Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and Maternal Nutrition in Relation to Infant Birth Size

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake on birth size in the north-east part of Iran. Maternal information including BMI and dietary intake from 453 healthy pregnant women were collected in 2013–2014. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI were obtained from health records and dietary intakes in third trimester were collected by using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which consisted of 160 Iranian foods. Anthropometric measurements of neonates including weight, height, and head circumference were 3.19 ± 0.49 kg, 50.24 ± 2.1 cm, and 34.61 ± 1.5 cm, respectively. A significant difference was found in neonatal birth weight (p < 0.001) and head circumference (p = 0.002) between underweight and obese mothers. Furthermore, maternal intake of fat had a direct correlation with birth size. There was a positive relationship between vitamin A and potassium intake and birth height. The article concludes that normal maternal pre-pregnancy weight and appropriate diet are likely essential for healthy babies.

Is household food insecurity associated with overweight/obesity in women?

Despite reports on association between overweight/obesity among women and household food insecurity [FI] in developed countries, such association is not evident in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the association between household FI and weight status in adult females in Tehran, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 418 households were selected through systematic cluster sampling from 6 districts of Tehran. Height and weight were measured and body mass index [BMI] was calculated. Socio-economic status of the household was assessed by a questionnaire. Three consecutive 24-hour diet recalls were completed. FI was measured using adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Logistic regression was used to test the effects of SES and food security on weight status, simultaneously. Using Structural Equation Modeling [SEM] potential causal relationships between FI and weight status was explored. Only 1.0% of women were underweight, while 40.3% were overweight and 33% were obese, respectively. Severe, moderate, and mild food insecurity was observed in 11.5, 14.7, and 17.8%, respectively. Among women in moderately food insecure households, the possibility of overweight was lower than those of food secure households [OR 0.41; CI95%:0.17-0.99], while in severely food insecure households, the risk of abdominal obesity for women was 2.82 times higher than food secures [CI95%:1.12-7.08] [P<0.05]. SEM detected no causal relationship between FI and weight status. Association of severe food insecurity with abdominal obesity in adult females of households may indicate their vulnerability and the need for tailoring programs to prevent further health problems in this group

Dietary predictors of childhood obesity in a representative sample of children in north east of Iran / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The prevalence of obesity is increasing in Iranian youngsters. This study aimed to assess some dietary determinants of obesity in a representative sample of children in Neishabour, a city in northeastern, Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This case-control study was conducted among 114 school students, aged 6-12 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥95th (based on percentile of Iranian children) as the case group and 102 age- and gender-matched controls, who were selected from their non-obese classmates. Nutrient intake data were collected by trained nutritionists by using two 24-hour-dietary recalls through maternal interviews in the presence of their child. A food frequency questionnaire was used for detecting the snack consumption patterns. Statistical analysis was done using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) by SPSS version 16.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In univariate logistic regression, total energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat (including saturated, mono- and poly-unsaturated fat), and dietary fiber were the positive predictors of obesity in studied children. The estimated crude ORs for frequency of corn-based extruded snacks, carbonated beverages, potato chips, fast foods, and chocolate consumption were statistically significant. After MLR analysis, the association of obesity remained significant with energy intake (OR = 2.489, 95%CI: 1.667-3.716), frequency of corn-based extruded snacks (OR = 1.122, 95%CI: 1.007-1.250), and potato chips (OR = 1.143, 95%CI:1.024-1.276). The MLR analysis showed that dietary fiber (OR = 0.601, 95%CI: 0.368-0.983) and natural fruit juice intake (OR = 0.909, 95%CI: 0.835-0.988) were protective factors against obesity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The findings serve to confirm the role of an unhealthy diet, notably calorie-dense snacks, in childhood obesity. Healthy dietary habits, such as the consumption of high-fiber foods, should be encouraged among children.</p>

Eicosapentaenoic acid improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar in overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a double-blind randomised clinical trial

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in humans, and its incidence is increasing rapidly worldwide. Although polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus, previous data regarding the possible positive effects of n-3 fatty acids on glycaemic indices were inconclusive. We conducted a double-blind randomised clinical trial to determine the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, on overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial was conducted on a total of 67 overweight patients with T2DM for a duration of three months. Of these 67 patients, 32 received 2 g purified EPA daily, while 35 received a placebo of 2 g corn oil daily. The patients' fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin sensitivity indices were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After three months of EPA supplementation, the group that received EPA showed significant decreases in FPG (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.01) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.032), when compared to the placebo group. EPA supplementation resulted in decreased serum insulin levels, with the levels between the EPA and placebo groups showing a significant difference (p = 0.004).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of our study indicate that EPA supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity. It was able to decrease serum insulin, FPG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. EPA could have beneficial effects on glycaemic indices in patients with T2DM.</p>

Association between dietary factors and obesity in neishabour school children

The prevalence of childhood obesity in developed and developing countries is increasing. Different factors which are associated with childhood obesity should be assessed in each society. This study conducted to determine dietary risk factors of Neishabour school children in winter 2006. In a cross-sectional study 1471 students aged 6-12 years were selected using two stage cluster sampling. Pupils height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Obesity was defined as having a BMI= 95[th] percentile of Iranian reference; in this way, 114 students were selected as case group and control group were students having 15[th] =

Assessment of oxidative stress markers related to atherosclerosis in pre-hypertensive women

Lipid peroxidation is a free radical-generating process which occurs on every membranous structure of the cell. Free radicals are known to be involved in a number of human pathologies including atherosclerosis. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between pre-hypertension status and oxidative stress markers [total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and malonedialdehyde [MDA] levels] in a random sample of cardiovascular disease-free women. In this study, 160 women of 20-45 years of age were randomly selected.General information data were gathered from each sample using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Blood pressure [BP] was measured for each subject. Body weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were measured and body mass index [BMI] and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] were calculated for each subject. Venous blood samples were drawn from the subjects, and plasma was separated. In this study, the oxidative stress status was assessed by measuring the concentrations of plasma MDA and TAC levels. Our results show that both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were inversely correlated with TAC [p<0.01] and positively correlated with MDA levels [p<0.01]. Particularly, compared to the normotensive subjects, the pre-hypertensives had19% lower TAC [p<0.05] and 22% higher MDA levels [p<0.01], after correcting for multiple comparisons and adjusting for age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and other potential confounders. Our findings revealed an association between pre-hypertension and oxidative stress markers linked to atherosclerosis process. Thus, the identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms in pre-hypertension, which seem to include oxidative stress, may serve as an important lead for developing potentially new treatment modalities in this group of patients at risk for future cardiovascular complications

Plasma iron is associated with lipid peroxidation in women

It has been suggested that the risk of coronary heart disease increases with increase of body iron stores. Free iron catalyzes the generation of free radicals and free radicals promote the oxidation of lipids. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association of plasma iron and factors that could affect its levels [antioxidant enzymes], with the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde [MDA] as a marker of lipid peroxidation. In this study, 160 women aged 20-45 years were randomly selected. A medical history was obtained for each subject prior to enrolment. We assessed lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes by measuring the concentration of plasma MDA and the activities of erythrocyte copper zinc superoxide dismutase [CuZn-SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [GPX]. Our results show that those in the highest tertile of plasma iron were at least twice as likely to have higher plasma MDA levels. Among the factors affecting plasma iron levels, we found that the upper tertile of erythrocyte CuZn-SOD was inversely associated with higher plasma iron. No associations were found between the highest TIBC and MDA levels. There was no significant association between GPX and plasma iron. These findings support the concept that iron, as an important transition metal, might contribute to atherogenesis, along with the classic risk factors. A longitudinal study should confirm whether or not these MDA levels are connected to vascular disease and mortality

study of malnutrition in Iranian patients with primary antibody deficiency

Nutrition is an important factor that influences immunity, and nutritional deficiencies can impair resistance to infections. Malnutrition is the most common cause of immunodeficiency worldwide. Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron, and copper can influence several components of immunity. Primary antibody deficiency disorders are a group of disorders characterized by an unusual susceptibility to infections and malnutrition. Impaired nutritional status has been reported in immunodeficient patients. The aim of this study was to determine anthropometric indices and trace elements status in these patients. Thirty-eight children [28 males, 10 females, aged 2-18 years] with primary antibody deficiency referring to Children's Medical Center of Tehran University of Medical Science were enrolled in this research. Primary immunodeficiency disorders consisting of CVID, XLA, IgA deficiency, IgG subclass deficiency, and hyper IgM were assessed. Anthropometric indices, comprised of height, weight that were measured and body mass index [BMI] was calculated. Height-for-age [HAZ], weight-for-height [WHZ] and weight-for-age [WAZ] were determined according to Z-score to study mild, moderate and severe malnutrition. Serum copper, zinc, selenium and iron levels were measured by an atomic absorption spectrometer. The most common disorders were CVID 52.5% and X-linked agammaglobulinaemia 27.5%. Based on BMI measurements 21.1% of patients had malnutrition. According to HAZ, 13.2%, 13.2% and 36.8% had severe, moderate and mild malnutrition, respectively. According to WAZ, 10.5%, 18.4% and 28.6% had severe, moderate and mild malnutrition, respectively. Regarding to WHZ, 14.3% and 28.6% had moderate and mild malnutrition, respectively. Low selenium levels and high copper levels were observed in 37.5% and 70.3%, respectively. Anthropometric data showed that the frequency of malnutrition in these patients was higher than the CDC standard. Low serum selenium levels and high serum copper levels were observed, suggesting further research is needed on these parameters. Most of the patients had serum zinc and iron levels within the normal range. It is recommeded that clinical immunologists and nutritionists should make a collective effort to provide these patients with standard or specialized diets so as to decrease the risk of infection