian adolescents based on gender and compare their intake to the Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs). Methods: A sample of 398 male and female adolescents, aged 14-18 years, were recruited from private and public schools using convenience sampling. Socio-demographic questionnaire and 3-days food record were self-reported. Bodyweight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. Results: There were no significant differences between male and female adolescents regarding the intake of micro and macronutrients except for protein, insoluble fibre, saturated fat, cholesterol, omega-6, vitamin E and calcium. The intake of insoluble fibre (g/day), omega-6(g/day), and vitamin E (mg/day) was significantly higher in female adolescents (3.1±0.1, 5.6±0.5, and 3.1±0.3, respectively, P≤0.05) compared to male adolescents (2.9±0.1, 5.1±0.4, and 2.5±0.2, respectively, P≤0.05). On the other hand, the intakes of protein (g/day), saturated fat (g/day), cholesterol (mg/day), calcium (mg/day) were significantly higher in male adolescents (90.1±2.3, 31.7±1.0, 339.2±18.3, and 651.5±27.8) as compared with female adolescents (79.2±2.1, 29.2±1.2, 263.6±14.9, and 555.2±21.7) (P≤ 0.05). Comparing of the adolescents’ nutrients intake to the DRIs, many nutrients were found to be below or above the recommendations. Conclusion: The study findings highlighted that there is an urgent need to establish a plan of action to combat malnutrition among adolescents in Jordan

Dietary Patterns and Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Findings from a Case-Control Study

Scientific evidence shows that dietary patterns are associated with the risk of IBD, particularly among unhealthy and Western dietary patterns. However, Western dietary patterns are not exclusive to Western countries, as Jordanians are steadily moving towards a Western lifestyle, which includes an increased consumption of processed foods. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary patterns and the risk factors for IBD cases among Jordanian adults. This case-control study was conducted between November 2018 and December 2019 in the largest three hospitals in Jordan. Three hundred and thirty-five Jordanian adults aged between 18-68 years were enrolled in this study: one hundred and eighty-five IBD patients who were recently diagnosed with IBD (n = 100 for ulcerative colitis (UC) and n = 85 for Crohn's disease (CD)) and 150 IBD-free controls. Participants were matched based on age and marital status. In addition, dietary data was collected from all participants using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis and principal component analysis were used to determine the dietary patterns. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a multinomial logistic regression model. Two dietary patterns were identified among the study participants: high-vegetable and high-protein dietary patterns. There was a significantly higher risk of IBD with high-protein intake at the third and fourth quartiles in the non-adjusted model as well as the other two adjusted models. In contrast, the high-vegetable dietary pattern shows a significantly protective effect on IBD in the third and fourth quartiles in all the models. Thus, a high-vegetable dietary pattern may be protective against the risk of IBD, while a high-protein dietary pattern is associated with an increased risk of IBD among a group of the Jordanian population

Nutrition and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Objective Many dietary and lifestyle factors are found to be associated with the pathogenesis of IBD. The purpose of this study is to review the dietary and lifestyle factors associated with IBD. In addition, too, this review attempts to investigate the association between dietary patterns and IBD risk and compare lifestyle factors among IBD patients. Methods Google Scholar and PubMed were searched together with relevant journals for Englishstudies from September 2018 to August 2020. The original studies which evaluated the lifestyle factors and dietary patterns as risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease were included. Results Several studies in IBD were discussed and highlighted the independent effects of various dietary and lifestyle factors on the risk of IBD. Forty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria and indicated that dietary factors tend to play a pivotal role in the disease etiopathogenesis and course. However, research on food and IBD is contradictory. Conclusion An excessive intake of sugar and animal fat is considered a risk factor for the development of IBD, whereas a high fiber diet and high intake of fruits and vegetables may play a protective effect. The role of lifestyle factors in IBD is crucial. Amply of evidence suggested that smoking is a causative agent in CD while it is protective against UC. Stress, depression, vitamin D deficiency, and impaired sleep have all been associated with incident IBD. A diet with a modified carbohydrate composition, a semi-vegetarian diet, a diet low in protein and fat, and a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols should be taken into consideration for IBD patient

Prevalence of Food Insecurity among Women in Northern Jordan

Food insecurity—not having sufficient quantities of good-quality foods—is inversely related to physical and mental health and directly related to poor dietary intake. The objectives of this research were to (a) measure the prevalence of food insecurity among women in northern Jordan, (b) study the socioeconomic factors associated with an increased risk of food insecurity, and (c) investigate the relationship between household food insecurity and women's reported body-weight. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an interview-based questionnaire. In total, 500 women were interviewed in the waiting rooms of the outpatient clinics of two major public hospitals in northern Jordan. Food insecurity was assessed using the short form of the U.S. food security survey module. The prevalence of food insecurity was 32.4%. Income below the poverty-line, illiteracy, unemployment, rented housing, and woman heading the household were among the socioeconomic factors that increased the probability of food insecurity. No evidence was found to support the relationship between obesity and food insecurity. Except grains, food-insecure women with hunger had lower intake of all food-groups. This study demonstrated that the problem of food insecurity is present in Jordan. Food-insecure women with hunger are at a risk of malnutrition. Interventions that target reduction of the factors associated with food insecurity are necessary

Assessment of Nutrients Associated With the Risk of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: A Case-Control Study

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease characterized by the loss in bone density and modification in bone structure. These changes will increase bone fragility and the risk of fracture particularly among postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study is to explore the possible association between nutrient intake and the risk of suffering from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis. A case-control study was designed to determine nutrients intake, as well as dietary and lifestyle patterns. One hundred patients who were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 100 osteoporosis-free controls Jordanian postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study. The ratio of case to controls is 1:1. Several macro and micronutrients were identified as having a protective effect on the risk of osteoporosis. The intake of carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and phosphorus was associated with lower risk of osteoporosis in all quartiles. Moreover, Fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc are protective in the third and fourth quartiles. A significant protective effect of fats, monounsaturated fats, and vitamins C consumption was detected in the fourth quartile. The present results suggest that a poor diet and a lack of a healthy lifestyle do have significant effects on the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.The authors would like to thank the Deanship of Academic Research of The University of Jordan. In addition, a great appreciation devoted for Dr. Munther Almomani for his support inside the Jordan university hospital regarding this study. The authors would like to express their appreciation to the Jordanian Osteoporosis Prevention Society for their cooperation in facilitating the enrollment of participants in this research and to the Arab Engineers Medical Equipments & Supplies Trading Co. for lending the instrument that was used in this research. The authors' thanks extend to all the staff and managers of Al-Tayseer laboratory for their kind help, patience and cooperation throughout the research period. This research was funded by Deanship of Academic Research of The University of Jordan.Scopu

Abdominal Fat Is Directly Associated With Inflammation In PersonsWith Type-2 Diabetes Regardless Of Glycemic Control – A Jordanian Study

Background and aim: Systemic inflammation is related to the progression of complications associated with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between general and abdominal obesity and inflammation in patients with type-2 diabetes with or without glycemic control. Methods: A total of 198 men (n=73) and women (n=125) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes participated in this study. General obesity markers, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal fat were assessed. Circulating concentrations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined. Poor glycemic control and good glycemic control were defined as having fasting HbA1C concentrations ≥7% and <7%, respectively. Multivariate adjusted analysis of covariance was used to determine the relation between BMI and abdominal fat and markers of inflammation in patients with good and poor glycemic control. Results: Patients in <7% HbA1C category, those with high abdominal fat had ≈262% higher CRP and ≈30.6% higher IL-6 compared to those with low abdominal fat (p˂0.05). Patients in ≥7% HbA1C category, those with high abdominal fat had ≈41.4% higher CRP and ≈33.9% higher IL-6 compared to those with low abdominal fat (p˂0.05). Abdominal fat was directly related to CRP (p˂0.023) and IL-6 (p˂0.002) concentrations in both groups of type-2 diabetic patients with <7% and ≥7% HbA1C. In patients with ≥7% HbA1C, BMI was directly related to CRP (p˂0.02) and IL-6 (p˂0.047). Whereas in patients with <7% HbA1C, BMI was not associated with CRP or IL-6 concentrations. Conclusion: High level of abdominal fat is associated with systemic inflammation in type-2 diabetes regardless of glycemic control. Abdominal fat is a better predictor (determinant) of inflammation than BMI in patients with type-2 diabetes with or without glycemic control. Keywords: BMI, C-reactive protein, diabetes, IL-6, inflammation, obesityThis research is funded by Jordan University of Science and Technolog

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Contribute Significantly to College Students’ Daily Caloric Intake in Jordan: Soft Drinks Are Not the Major Contributor

Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are caloric-dense and associated with poor diet quality which may result in weight gain and obesity. Obesity is an independent risk factor for several chronic diseases. This study aimed to (1) assess the consumption level of SSBs among college students in Jordan and (2) examine the relationship of consumption level to body weight. The current study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 967 college students (55.3% males and 44.7% females). Consumption of SSBs was assessed using validated questionnaires. SSBs were classified into four major categories (hot drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and soft drinks). Anthropometric measurements of the participants including body weight, height, and waist circumferences were recorded. Male students consumed more calories from SSBs compared to female students (p = 0.016). The mean contribution of SSBs to daily energy intake among college students was 480 kcal with the highest contribution from sugar sweetened hot drinks and fruit drinks. A significant positive relationship was found in BMI (p = 0.006) and waist circumference (p = 0.030) for participants consuming calories from SSBs. In conclusion, beverages with added sugar contribute substantially to the daily energy intake of college students in Jorda

Adequacy of Nutrients Intake among Jordanian Pregnant Women in Comparison to Dietary Reference Intakes.

Maternal nutrition is considered an important pillar in the pregnancy outcomes for both mother and infant. A mother's malnutrition and inadequate nutrient intake is associated with many undesirable pregnancy outcomes. Hence, assessing the nutritional status of the mother in the early stages of the pregnancy and preventing any inadequacy can preclude many health problems for both mother and infant. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the adequacy of nutrient intakes among Jordanian pregnant women as compared to their corresponding dietary reference intakes (DRIs). This cross-sectional study was conducted at a major University Hospital in Jordan. Three hundred pregnant women were invited to participate in the study and 286 agreed to participate. Fifty pregnant women were enrolled at week 9, then 96 pregnant women were at week 20 and 137 pregnant women were at week 30 of pregnancy. The participants completed the interview-based demographic questionnaire, pregnancy physical activity questionnaire, and quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mean energy intake was 2768.9 ± 767.8 kcal/day and it was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester ( < 0.05). Women in the 3rd trimester consumed significantly more protein, carbohydrates, and sugar than women in the 1st and 2nd trimesters ( < 0.05). The pregnant women in the 3rd trimester consumed more sodium than women in the 1st and 2nd trimesters ( < 0.05). The vitamin K intake was significantly ( = 0.045) lower in the 2nd trimester than the 1st and 3rd trimesters. The calcium intake was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester than the 1st and 2nd trimesters ( = 0.021). The total micronutrient (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and D, calcium, and iron) intakes derived from dietary supplements and food sources throughout the 3 trimesters was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester than the 1st and 2nd trimesters ( < 0.05). The vitamin D, calcium, and iron intakes had the most significant increases between the 1st and 3rd trimesters ( < 0.001), while folic acid intake was significantly higher in the 1st trimester than the 2nd and 3rd trimester ( < 0.001). Most women exceeded the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for sodium in all trimesters, while 82% of women exceeded the UL of folic acid in the 1st trimester and from the supplement, not the diet. While the intake of some nutrients from food alone remains below the DRIs in the diets of pregnant women, the intake of other nutrients is above the UL. Raising the awareness of pregnant women about their diet and how a supplement intake can reduce the risk of inadequate intake for many micronutrients and improve their pregnancy outcomes is of great importance

Consumption of some food groups is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease among Jordanians

Strong evidence suggests the effects certain food groups have reducing or increasing the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, findings seem to be inconsistent across different populations and even scare in Middle Eastern setting where cardiovascular diseases are endemic. This study aimed at investigating the associations between food groups and risk of cardiovascular disease among Jordanians. A case control study was conducted using convenient sampling method with a total of 400 participants who underwent coronary angiography. Diagnosis of CVD was confirmed by coronary angiography. Case and controls were matched by age and gender with 1:1 ratio. Standardized and validated questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, health, lifestyle, and dietary data. Mean age of participants was 56.2+0.55 and 57.2+0.82 for males and females respectively. Food groups with significant influence on prevention or increasing risks for CVD identified in this study are fruits (p=0.024) and Vegetables (p=0.025) but contrary to previous findings, this study identified lower consumption of sweets and sugar among cases of CVD (p=0.007). A U-shape relationship was identified between risk of CVD and consumption of vegetable oil, nuts and seeds (p>0.05). Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and moderate consumption of vegetables oil and seeds and nuts are may be associated with decreased risk of CVD among Jordanian population.We thank the patients who participated in the study, and the hospital management for facilitating the data collection and all other aspects of this research. Also, we would like to thank Qatar University for funding the publication of this article.Scopu