Selenium intakes in the Irish adult population.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element which has an important role as a constituent of seleno-proteins involved in various physiological processes. Previous research in Irish adults suggests that intakes of this important nutrient are suboptimal. The aim of the present study was to estimate the current intakes and major food sources of Se by Irish adults. Mean daily intakes (MDIs) of Se were calculated using data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey which involved 1500 Irish adults aged 18-90 years. The Se content of foods and drinks consumed over a 4-d period was determined using data from the Irish Total Diet Study (TDS). Adequacy of Se intakes was assessed by calculating the proportion of the population with intakes below the adequate intake (AI) of 70 µg/d and lower reference nutrient intake of 40 µg/d (LRNI). The MDI of Se in the total population was 71⋅7 µg/d, with significantly higher intakes reported in men (80⋅2 µg/d) compared with women (63⋅4 µg/d, P < 0⋅01). Meat and meat products were the major contributing food group to Se intakes for both men (37 %) and women (31 %). Overall, 47 % of the population were not meeting the recommended AI, while 4 % of the total population were not meeting the LRNI. Although the average intake of Se is above the AI, a significant proportion of the population is not meeting this recommendation and continued monitoring of Se intakes is necessary, particularly by at-risk groups and also in the context of sustainability.

Application of a composite scoring protocol to identify factors that contribute to the risk of overweight and obesity in Irish children.

BACKGROUND: Investigations into the main drivers of childhood obesity are vital to implement effective interventions to halt the global rise in levels. The use of a composite score may help to identify children most at risk of overweight/obesity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cumulative impact of factors associated with overweight/obesity risk in children. METHODS: Data were analysed from the Irish National Children's Food Survey II which included 600 children, aged 5-12-years. The risk factors examined included social class, parental, early life, lifestyle, and dietary components. A composite score was calculated which ranged from 0 (no risk factors for overweight/obesity) to 4 (4 risk factors for overweight/obesity). RESULTS: In model 1 (%BF) the four factors associated with overweight/obesity risk were having a parent with overweight/obesity (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.9-4.8), having a high birth weight of ≥4 kg (2.5; 1.6-3.9), being from a low social class (2.3; 1.4-3.8) and low physical activity (1.9; 1.2-2.8). Children who scored 3-4 points on the composite score had a 10-fold (10.0; 4.2-23.9) increased risk of overweight/obesity compared to those with 0 points, a sevenfold (7.2; 3.9-13.5) increased risk compared to those with 1 point and a threefold (2.6; 1.4-4.8) increased risk compared to those with 2 points, with similar results observed in model 2 (BMI). CONCLUSION: The use of a composite score is a beneficial means of identifying children at risk of overweight/obesity and may prove useful in the development of effective interventions to tackle childhood obesity.