Evaluation of association of DRD2 TaqIA and -141C InsDel polymorphisms with food intake and anthropometric data in children at the first stages of development.

The reward sensation after food intake may be different between individuals and variants in genes related to the dopaminergic system may indicate a different response in people exposed to the same environmental factors. This study investigated the association of TaqIA (rs1800497) and -141C InsDel (rs1799732) variants in DRD2/ANKK1 gene with food intake and adiposity parameters in a cohort of children. The sample consisted of 270 children followed until 7 to 8 years old. DNA was extracted from blood and polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP analysis. Food intake and nutritional status were compared among individuals with different SNP genotypes. Children carrying the A1 allele (TaqIA) had higher energy of lipid dense foods (LDF) when compared with A2/A2 homozygous children at 7 to 8 years old (GLM p=0.004; Mann Whitney p=0.005). No association was detected with -141C Ins/Del polymorphism. To our knowledge, this is the first association study of the DRD2 TaqIA and -141C Ins/Del polymorphism with food intake and anthropometric parameters in children. DRD2 TaqIA polymorphism has been associated with a reduction in D2 dopamine receptor availability. Therefore, the differences observed in LDF intake in our sample may occur as an effort to compensate the hypodopaminergic functioning.

Evaluation of the association between the TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 variants and food intake and nutritional status in children

Abstract Taste perception plays a key role in determining individual food preferences and dietary habits and may influence nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the association of TAS1R2 (Ile191Val - rs35874116) and TAS1R3 (-1266 C/T - rs35744813) variants with food intake and nutritional status in children followed from birth until 7.7 years old. The nutritional status and food intake data of 312 children were collected at three developmental stages (1, 3.9 and 7.7 years old). DNA was extracted from blood samples and the polymorphisms were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) using hydrolysis probes as the detection method. Food intake and nutritional status were compared among individuals with different single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. At 3.9 years old, children homozygous (Val/Val) for the TAS1R2 Ile191Val polymorphism ingested less sugar and sugar-dense foods than children who were *Ile carriers. This finding demonstrated that a genetic variant of the T1R2 taste receptor is associated with the intake of different amounts of high sugar-content foods in childhood. This association may provide new perspectives for studying dietary patterns and nutritional status in childhood.

Evaluation of the association between the TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 variants and food intake and nutritional status in children.

Taste perception plays a key role in determining individual food preferences and dietary habits and may influence nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the association of TAS1R2 (Ile191Val - rs35874116) and TAS1R3 (-1266 C/T - rs35744813) variants with food intake and nutritional status in children followed from birth until 7.7 years old. The nutritional status and food intake data of 312 children were collected at three developmental stages (1, 3.9 and 7.7 years old). DNA was extracted from blood samples and the polymorphisms were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) using hydrolysis probes as the detection method. Food intake and nutritional status were compared among individuals with different single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. At 3.9 years old, children homozygous (Val/Val) for the TAS1R2 Ile191Val polymorphism ingested less sugar and sugar-dense foods than children who were *Ile carriers. This finding demonstrated that a genetic variant of the T1R2 taste receptor is associated with the intake of different amounts of high sugar-content foods in childhood. This association may provide new perspectives for studying dietary patterns and nutritional status in childhood.

Biallelic and triallelic approaches of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism are associated with food intake and nutritional status in childhood.

BACKGROUND: The 5-HTT gene contains polymorphisms in its promoter region, the insertion/deletion (5-HTTLPR) that creates long (L) or short (S) alleles (biallelic approach) and SNP (rs25531) in L allele (triallelic approach). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the association of the 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 polymorphisms, using bi- and triallelic approach, with dietary intake and anthropometric parameters in children followed until 8 years old. METHODS: The sample were 303 children who were recruited at birth and examined at 1, 3 to 4 and 7 to 8 years old. The polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase-chain-reaction-based methods. RESULTS: In the biallelic approach, children with the S/S genotype presented a higher body mass index Z-score in the three developmental stages and higher sum of skinfolds at 3 to 4 and 7 to 8 years old than carriers of the L allele. In the triallelic approach, S/S, Lg/S plus Lg/Lg genotypes were associated with higher energy intake daily at 1 year old and with waist circumference at 3 to 4 years old. CONCLUSIONS: In the biallelic approach, the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with food intake, body mass index Z-score and sum of skinfolds in children, reinforcing the role of the serotonin transporter in childhood obesity. Our data indicate that the biallelic approach is more sensible than the triallelic approach for detected associations with food intake and nutritional status in childhood. Identifying susceptibility genes in early life could provide the foundations for interventions in lifestyle to prevent children to become obese adults.

Effect of maternal dietary counselling during the 1st year of life on glucose profile and insulin resistance at the age of 8 years: a randomised field trial.

Education interventions that stimulate complementary feeding practices can improve the nutritional status of children and may protect against future chronic diseases. We assessed the long-term effectiveness of dietary intervention during the 1st year of life on insulin resistance levels, and investigated the relationship between insulin resistance and weight changes over time. A randomised field trial was conducted among 500 mothers who gave birth to full-term infants between October 2001 and June 2002 in a low-income area in São Leopoldo, Brazil. Mother-child pairs were randomly assigned to intervention (n 200) and control groups (n 300), and the mothers in the intervention group received dietary counselling on breast-feeding and complementary feeding of their children during the 1st year of life. Fieldworkers blinded to assignment assessed socio-demographic, dietary and anthropometric data during follow-up at ages 1, 4 and 8 years. Blood tests were performed in 305 children aged 8 years to measure fasting serum glucose and insulin concentrations and the homoeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). At the age of 8 years, the intervention group showed no changes in glucose and insulin concentrations or HOMA-IR values (change 0·07; 95 % CI -0·06, 0·21 for girls; and change -0·07; 95 % CI -0·19, 0·04 for boys) compared with study controls. Insulin resistance was highly correlated, however, with increases in BMI between birth and 8 years of age. Although this dietary intervention had no impact on glucose profile at age 8 years, our findings suggest that BMI changes in early childhood can serve as an effective marker of insulin resistance.

DRD4 and SLC6A3 gene polymorphisms are associated with food intake and nutritional status in children in early stages of development.

Variants of dopamine system genes such as the DRD4 and the SLC6A3 genes may be involved in food intake regulation because the dopaminergic system influences food reward. We investigated an association of polymorphisms in the DRD4 (exon 3 VNTR) and SLC6A3 (3'UTR VNTR, rs2550948, rs2652511 and rs1048953) genes with food intake and nutritional status in children. This prospective cohort study recruited 359 children at birth. Dietary data and nutritional status were collected at 1 year, 3-4 years, and 7-8 years of age. The polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction based techniques. Food intake and nutritional status were compared among the different SNP genotypes. In the first year of life, DRD4.7R- children showed higher BMI Z-scores (P=.019) than the DRD4.7R+ cohort. At 3-4 years old, DRD4.7R- and SLC6A3.10R/10R children showed a higher intake of palatable foods (P=.024) and a higher waist circumference (P=.017). The rs1048953 SLC6A3 polymorphism was associated with average daily energy intake (P=.003) at 3-4 years and with a waist-to-height ratio of children at 7-8 years (P=.041). Carriers of high dopamine activity alleles of the VNTRs studied in DRD4 and SLC6A3 genes and carriers of T/T genotype of the variant rs1048953 SLC6A3 can present an increased risk for obesity related to overeating because high dopamine activity can increase the perceived incentive value of food reward.

SLC6A14 and 5-HTR2C polymorphisms are associated with food intake and nutritional status in children.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin plays a critical role in the regulation of food intake. The solute carrier family 6 member 14 (SLC6A14) and serotonin receptor 2C (5-HTR2C) genes are involved in the bioavailability and action of this neurotransmitter. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the association of six polymorphisms in these genes with food intake and nutritional status in children followed to 7-8years of age. DESIGN: Blood samples and the biodemographic data of 344 children were collected at three development stages, in a cross-sectional study undertaken with the cohort from a randomized trial. Polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-based techniques. RESULTS: At 7 to 8years of age, carriers of the A alleles for both the SLC6A14 rs2312054 and SLC6A14 rs12391221 polymorphisms showed higher food intake, except for the sugar-dense food (SDF) intake parameter, than T/T and C/C homozygotes, respectively. Boy carriers of the C allele of rs2071877 had a higher sum of triceps and subscapular folds than T allele carriers at 7 to 8years old. For 5-HTR2C gene variants, A allele carriers (rs3813928) and T allele carriers (rs3813929) had higher food intake at 3 to 4years old than G/G and C/C homozygotes, respectively, except for SDF. At this age, the intake of energy-dense foods was higher in carriers of the T allele (rs3813929) than in C/C homozygotes. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that genetic variants of these proteins might be involved in the determination of food intake and nutritional status in children.

Association of MAOA and COMT gene polymorphisms with palatable food intake in children.

Several studies have implicated dopamine (DA) in appetite regulation. The enzymes catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) control DA availability and their genes have well-characterized functional variants. In this study, we examined three polymorphisms in these genes, T941G and MAOAu-VNTR in the MAOA gene and Val158Met in the COMT gene, to investigate how heritable variations in enzymes that determine DA levels might influence food intake and nutritional status. This investigation was a cross-sectional examination of 354 Brazilian children of three to four years old. Polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-based methods. Means of dietary and anthropometric data were compared among genotypes by one-way analyses of variance or Kruskal Wallis tests. The MAOAu-VNTR and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms were associated with the amount of palatable food intake in boys. Presence of the MAOAu-VNTR*long allele was associated with higher intake of lipid-dense foods (LDF) when compared with the *short allele (P=.009); the amount of sugar-dense foods (SDF) intake was also higher in males carriers of the MAOAu-VNTR *long allele than in carriers of the *short allele (P=.034). In the girls' sample, MAOAu-VNTR polymorphism was not associated with food intake and nutritional status. Carriers of the COMT Val158Met*Val allele presented higher intake of LDF when compared with Met/Met homozygotes (P=.008). This study provides the first indication that genetic variants of enzymes that control DA availability might be involved in determination of the amount of palatable food intake in children.

Some risk factors associated with overweight, stunting and wasting among children under 5 years old.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether socioeconomic and sanitary conditions, maternal and child factors are associated with overweight, stunting, and wasting in children under five year old in the city of São Leopoldo, southern Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 3,957 children aged 1 month to 5 years conducted in all primary care services of the city during the National Children's Vaccination Day in 2002. Maternal and child factors were assessed by a questionnaire. Children's height and weight were measured. Cluster analysis was used to group the areas served by the primary care services according to socioeconomic and sanitary conditions of the census tracts assessed by the 2001 National Census. RESULTS: Wasting was observed in 2.6% of children, stunting in 9.1% and overweight in 9.8%. The multivariable logistic regression model suggests that overweight was associated with higher socioeconomic status and better sanitation of the area (OR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.09-1.96), single child (OR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.00-2.07) and birth weight >or= 2,500 g (OR = 2.21; 95%CI 1.27-3.83). Wasting was associated with low birth weight (OR = 3.46; 95%CI 2.06-5.80) and mother's age < 20 years (OR = 1.99; 95%CI 1.09-3.62). Stunting was associated with low socioeconomic status and poor sanitation of the area (OR = 2.36; 95%CI 1.51-3.69), three or more siblings (OR = 3.12; 95%CI 2.18-4.47), low birth weight < 2,500 g (OR = 3.49; 95%CI 2.53-4.80), child age < 36 months (OR = 1.77; 95%CI 1.37-2.29) and mother's age < 20 years (OR = 1.60; 95%CI 1.09-2.35). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and stunting were the major anthropometric problems and therefore should be a priority for public policies.

Alguns fatores associados a excesso de peso, baixa estatura e déficit de peso em menores de 5 anos / Some risk factors associated with overweight, stunting and wasting among children under 5 years old

OBJETIVO: Examinar fatores socioeconômicos e outras condições de vida familiar associadas a excesso de peso, baixa estatura e baixo peso para a estatura em menores de 5 anos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal avaliou 3.957 crianças entre 1 mês e 5 anos de idade durante campanha nacional de imunização no município de São Leopoldo (RS) em 2002. As condições socioeconômicas e de saneamento das áreas de abrangência das unidades de saúde foram agrupadas por análise de cluster dos setores do censo populacional de 2001. RESULTADOS: Déficit de peso para estatura ocorreu em 2,6 por cento das crianças, baixa estatura em 9,1 por cento e excesso de peso em 9,8 por cento. A regressão logística multivariada sugere que os fatores associados à chance de excesso de peso foram: área de condições socioeconômicas alta (RC = 1,47; IC95 por cento 1,09-1,96), filhos únicos (RC = 1,44; IC95 por cento 1,00-2,07) e peso ao nascer ≥ 2.500 g (RC = 2,21; IC95 por cento1,27-3,83). A chance de déficit de peso associou-se ao baixo peso ao nascer (RC = 3,46; IC95 por cento 2,06-5,80) e idade da mãe < 20 anos (RC = 1,99; IC95 por cento 1,09-3,62). A baixa estatura associou-se à área de condições socioeconômicas baixas (RC = 2,36; IC95 por cento 1,51-3,69), três ou mais irmãos (RC = 3,12; IC95 por cento 2,18-4,47), peso ao nascer < 2.500 g (RC = 3,49; IC95 por cento 2,53-4,80), idade < 36 meses (RC = 1,77; IC95 por cento 1,37-2,29) e idade materna < 20 anos (RC = 1,60; IC95 por cento1,09-2,35). CONCLUSÕES: Excesso de peso e baixa estatura foram os principais desvios antropométricos observados neste estudo, constituindo prioridades que devem ser consideradas nas políticas públicas atuais.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether socioeconomic and sanitary conditions, maternal and child factors are associated with overweight, stunting, and wasting in children under five year old in the city of São Leopoldo, southern Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 3,957 children aged 1 month to 5 years conducted in all primary care services of the city during the National Children's Vaccination Day in 2002. Maternal and child factors were assessed by a questionnaire. Children's height and weight were measured. Cluster analysis was used to group the areas served by the primary care services according to socioeconomic and sanitary conditions of the census tracts assessed by the 2001 National Census. RESULTS: Wasting was observed in 2.6 percent of children, stunting in 9.1 percent and overweight in 9.8 percent. The multivariable logistic regression model suggests that overweight was associated with higher socioeconomic status and better sanitation of the area (OR = 1.47; 95 percentCI 1.09-1.96), single child (OR = 1.44; 95 percentCI 1.00-2.07) and birth weight ≥ 2,500 g (OR = 2.21; 95 percentCI 1.27-3.83). Wasting was associated with low birth weight (OR = 3.46; 95 percentCI 2.06-5.80) and mother's age < 20 years (OR = 1.99; 95 percentCI 1.09-3.62). Stunting was associated with low socioeconomic status and poor sanitation of the area (OR = 2.36; 95 percentCI 1.51-3.69), three or more siblings (OR = 3.12; 95 percentCI 2.18-4.47), low birth weight < 2,500 g (OR = 3.49; 95 percentCI 2.53-4.80), child age < 36 months (OR = 1.77; 95 percentCI 1.37-2.29) and mother's age < 20 years (OR = 1.60; 95 percentCI 1.09-2.35). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and stunting were the major anthropometric problems and therefore should be a priority for public policies.

Factors associated with risk of low dietary fiber intake in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary fiber intake among adolescents and to analyze factors associated with the risk of insufficient consumption of this nutrient. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 722 adolescents from the town of São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil. Sampling was by clusters, with a systematic randomization of 40 census sectors and residences, including all individuals aged 10 to 19 years. The adolescents' weight and height were measured and sociodemographic data on their families recorded. A 24-hour dietary recall and a frequency survey were used to assess dietary intakes. The quantity of dietary fiber in diets was calculated using Nutwin nutrition support software (Programa de Apoio à Nutrição), developed by the IT Department at Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Statistical analysis was by means of logistic regression, employing a hierarchical model. RESULTS: The prevalence of insufficient dietary fiber intake was 69% among girls and 49.7% for boys (p < 0.001). The determinant factors of this condition among boys were non-habitual consumption of beans (OR 2.65; 95%CI 1.05-6.68) and excessive fat intake (OR 2.67; 95%CI 11.23-5.83). For girls factors were increased age (OR 5.33; 95%CI 2.33-12.2), non-habitual consumption of beans (OR 3.01; 95%CI 1.44-6.53), excessive fat intake (OR 1.85; 95%CI 1.01-3.37), dieting for weight loss (OR 2.50; 95%CI 1.10-5.70) and presence of overweight (OR 2.06; 95%CI 1.04-4.07). CONCLUSIONS: These results admit of the conclusion that excessive fat consumption and non-habitual consumption of beans are strongly linked with the risk of insufficient dietary fiber intake in both sexes and that females exhibit a greater number of risk factors for this outcome.

Fatores associados ao risco de consumo insuficiente de fibra alimentar entre adolescentes / Factors associated with risk of low dietary fiber intake in adolescents

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o consumo de fibra alimentar entre adolescentes e analisar os fatores associados ao risco de consumo insuficiente desse nutriente. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 722 adolescentes da cidade de São Leopoldo. O processo amostral deu-se por conglomerados por meio de sorteio sistemático de 40 setores censitários e domicílios, incluindo todos os indivíduos entre 10 e 19 anos. Foram obtidos peso e estatura dos adolescentes e dados sociodemográficos da família. Os métodos utilizados para avaliar o consumo alimentar foram o inquérito recordatório de 24 horas e o inquérito de freqüência. Para o cálculo da quantidade de fibra alimentar da dieta, foi utilizado o Programa de Apoio à Nutrição (Nutwin) do Departamento de Informática da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). A análise estatística foi realizada por meio de regressão logística, utilizando modelo hierárquico. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de consumo insuficiente de fibras foi de 69 por cento nas meninas e 49,7 por cento nos meninos (p < 0,001). Entre os meninos, os fatores que determinaram essa condição foram: consumo não habitual de feijão (OR 2,65; IC95 por cento 1,05-6,68) e excessivo de lipídeo (OR 2,67; IC95 por cento 11,23-5,83). Para as meninas, maior faixa etária (OR 5,33; IC95 por cento 2,33-12,2), consumo não habitual de feijão (OR 3,01; IC95 por cento 1,44-6,53), consumo excessivo de lipídeo (OR 1,85; IC95 por cento 1,01-3,37), fazer dieta para perder peso (OR 2,50; IC95 por cento 1,10-5,70) e presença de excesso de peso (OR 2,06; IC95 por cento 1,04-4,07). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados permitem concluir que a ingestão excessiva de gordura e o consumo não habitual de feijão estão fortemente associados ao risco de consumo insuficiente de fibra alimentar em ambos os sexos e que o sexo feminino apresenta mais fatores de risco para esse desfecho.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary fiber intake among adolescents and to analyze factors associated with the risk of insufficient consumption of this nutrient. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 722 adolescents from the town of São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil. Sampling was by clusters, with a systematic randomization of 40 census sectors and residences, including all individuals aged 10 to 19 years. The adolescents' weight and height were measured and sociodemographic data on their families recorded. A 24-hour dietary recall and a frequency survey were used to assess dietary intakes. The quantity of dietary fiber in diets was calculated using Nutwin nutrition support software (Programa de Apoio à Nutrição), developed by the IT Department at Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Statistical analysis was by means of logistic regression, employing a hierarchical model. RESULTS: The prevalence of insufficient dietary fiber intake was 69 percent among girls and 49.7 percent for boys (p < 0.001). The determinant factors of this condition among boys were non-habitual consumption of beans (OR 2.65; 95 percentCI 1.05-6.68) and excessive fat intake (OR 2.67; 95 percentCI 11.23-5.83). For girls factors were increased age (OR 5.33; 95 percentCI 2.33-12.2), non-habitual consumption of beans (OR 3.01; 95 percentCI 1.44-6.53), excessive fat intake (OR 1.85; 95 percentCI 1.01-3.37), dieting for weight loss (OR 2.50; 95 percentCI 1.10-5.70) and presence of overweight (OR 2.06; 95 percentCI 1.04-4.07). CONCLUSIONS: These results admit of the conclusion that excessive fat consumption and non-habitual consumption of beans are strongly linked with the risk of insufficient dietary fiber intake in both sexes and that females exhibit a greater number of risk factors for this outcome.

Factors associated with risk of low folate intake among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with the risk of low folate intake among adolescents. METHODS: We employed cluster sampling, using a random selection of 40 representative census sectors and households within those sectors, including all individuals between 10 and 19 years of age. The weight, height and skin folds of subjects were measured and socioeconomic data on their families were collected. A 24-hour dietary recall and frequency questionnaire were used to estimate the quantity and frequency of folate intake. Folate consumption was quantified using Nutwin software. Risk of low folate intake was defined as Folate consumption below the estimated average requirement. The statistical analysis employed hierarchical logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 722 adolescents were investigated and their mean folate intake was 145+/-117 microg. The frequency of subjects at risk of having a lower than recommended folate intake was 89%. Adolescents had a greater risk of inadequate folate intake if their body mass index was at or above the 85th percentile, their waist circumference was at or above the 80th percentile or they had a family history of cardiovascular disease. Adolescents who ate beans and dark green vegetables less than four times a week also exhibited an increased chance of having folate intake below recommended levels. CONCLUSIONS: These adolescents present a high risk of low folate intake and this risk is linked with increasing age, waist circumference above the 80th percentile and low frequency of beans and dark green vegetables consumption.

Factors associated with risk of low folate intake among adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with the risk of low folate intake among adolescents.METHODS: We employed cluster sampling, using a random selection of 40 representative census sectors and households within those sectors, including all individuals between 10 and 19 years of age. The weight, height and skin folds of subjects were measured and socioeconomic data on their families were collected. A 24-hour dietary recall and frequency questionnaire were used to estimate the quantity and frequency of folate intake. Folate consumption was quantified using Nutwin software. Risk of low folate intake was defined as Folate consumption below the estimated average requirement. The statistical analysis employed hierarchical logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 722 adolescents were investigated and their mean folate intake was 145±117 µg. The frequency of subjects at risk of having a lower than recommended folate intake was 89%. Adolescents had a greater risk of inadequate folate intake if their body mass index was at or above the 85th percentile, their waist circumference was at or above the 80th percentile or they had a family history of cardiovascular disease. Adolescents who ate beans and dark green vegetables less than four times a week also exhibited an increased chance of having folate intake below recommended levels.CONCLUSIONS: These adolescents present a high risk of low folate intake and this risk is linked with increasing age, waist circumference above the 80th percentile and low frequency of beans and dark green vegetables consumption.