Comparison of nutritional, biochemical and anthropometric measures as comparative risk factors between young and postmenopausal women

To determine the differences between young women and postmenopausal women in terms of bone mineral density, body composition, physical activity, nutrition; and levels of serum leptin, homocysteine, folate and blood lipids. This descriptive study was carried out on 60 young women and 45 postmenopausal women. It was designed to include anthropometric measurements, biochemical analyses, bone mineral density, nutritional assessment and calculation of energy expenditure. Cholesterol, triglyceride, homocysteine, leptin and folate levels of postmenopausal women were found to be significantly higher than those of young women [p<0.05]. The daily energy intake from foods and daily energy consumption levels of the postmenopausal women were higher than those of young women [p<0.05]. Daily amounts of protein, thiamine and riboflavin consumed by the postmenopausal women were also higher than those of the women [p<0.05]. Age is an important parameter affecting body composition, energy and nutrient intakes. Young women and postmenopausal women are significant risk groups in terms of nutrition and health. It is suggested that some nutritional recommendations specific to young women and postmenopausal women should be formulated

Evaluation of dietary quality of adolescents using Healthy Eating Index

The aim of this study was to use the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) to assess diet quality and determine the relationship between the HEI-2005 and the energy and nutrient intakes of adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,104 healthy adolescents, mean age of 15.8 +/- 1.24 years. Dietary intake was measured with the 24-hour dietary recall method, and dietary quality was assessed by means of the HEI-2005. Diet quality scores ranged from 23.7 to 77.5. The mean score was found to be 51.5 +/- 9.07 according to the HEI-2005. There were no differences according to gender; 42.8% had a poor diet and 57.2% had a diet that needs improvement. No subjects had a "good diet". Lower mean subgroup scores were found for whole grains, total vegetables, total fruits, dairy products, and meat and beans. Fruits and vegetables scores were significantly high in girls, whereas sodium, oil, and meat and beans scores were significantly high in boys. Total HEI-2005 scores were increasingly associated with parental education level when age and gender were adjusted. There was a negative correlation between HEI-2005 scores and age, total energy intake, and fat intake. Positive correlation was only observed in the HEI-2005 scores for protein and dietary fibre intakes. Consequently, the overall diet quality and nutritional habits of Turkish adolescents need modification and improvement. In the family, measures should be initiated by the government, including advertisements and campaigns.

effect of body composition on blood lipids, leptin, bone mineral density, and nutrition in females

To study the effect of body composition on blood lipids, leptin, bone mineral density, and nutrition in females. One hundred and thirty-one fourth-year females students studying at the Faculty of Vocational Education, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, during the year 2006, were determined for their body composition. Their anthropometric measurements, blood lipids, leptin levels, and bone mineral densities were measured. Moreover, 24-hour reminder method was used to determine their state of nutrition. The total cholesterol [p=0.002], triglyceride [p=0.00], low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol [p=0.004], very LDL cholesterol [p=0.000], total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol [p=0.000], LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol [p=0.000] and leptin [p=0.000] levels were found to be lower among the thin than the normal-weight and the overweight, whereas the HDL cholesterol [p=0.277] level was found higher. The bone mineral density of the overweight participants were higher than the thin [p<0.001]. Significant correlations were determined between the body composition and blood lipids, leptin, and bone mineral density [p<0.001]. According to the results, being at the required weight has a positive effect on blood lipids, leptin, and bone mass. To better understand this relationship, further studies are needed