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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to compare 24-h diet recall (DR) and 24-h urine collection (UC) for estimating sodium and potassium intakes and their ratio (Na/K), identifying factors associated with sodium and potassium intakes and Na/K, and identifying those who were likely to underestimate sodium and potassium intakes by DR. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#A total of 640 healthy adults aged 19–69 yrs completed a questionnaire survey, salty taste assessment, anthropometric measurement, two 24-h DRs, and two 24-h UCs. @*RESULTS@#The mean sodium and potassium intakes and Na/K were 3,755 mg/d, 2,737 mg/d, and 1.45 according to DR, and 4,145 mg/d, 2,812 mg/d, and 1.57 according to UC, with percentage differences of −9.4%, −2.7%, and −7.6% in the values between the two methods, respectively.Men, older adults, smokers, obese individuals, those who consumed all the liquid in the soup, and those who were found to be salty in the salty taste assessment consumed significantly more sodium; older adults, the heavy- activity group, and obese individuals consumed more potassium; and men, younger adults, smokers, and obese individuals had a significantly higher Na/K, according to UC. Compared with UC, DR was more likely to underestimate sodium intake in older adults, smokers, obese individuals, those who consumed all the liquid in the soup, and those who consumed eating-out/delivery food at least once a day, and potassium intake in older adults, the heavy-activity group, and obese individuals. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The mean sodium and potassium intakes and Na/K estimated by DR were comparable to those measured by UC. However, the association of sodium and potassium intakes with sociodemographic and health-related factors showed inconsistent results when estimated by DR and UC. Factors influencing the underestimation of sodium intake by DR compared to UC should be further investigated.
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Objectives@# This study aimed to determine whether a mobile health (mhealth) intervention is effective in reducing weight and changing dietary behavior among employees with overweight and obesity. The study also investigated whether engagement with the intervention affected its effectiveness. @*Methods@# The intervention involved the use of a dietary coaching app, a wearable device for monitoring physical activity and body composition, and a messenger app for communicating with participants and an intervention manager. A total of 235 employees were recruited for a 12-week intervention from eight workplaces in Korea. Questionnaire surveys, anthropometric measurements, and 24-h dietary recalls were conducted at baseline and after the intervention. @*Results@# After the intervention, significant decreases in the mean body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference were observed. Furthermore, the consumption frequencies of multigrain rice and legumes significantly increased, whereas those of pork belly, instant noodles, processed meat, carbonated beverages, and fast food significantly decreased compared with those at baseline. The mean dietary intake of energy and most nutrients also decreased after the intervention. When the participants were categorized into three groups according to their engagement level, significant differences in anthropometric data, dietary behaviors, and energy intake were observed following the intervention, although there were no differences at baseline, indicating that higher engagement level led to greater improvements in weight loss and dietary behavior. @*Conclusions@# The intervention had positive effects on weight loss and dietary behavior changes, particularly among employees with higher engagement levels. These results indicate the importance of increasing the level of engagement in the intervention to enhance its effectiveness. The mhealth intervention is a promising model for health promotion for busy workers with limited time.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between daily beverage intake and obesity in young adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 256 adults in their 20s and 30s. Obesity was evaluated by anthropometric measurement of body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio and waist to height ratio. In addition, the daily intake of milk, caffeinated beverages, sweetened beverages, and alcoholic beverages was investigated using the dietary record and 24-h recall methods. Based on the BMI, men and women were classified into underweight, normal, overweight and obese. Among men, 38.3% were found to be normal, 28.1% were overweight and 31.3% obese. Among women, 11.7% were underweight, 73.4% were normal, and 10.2% were overweight, which was significantly different from men. In women, the BMI of the milk consumers was significantly lower than the non-consumers. Also, the obesity indices of caffeinated beverage consumers were significantly lower than the non-consumers. An analysis of the correlation between beverage intake and the obesity index showed that the intake of caffeinated beverages among women had a significant negative correlation with the obesity index, and intake of alcoholic beverages had a significant positive correlation with waist to height ratio. This study suggests that intake of milk and caffeinated beverage may have a positive effect on obesity, whereas the intake of alcoholic beverages may have a negative effect, especially in young adult women.
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Objectives@# Our previously published study showed that a workplace nutrition intervention program with personalized goal setting and smartphone-based nutrition counseling improved dietary habits and physical activity in city bus drivers who were overweight/obese. This study explored the facilitators and barriers that participants faced in achieving their dietary and physical activity goals six months after the intervention. @*Methods@# The study included bus drivers and dietitians who participated in the intervention program. Three focus group interviews were conducted with 10 bus drivers (divided by two groups based on their achievement of set goals) and five dietitians who had provided nutrition counseling. @*Results@# Willpower was the most important intrapersonal facilitator for drivers to achieve their goals. Other factors that promoted behavioral changes were nutrition counseling by dietitians, trackable physical activity using smartwatches, and setting of practical and achievable goals. Meanwhile, the most important barriers identified were occupational factors such as long driving hours, short breaks, and shift work. Other barriers were environmental factors such as availability of snackable food, accessibility to convenience stores, and cold weather. Family and colleagues were perceived as both facilitators and barriers. In addition, dietitians identified a lack of knowledge about healthy diet as one of the barriers. @*Conclusions@# Our results suggested that the workplace environment should be improved and that nutrition intervention programs at the workplace could encourage bus drivers to practice healthy eating habits. The facilitators and barriers identified in this study should be considered when planning a nutrition intervention program for bus drivers.
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Objectives@# Screen time refers to the time spent using screen media, such as televisions, smartphones, computers, or tablets. Excessive exposure to screen media has been reported to negatively impact young children’s health and development, including overweight, short sleep duration, and language delays. This study examined the association of screen time and mealtime media use with dietary behaviors among preschool children. @*Methods@# A cross-sectional survey was conducted on parents of children aged three to five years using the online questionnaires of the Nutrition Quotient for Preschoolers (NQ-P) and the Dietary Screening Test (DST). Data from 261 children’s parents were analyzed. @*Results@# Of the 261 children, 96.9% used screen media, 55.6% used screen media for two hours or more daily, and 30.7% were exposed to screen media during meals. The NQ-P scores were significantly lower in the children with longer screen time and mealtime media use. Children who used screen media for two hours or more and those exposed to screen media during meals consumed kimchi less frequently and confectionery and sugar-sweetened beverages more frequently than children who used less than two hours and were not exposed to screen media during meals. In addition, they were more likely to be picky about food, refuse to eat, and less likely to feed themselves than children with shorter screen time and no mealtime media use. @*Conclusions@# This study reported an association between unhealthy dietary behaviors, feeding difficulties, and screen time and mealtime media use among preschool children. Further research should explore effective strategies for reducing children’s screen time.
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Purpose@#This study examines the effectiveness of personalized goal setting and smartphonebased nutrition counseling among adults in their 20s and 30s. @*Methods@#Nutrition counseling was conducted for a total of 30 adults through a 1:1 chat room of a mobile instant messenger, once a week for 8 weeks. The first week of counseling included a preliminary online questionnaire survey and a dietary intake survey. Based on the results of the preliminary survey, 2 dietary goals were set in the second week and the participants were asked to record their achievements on a daily checklist. From the third week onwards, counselors sent feedback messages based on the checklist and provided information on dietary guidelines in a card news format every week. Post-counseling questionnaires and dietary intake surveys were conducted in the seventh week. Changes in dietary habits during the counseling were reviewed in the eighth week, followed by a questionnaire survey on the evaluation of the counseling process. @*Results@#The nutrition quotient (NQ) scores and self-efficacy scores were significantly higher after nutrition counseling. The NQ scores of consumption frequencies of fruits, milk and dairy products, nuts, fast food, Ramyeon, sweet and greasy baked products, sugarsweetened beverages, the number of vegetable dishes at meals, and breakfast frequency were significantly higher after nutrition counseling. The intake of protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, calcium, and iron, and the index of nutritional quality of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, calcium, and iron were higher after nutrition education. The participants were satisfied with the nutrition counseling program and the provided nutrition information. @*Conclusion@#Personalized goal setting and smartphone-based nutrition counseling were found to be effective in improving the quality of diet and self-efficacy in young adults. Similar results were obtained in both the underweightormal weight and the overweight/obese groups.
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Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, acts as a coenzyme for one-carbon metabolism in nucleic acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Adequate folate nutritional status during the periconceptional period is known to prevent neural tube defects. In addition, insufficient folate intake is associated with various conditions, such as anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive impairment, and depression. This review discusses the rationale for the revision of the 2020 Korean dietary reference intakes for folate, and suggestions for future revisions. Based on the changes in the standard body weight in 2020, the adequate intake (AI) for infants (5–11 months) and the estimated average requirements (EARs) for 15–18 years of age were revised, but there were no changes in the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) and tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for all age groups. Mean folate intake did not reach RNI in most age groups and was particularly low in women aged 15–29 years, according to the results of the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The percentages of folate intake to RNI were lower than 60% in pregnant and lactating women, but serum folate concentrations were higher than those in other age groups, presumably due to the use of supplements. Therefore, total folate intake, from both food and supplements, should be evaluated. In addition, the database of folate in raw, cooked, and fortified foods should be further expanded to accurately assess the folate intake of Koreans. Determination of the concentrations of erythrocyte folate and plasma homocysteine as well as serum folate is recommended, and quality control of the analysis is critical.
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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to develop a sodium index, which is a tool for estimating and assessing sodium intake easily and quickly, to assist in the prevention of various diseases induced by excess sodium intake in Korean adults. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#The 24-h urine collection and dietary behavior surveys were performed on 640 healthy people in 4 regions of South Korea, and an equation for the estimation of 24-h sodium intake was developed. The validity and reliability of the equation were verified with 200 adults. The sodium index was developed by converting the estimated sodium intake using the equation. Finally, the sodium intake status of 1,600 adults was assessed using the sodium index. @*RESULTS@#The equation included sex, age, body mass index, eating habit and dietary behaviors related to sodium intake. In validity test of the equation, the mean bias between sodium intake using 24-h urine analysis and using the equation from the Bland-Altman plots was −1.5 mg/day. The sensitivity and specificity of the equation for estimation of sodium intake were 80.5% and 64.4%, respectively. In the reliability test of the equation, there was no significant difference between the first and second sodium intakes calculated using the equations, and Spearman's correlation coefficient between the 2 sodium intakes was 0.98. Sodium intake can be assessed as ‘very moderate’ for 75–100 on the sodium index, ‘moderate’ for 100–150, ‘careful’ for less than 75 or 150–200, and ‘severe’ for 250 or more. When sodium intake was assessed using the sodium index in 1,600 subjects, 54.3% and 24.3% of the subjects were assessed to be in the ‘careful’ and ‘severe’ categories, respectively. @*CONCLUSIONS@#Using a simple questionnaire, the sodium index can be used to monitor and assess sodium intake status, assisting in nutrition education and counseling in a large population.
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Objectives@#This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the intervention of the nutrition support team (NST) on the nutritional status of critically ill patients. @*Methods@#The medical records of 176 adult patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and received enteral or parenteral nutrition for more than 7 days were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified into the NST and non-NST groups according to whether they were referred to the NST or not. The NST group was further classified into the compliance and non-compliance groups depending on their compliance with the NST recommendations. @*Results@#The NST referral rate was 56.8%, and the rate of compliance with the NST recommendations was 47.0%. Significantly higher energy and protein were provided to the NST and the compliance groups than to the non-NST and the non-compliance groups. The proportion of patients who reached the target calories after the initiation of enteral nutrition was significantly higher in the NST and the compliance groups than in the non-NST and the non-compliance groups. The serum albumin and hemoglobin levels significantly decreased in every group, but the changes were significantly lower in the compliance group. The nutritional status at discharge from the intensive care unit compared to the status at admission was significantly worse in the NST, non-NST, and non-compliance groups. However, the status was maintained in the compliance group. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was significantly shorter in the compliance group. @*Conclusions@#Compliance with the NST recommendations was found to provide more calories and protein and prevent the deterioration of the nutritional status of critically ill patients. Therefore, effective communication between medical staff and the NST from the early stages of admission to the intensive care unit is needed to improve referrals to the NST and compliance with the recommendations.
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Objectives@#This study examined the personal, interpersonal and community factors related to food sufficiency and variety among Korean adults using data from the 2017 Community Health Survey. @*Methods@#A total of 228,310 adults aged ≥ 19 years were classified into three groups: food sufficiency with variety, food sufficiency without variety and food insufficiency. Personal factors included sociodemographic characteristics, health behavior and health status. Interpersonal factors included social networking and social activities, and community factors included safety, natural environment, living environment, availability of public transportation and health care services. The association of food sufficiency and variety with interpersonal and community factors was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. @*Results@#Of the total sample, the food-sufficiency-without-variety group and food insufficiency group accounted for 31.5% and 3.2%, respectively. The sociodemographic factors associated with food insufficiency and non-variety were women, ≥ 65 years of age, with low education level, low household income, unemployed, single, and living in areas of small population sizes. There were significant differences in health behavior and health status, interpersonal and community factors among the three groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses conducted after adjusting for confounding factors showed that lack of social networking and social activities and lower satisfaction derived from community environments were associated with the risk of food insufficiency and non-variety. @*Conclusions@#Our results showed that interpersonal and community factors as well as personal factors were related to food sufficiency and variety. Therefore, public policies to help build social networks and participation in social activities, and improve community environment are needed together with food assistance to overcome the problems of food insufficiency and non-variety.
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Methods@#In September 2019, 93 convenience store lunchboxes from the top five franchise stores were purchased. Relevant information on price, food weight, food ingredients, cooking methods, and nutrition labeling were subsequently collected.Nutritional content was evaluated based on the daily value (DV) and Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ), and energy contribution of carbohydrate, protein, fat, saturated fat and sugar was compared with the recommended range. @*Results@#Most lunchboxes included the food groups; grains/starches, meats/fish/eggs/ legumes, and vegetables. However, none provided fruits, and only a few lunchboxes provided milk/milk products. Stir-frying, deep-frying, and pan-frying were the most frequent methods of cooking. The average energy content of the lunchboxes was 736.6 kcal, whereas the average contents of protein, fat and saturated fat were higher than 40% of the DV, and sodium content was 66.8% of the DV. The contents of most nutrients in traditional type lunchboxes were higher, as compared to nutrients in onedish type lunchboxes. Considering pricing of lunchboxes, protein and sodium contents were higher in the higher-priced lunchboxes as compared to lower-priced lunchboxes, but there were no differences in the INQs. The contents of energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol significantly differed by brand. @*Conclusions@#Our results indicate that convenience store lunchboxes contain high levels of protein, fat, saturated fat, and sodium. The nutritional contents differed by meal type, price, and store brand, and higher price did not imply higher nutritional quality. We propose the need to educate consumers to check nutrition labels and purchase appropriate lunchboxes. Manufacturers also need to make efforts to reduce the amounts of fat, saturated fat, and sodium, and not provide protein in excess.
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OBJECTIVES: Calcium (Ca) is an insufficiently consumed nutrient, whereas phosphorus (P) intake has exceeded the recommended intake level in Korea over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to analyze dietary Ca and P intakes and their contribution rate according to dish groups.METHODS: A 24-hour dietary recall survey of 640 healthy adults (aged 19–69 years) was undertaken twice in four Korean provinces. Dietary Ca and P intakes and their rates of contribution from 31 major dish groups were analyzed and compared by gender, age group, and region.RESULTS: The average Ca and P intakes of the subjects were 542.1 ± 222.2 mg/d and 1,068.3 ± 329.0 mg/d, respectively. The intakes of Ca and P as percentages of recommended nutrients intake (RNI%) were 71.7 ± 29.8% and 152.6 ± 47%, respectively, and the percentages under the estimated average requirement were 60.3% for Ca and 3.8% for P. The RNI% of Ca was not significantly different between males and females, but was significantly higher in subjects in the sixties age group than in other age groups and was significantly lower in the Korean capital than in other regions. The RNI% of P did not significantly differ by gender or age groups, but it was significantly higher in the capital than in Gyeong-sang. The five major dish groups contributing to Ca intake (contribution rate) were milks/dairy products 69.2 ± 109.2 mg/d (12.6%), soups 55.6 ± 69.6 mg/d (10.1%), stir-fried foods 53.1 ± 70.7 mg/d (9.7%), stews 43.4 ± 85.4 mg/d (7.9%), and kimchi 38.4 ± 31.8 mg/d (7.0%). The five major dish group contributing to P intake (contribution rate) were cooked rice 160.7 ± 107.1 mg/d (14.9%), stir-fried foods 88.5 ± 89.4 mg/d (8.2%), soups 76.7 ± 85.8 mg/d (7.1%), one-dish meals 63.3 ± 94.4 mg/d (5.9%), and stews 62.6 ± 89.3 mg/d (5.8%). The dish groups contributing to Ca and P intakes differed somewhat by gender, age group, and region.CONCLUSIONS: Programs to improve the nutritional status of Ca and P intakes should consider the differences in Ca and P contribution rates by dish groups as well as by gender, age group, and region.
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Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Calcium , Calcium, Dietary , Korea , Meals , Nutritional Status , PhosphorusABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study examined the associations of Korean fermented cabbage kimchi consumption with the incidence risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in Korean adults.METHODS: We used the community-based cohort data from the 2001 ~ 2012 Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). General characteristics, food group frequencies and nutrient intakes at baseline from 3,560 healthy individuals aged 40 ~ 69 years and the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its component from 2,259 participants, after excluding the data with incomplete anthropometric and blood test, during 10-year follow-up were analyzed. The participants were classified into three groups according to their daily consumption frequency of Korean fermented cabbage kimchi: ‘less than once (< 1/day)’, ‘once or twice (1 ~ 2/day)’, and ‘three times (3/day)’.RESULTS: After controlling for potential confounders such as age, education, income, residence area, alcohol drinking and energy intake, the consumption frequencies of rice and legumes were significantly higher, and the consumption frequency of meat was significantly lower in the 3/day group compared to that of the other two groups in men and women. The average intakes of energy and most nutrients, except fat and cholesterol, were higher in the 3/day group compared to those of the other two groups in men and women. Frequent consumption of kimchi was associated with a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome in all the models (unadjusted, age-adjusted, and multivariable-adjusted models) in women. When examining the multivariable-adjusted model, the hazard ratio for metabolic syndrome was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.47 ~ 0.86) for the 3/day group compared to that of the < 1/day group in women. However, there was no significant association between kimchi consumption and the incidence of metabolic syndrome in men.CONCLUSION: Our results show that consumption of kimchi at every meal was significantly associated with a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome in women.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Alcohol Drinking , Brassica , Cholesterol , Cohort Studies , Education , Energy Intake , Epidemiology , Fabaceae , Follow-Up Studies , Genome , Hematologic Tests , Incidence , Longitudinal Studies , Meals , MeatABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Folic acid supplementation before pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The purposes of this study were to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid supplements along with their associated factors among non-pregnant Korean women of childbearing age. SUBJECTS/METHODS: From August 2012 to March 2013, 704 women aged 19–45 years completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding their awareness, knowledge, and use of folic acid as well as questions to identify risk of inadequate folate intake. RESULTS: Approximately 67% of women reported that they had heard of folic acid, and 23.7% had knowledge of both the role of folic acid in preventing birth defects and appropriate time for taking folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects. However, only 9.4% of women took folic acid supplements at the time of the survey. Women aged 19–24 years, unmarried women, and women who had never been pregnant were less likely to be aware and knowledgeable of folic acid or take folic acid supplements. In addition, women at high risk of inadequate folate intake were less likely to take folic acid supplements. In a multivariate analysis, women aged 19–24 years, women with a high school diploma or lower education level, and unmarried women were less likely to be aware and have knowledge of folic acid. The percentage of women taking folic acid supplements was significantly higher among knowledgeable women than among unknowledgeable women. CONCLUSIONS: These results support our hypothesis that women with knowledge of folic acid are more likely to take folic acid supplements. Therefore, educational programs or campaigns to improve knowledge regarding the importance of folic acid and to promote consumption of folic acid supplements as well as folate-rich foods are needed to target young, less educated, and unmarried women.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Congenital Abnormalities , Dietary Supplements , Education , Folic Acid , Multivariate Analysis , Neural Tube Defects , Single PersonABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Use of dietary supplements containing vitamins and minerals is growing in Korean adults, especially in pregnant and lactating women. Vitamin and mineral supplements are available in different composition and in a wide range of contents. The purposes of the study were to examine nutrient composition and content of vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women and assess their appropriateness as dietary supplements. METHODS: Information on the name, manufacturer, nutrient composition, and usage of vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women were obtained from the homepage of the Food Safety Information Portal managed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and Korean Index of Medical Specialties. A total of 264 products were identified. RESULTS: Among 264 products, 26.1% were single nutrient products, and 73.9% were multinutrient products. The most commonly included nutrient was iron (70.1%), folic acid (66.3%), vitamin B12 (45.8%), vitamin C (38.6%), and vitamin B6 (38.6%). Although more than 50% of products contained nutrients less than 150% of Recommended Nutrient Intakes or Adequate Intakes for daily use, some products contained inappropriately high amounts of nutrients. When a maximum daily dose of supplements was taken as described on the label, iron in 73 products (39.5%), folic acid in 14 products (8.0%) were likely to be consumed in amounts greater than Tolerable Upper Intake Levels. Most products were assessed as inappropriate for pregnant women due to the possibility of excessive intake of vitamins or minerals when compared with Dietary Reference Intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant and lactating women need to carefully select dietary supplements containing adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists should provide guidelines regarding selection of appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Ascorbic Acid , Dietary Supplements , Folic Acid , Food Safety , Iron , Korea , Minerals , Miners , Nutritionists , Pregnant Women , Recommended Dietary Allowances , Vitamin B 12 , Vitamin B 6 , VitaminsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the awareness of energy drinks, energy drink consumption behaviors, and associated factors among college students. METHODS: A total of 536 students from three universities in Cheongju completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding awareness and consumption of energy drinks as well as general characteristics, health-related characteristics, and eating habits. RESULTS: Approximately half of the respondents reported they knew what energy drinks were, while 45.7% had heard of energy drinks but did not know what they were. However, 76.9% had experience in using energy drinks. The main reason for using energy drinks was to stay awake, and the main place that they were used was on campus or at the library. More than 70% of energy drink users did not read the caffeine contents of energy drinks. After consuming energy drinks, 31.3% experienced adverse effects, the most serious being sleep disturbance. Approximately 33% of students consumed energy drinks once a month or more frequently, and men consumed energy drinks more frequently than females. Energy drink users who consumed at least one drink each month were more likely to be natural science major or drink more milk for male students, and to have more allowances or consume less meat for female students, compared with non-users. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that 33% of students consumed at least one energy drink each month, and there were a small number of students consumed energy drinks almost every day or energy drinks mixed with alcohol. Accordingly, college students should be taught potential health hazards of energy drinks mixed with alcohol as well as energy drinks alone. In addition, reading labels about caffeine and sugar contents in energy drinks is encouraged.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Caffeine , Eating , Energy Drinks , Meat , Milk , Natural Science Disciplines , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Use of dietary supplements containing vitamins and minerals is growing in Korean adults, especially in pregnant and lactating women. Vitamin and mineral supplements are available in different composition and in a wide range of contents. The purposes of the study were to examine nutrient composition and content of vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women and assess their appropriateness as dietary supplements. METHODS: Information on the name, manufacturer, nutrient composition, and usage of vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women were obtained from the homepage of the Food Safety Information Portal managed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and Korean Index of Medical Specialties. A total of 264 products were identified. RESULTS: Among 264 products, 26.1% were single nutrient products, and 73.9% were multinutrient products. The most commonly included nutrient was iron (70.1%), folic acid (66.3%), vitamin B12 (45.8%), vitamin C (38.6%), and vitamin B6 (38.6%). Although more than 50% of products contained nutrients less than 150% of Recommended Nutrient Intakes or Adequate Intakes for daily use, some products contained inappropriately high amounts of nutrients. When a maximum daily dose of supplements was taken as described on the label, iron in 73 products (39.5%), folic acid in 14 products (8.0%) were likely to be consumed in amounts greater than Tolerable Upper Intake Levels. Most products were assessed as inappropriate for pregnant women due to the possibility of excessive intake of vitamins or minerals when compared with Dietary Reference Intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant and lactating women need to carefully select dietary supplements containing adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists should provide guidelines regarding selection of appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Ascorbic Acid , Dietary Supplements , Folic Acid , Food Safety , Iron , Korea , Minerals , Miners , Nutritionists , Pregnant Women , Recommended Dietary Allowances , Vitamin B 12 , Vitamin B 6 , VitaminsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the awareness of energy drinks, energy drink consumption behaviors, and associated factors among college students. METHODS: A total of 536 students from three universities in Cheongju completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding awareness and consumption of energy drinks as well as general characteristics, health-related characteristics, and eating habits. RESULTS: Approximately half of the respondents reported they knew what energy drinks were, while 45.7% had heard of energy drinks but did not know what they were. However, 76.9% had experience in using energy drinks. The main reason for using energy drinks was to stay awake, and the main place that they were used was on campus or at the library. More than 70% of energy drink users did not read the caffeine contents of energy drinks. After consuming energy drinks, 31.3% experienced adverse effects, the most serious being sleep disturbance. Approximately 33% of students consumed energy drinks once a month or more frequently, and men consumed energy drinks more frequently than females. Energy drink users who consumed at least one drink each month were more likely to be natural science major or drink more milk for male students, and to have more allowances or consume less meat for female students, compared with non-users. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that 33% of students consumed at least one energy drink each month, and there were a small number of students consumed energy drinks almost every day or energy drinks mixed with alcohol. Accordingly, college students should be taught potential health hazards of energy drinks mixed with alcohol as well as energy drinks alone. In addition, reading labels about caffeine and sugar contents in energy drinks is encouraged.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Caffeine , Eating , Energy Drinks , Meat , Milk , Natural Science Disciplines , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Veggiecation was developed to improve children's vegetable consumption through classroom lecture and cooking activities. In this study, we explored potential determinants of vegetable consumption behavior and intention, and examined the impact of Veggiecation on vegetable consumption behavior, intention and personal factors among Korean children. MATERIALS/METHODS: The 4-week Veggiecation program was implemented for second-graders in South Korea (35 children in the intervention group, 36 in the control group). We identified personal and environmental factors influencing vegetable consumption behavior and intention using multiple regression analyses. Consumption behavior, intention and, personal factors such as preference, attitude, and self-efficacy were compared between the groups before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Children's vegetable consumption behavior was significantly correlated with personal, social-, and physical-environmental factors as well as intention. Among the variables, preference was the most influential factor on intention, and attitude and intention had great influence on the behavior. After the program, children in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in vegetable consumption, intention, attitude, preference, and self-efficacy compared with children in the control group. CONCLUSION: Veggiecation, a school-based culinary nutrition education program, improved vegetable consumption and intention, as well as preference, attitude, and self-efficacy, in second-graders. Veggiecation has great potential, as a global program, to increase children's vegetable consumption. This program can be expanded through various channels, such as after-school programs or camps, to provide a positive impact for children.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Cooking , Education , Food Preferences , Intention , Korea , VegetablesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to develop communication strategies for effective nutrition education targeting pregnant women and to create nutrition education contents. METHODS: The format and the contents of online resources on nutrition information for pregnant women provided by reliable institutions were analyzed. Possible solutions to overcome barriers of nutrition education as well as communication strategies for effective nutrition education were identified by a brainstorming process. Based on the communication strategies, contents for nutrition education were created. Understandability, level of interest, applicability to daily life, harmony of text and illustration, and overall satisfaction of the contents were evaluated by dietitians and pregnant women. RESULTS: The four communication strategies were developed; (1) to focus on a few important messages, (2) to provide evidence-based information, (3) to create illustrations or infographics with a minimum amount of text, and (4) to provide tips on how to improve the current diet options. Based on these strategies, the contents were focused on three important nutrients for pregnant women, folate, iron, and calcium. The percentages of the recommended nutrient intakes of the three nutrients on selected menu and its improved version by adding a dish or changing a dish into another dish were calculated and provided. Finally, the contents were delivered as illustrations with a minimum amount of text. Overall, dietitians and pregnant women were satisfied with the contents. CONCLUSIONS: The contents developed in this study can be used in a pamphlet or a pregnancy diary, or can be shared in social networking services. Further contents on other nutrients and various menu are expected to be developed using these communication strategies.