Association of fruit and vegetable consumption with asthma: based on 2013–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#This study examined the association of fruit and vegetable consumption with asthma in Korean adults. @*Methods@#Data on 16,528 adults aged 19–64 were collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The general characteristics of the subjects, daily food intake, and daily energy and nutrients intake were investigated according to fruit and vegetable consumption. All statistical analyses were conducted based on SAS software version 9.4. @*Results@#The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was 2.6%, and ranged between 1.8% and 3.1% depending on fruit and vegetable consumption. As fruit and vegetable consumption increased, the individuals showed a higher average age and household income, but a lower educational level, smoking rate, and frequency of alcohol consumption. The group with higher fruit and vegetable consumption had higher intakes of all food groups without milk and dairy products and energy and nutrients than the counterpart group. For the intake rate of energy, the group with higher consumption of fruit and vegetables had a higher intake rate of carbohydrate and protein and a lower intake rate of fat. The risk rate of asthma with the third quartile group regarding fruit and vegetable consumption was 35%–40% lower than that of the first quartile group. @*Conclusion@#The results suggest that adequate consumption of fruit and vegetable will help to improve the risk of asthma. Moreover, prospective cohort studies and clinical test research are necessary to measure the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on the occurrence of asthma.

Dietary status of young children in Korea based on the data of 2013 ~ 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study examined the dietary habits and nutritional status of young children in Korea. METHODS: Data were collected from the 2013 ~ 2015 KNHNES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by health behavior interviews and the 24-hour dietary recall method. This study included 1,214 (445 aged 1 ~ 2 years, 769 aged 3 ~ 5 years) young children aged 1 ~ 5 years. To analyze the dietary status of young children, the general characteristics of young children and their mothers, their dietary behaviors and health factors, and nutritional status and frequently consumed foods were analyzed. RESULTS: The starting time of bovine milk and weaning were 14 ~ 15 months and 6.2 months, respectively. Eighty two percent of young children ate breakfast 5 ~ 7 times per week while only 2.3% of them skipped breakfast. The highest percentage (35.8%) of the frequency of eating-out was 5 ~ 6 times per week. The prevalence of asthma, atopy, and allergic rhinitis was significantly higher in young children 3 ~ 5 years old than in those 1 ~ 2 years old. The subjects with lower recommended energy intake were 44.1% and 57.4% of young children 1 ~ 2 years old and 3 ~ 5 years old, respectively. Most nutrients except calcium and potassium were taken enough. For the intakes of calcium and potassium, 51% and 64% of young children 1 ~ 2 years and 3 ~ 5 years old, respectively, were taking less than the recommended calcium intake, and 79.5% and 75.5% of young children 1 ~ 2 years and 3 ~ 5 years old, respectively, did not meet the recommended potassium intake. The frequently consumed foods of young children 1 ~ 2 years old were milk, white rice, apple, curd yogurt, and egg, and those of 3 ~ 5 years old children were milk, white rice, apple, egg, and mandarin. CONCLUSION: The results of this study can be used to provide basic data for the nutritional education of mothers and teachers and assist in the development of sustainable dietary programs for young children.

Consumer knowledge regarding country-of-origin labeling for restaurants / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Because of recent global and domestic issues regarding the safety of food, there is growing concern over food safety and interest in the country-of-origin for food ingredients from restaurants. This study was conducted to reveal the influence of consumer level of knowledge and awareness regarding restaurants and the country-of-origin labeling. METHODS: To accomplish this, a primary survey of adults aged over 20 years old was conducted to measure customers' knowledge regarding country-of-origin labeling for restaurants. Respondents were then divided into a lower group and an upper group based on their level of knowledge to evaluate significant differences between groups. A total of 437 of 460 questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: The average knowledge score regarding country-of-origin labeling for restaurants was 6.3 out of 10. Additionally, there were significant differences between the lower and upper group in terms of the final education level and occupation. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop guidelines and public relations for country-of-origin labeling of restaurants.

Food consumption behaviors of women by marital status: focus on the 2015 consumers survey data on food consumption behaviors / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to analyze food consumption behavior of women by marital status based on the 2015 consumer survey data on Food Consumption Behaviors of the Korea Rural Economic Institute. METHODS: We analyzed data describing 3,312 women aged 19 ~ 75 who were the main buyers of foods in their household. The food purchase patterns, dining-out behavior, and use of food-delivery and take-out were investigated. RESULTS: Overall, 40.5% of unmarried women shopped for food once per week and 37.4% spent 200,000 ~ 400,000 won per month. Additionally, 43.1% of married women shopped 2 ~ 3 times per week and 26.6% spent 400,000 ~ 600,000 won (p < 0.0001). Dining-out frequency and one-time cost per person of dining-out for unmarried women were higher than those for married women. With delivery/take-out food frequency, 2 time per week was the highest rate among married women (34.6%) and once per week was the highest among unmarried women (31.2%) respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate food consumption behaviors and trends of Korean women by marital status. This study provides basic data that will be useful for food industries establishing marketing strategies to better meet consumer demands.

Relationship between Kimchi and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) 2007~2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Kimchi intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults (over 19 years old), using data from the Korean National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2007~2012. A total of 30,630 participants were analyzed in this study. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the NCEP ATP III criteria standards. Out of the 30,630 participants, 8,230 (23.45%) had meatabolic syndrome. When the subjects were grouped by their Kimchi intake, those who consumed a sufficient amount (36.0~82.125 g) showed a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (P<0.001). However, multiple logistic regression analysis results after adjusting for sex and age, exercise status, smoking status, drinking status, energy intake, income level, occupation, area, frequency of eating-out, showed that the Kimchi intake did not significantly affect the odds ratio of metabolic syndrome. High sodium contents of Kimchi was the major cause of various cardiovascular diseases, and was associated with the hypertension risk factors of the metabolic syndrome. However, in this study, the Kimchi intake, even after adjusting sodium intake, did not have negative influence on the development of metabolic syndrome.

Dietary factors associated with high serum ferritin levels in postmenopausal women with the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V), 2010-2012

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Serum ferritin levels are significantly increased after menopause and greatly affect women's health. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary and non-dietary factors associated with high ferritin levels in postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Among adult women in 2010-2012, qualified postmenopausal women (n = 3880) were separated into quartiles of serum ferritin. The variable differences among the quartiles of ferritin were determined using either procsurvey chi-square test (chi2-test) among categorical variables, or GLM (Generalized Linear Model) among continuous variables. The odds ratio for high ferritin in relation to dietary factors was also determined using procsurvery logistic analysis. RESULTS: Age, obesity, drinking habit, and blood glucose levels were found to be significant indicators of high serum ferritin level after adjusting for all confounding factors. Among the food groups, grain, milk, vegetable, and seaweed intakes were significantly associated with high ferritin levels, but after adjusting for all confounding factors, only grains and vegetables remained significant factors. Among the nutrient groups, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C intake were significant factors, but after adjustment, none of the nutrient groups analyzed were associated with a high risk of ferritin. CONCLUSION: Age, obesity, drinking habit, and glucose levels, as well as inadequate intakes of grains and vegetables, were found to be significantly associated with high serum ferritin levels in postmenopausal Korean women.

Analysis of Kimchi, vegetable and fruit consumption trends among Korean adults: data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998-2012)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to analyze daily kimchi, vegetable and fruit consumption by general characteristics and vegetable and fruit consumption from 1998 to 2012 by the Korean population based on the data of the KNHANES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study is based on the 1998-2012 KNHNES. Analysis data on 54,700 subjects aged 19 years and older were obtained from health behavior interviews and the 24-hour dietary recall method. RESULTS: Daily kimchi consumption and portion size of kimchi decreased significantly from 1998 to 2012 (adjusted P for trend < 0.0001). Meanwhile, daily consumption of both non-salted vegetable and fruit with and without kimchi did not significantly change between 1998 and 2012. Reduced consumption of kimchi, non-salted vegetable, and fruit was observed for both genders as well as daily meal episodes and cooking locations. Male and female subjects with insufficient non-salted vegetable and fruit intake were increased 1.4 times and 1.3 times, respectively, in 2012 than 1998. All subjects consumed at least 400 g/day of non-salted vegetable, fruit, and kimchi in each survey year, although they consumed insufficient amounts (< 400 g/day) of non-salted vegetable and fruit without kimchi. CONCLUSIONS: Since Koreans generally consume high amounts of fermented vegetables, including kimchi, total vegetables and fruit. Consumption of these foods by the Korean adult population reached 400 g, which is the recommended intake of the WCRF/AICR. Based on this result, it is necessary to promote consumption of kimchi in the Korean population and research the development of low sodium kimchi in the future.

Nutrient intakes and frequently consumed foods among Korean adults according to the intake frequency of Baechu (Chinese cabbage) kimchi: Based on the 2012~2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze nutrient intake and frequently consumed foods according to the intake frequency of Baechu (Chinese cabbage) kimchi by Korean adults. METHODS: Data from analysis of 7,122 subjects aged 19~64 years from 2012, 2013 KNHANES were obtained from health behavior interviews and the 24-hour dietary recall method. RESULTS: With the daily intake frequency of Baechu kimchi, subjects with two times a day were the highest proportion among total subjects. As Baechu kimchi intake frequency of breakfast, lunch, and dinner increased, the rate of skipping meals decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, all food intake and daily nutrient intake increased significantly with increasing frequency of daily Baechu kimchi intake (Crude p for trend < 0.05, Adjusted p for trend < 0.05). With the frequently consumed foods by daily Baechu kimchi intake frequency in 2012 and 2013, among 509 foods top ranked foods were white rice, Baechu kimchi, beer, distilled alcoholic drink, milk, and pork. CONCLUSION: The results of this study could be used in the future to promote consumption of kimchi in the Korean population.

Attitudes and preferences of consumers toward food allergy labeling practices by diagnosis of food allergies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate food allergens and prevalence rates of food allergies, followed by comparison of consumer attitudes and preferences regarding food allergy labeling by diagnosis of food allergies. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 543 individuals living in Seoul and Gyeonggi area participated in the survey from October 15 to 22 in 2013. RESULTS: The results show that the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed food allergies was 17.5%, whereas 6.4% of respondents self-reported food allergies. The most common allergens of doctor-diagnosed and self-reported food allergy respondents were peaches (30.3%) and eggs (33.3%), respectively, followed by peanuts, cow's milk, and crab. Regarding consumer attitudes toward food labeling, checking food allergens as an item was only significantly different between allergic and non-allergic respondents among all five items (P < 0.001). All respondents reported that all six items (bold font, font color, box frame, warning statement, front label, and addition of potential allergens) were necessary for an improved food allergen labeling system. PLSR analysis determined that the doctor-diagnosed group and checking of food allergens were positively correlated, whereas the non-allergy group was more concerned with checking product brands. CONCLUSIONS: An effective food labeling system is very important for health protection of allergic consumers. Additionally, government agencies must develop policies regarding prevalence of food allergies in Korea. Based on this information, the food industry and government agencies should provide clear and accurate food labeling practices for consumers.

Trends in nutrient intakes and consumption while eating-out among Korean adults based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998-2012) data

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Eating-out among Korean people has become an important part of modern lifestyle due to tremendous growth of the food service industry and various social and economic changes. This study examined trends in meal patterns and meal sources while eating-out among Korean adults aged 19 years and older. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data were from the 1998-2012 KNHNES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by the 24-hour dietary recall method. This study included 55,718 adults aged 19 years and older. For analysis of eating-out frequency, data were categorized by source of meals and serving place. RESULTS: Average frequency of meals consumed away from home increased from 1998 to 2012, although it remained lower than that of meals at home. In addition, male, unmarried, employed, higher educated, and high income individuals more frequently consumed meals away from home. Moreover, sodium intake while eating-out significantly increased from 2,370 mg in 1998 to 2,935 mg in 2012. Lastly, percentage contributions of daily total protein intake, fat intake, and sodium intake from eating-out increased to more than half (53-55%) in 2012 compared with 47-48% in 1998. CONCLUSIONS: As eating-out has grown in popularity, greater recognition of public health and nutritional education aimed at promoting healthy food choices is needed. In addition to developing consumer education for overall healthier eating patterns, individuals who are younger, unmarried, higher educated, and males are especially at risk and require attention.

How do the work environment and work safety differ between the dry and wet kitchen foodservice facilities?

In order to create a worker-friendly environment for institutional foodservice, facilities operating with a dry kitchen system have been recommended. This study was designed to compare the work safety and work environment of foodservice between wet and dry kitchen systems. Data were obtained using questionnaires with a target group of 303 staff at 57 foodservice operations. Dry kitchen facilities were constructed after 2006, which had a higher construction cost and more finishing floors with anti-slip tiles, and in which employees more wore non-slip footwear than wet kitchen (76.7%). The kitchen temperature and muscular pain were the most frequently reported employees' discomfort factors in the two systems, and, in the wet kitchen, "noise of kitchen" was also frequently reported as a discomfort. Dietitian and employees rated the less slippery and slip related incidents in dry kitchens than those of wet kitchen. Fryer area, ware-washing area, and plate waste table were the slippery areas and the causes were different between the functional areas. The risk for current leakage was rated significantly higher in wet kitchens by dietitians. In addition, the ware-washing area was found to be where employees felt the highest risk of electrical shock. Muscular pain (72.2%), arthritis (39.1%), hard-of-hearing (46.6%) and psychological stress (47.0%) were experienced by employees more than once a month, particularly in the wet kitchen. In conclusion, the dry kitchen system was found to be more efficient for food and work safety because of its superior design and well managed practices.