Prevalência de insegurança e consumo alimentar em famílias do programa de aquisição de alimentos / Prevalence of insecurity and food consumption in families food purchase program

Pouco se monitora e se avalia a situação de insegurança alimentar e nutricional, especialmente, a fim de verificar a efetividade das ações governamentais. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estimar a prevalência de insegurança alimentar e de consumo das famílias inscritas no Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos da Agricultura Familiar em São Lourenço do Sul (RS). Tratou-se de estudo transversal, realizado entre janeiro e março de 2012, envolveu todas as famílias inscritas no Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos de São Lourenço do Sul (RS). A insegurança alimentar foi avaliada com a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, versão longa, classificando as famílias em segurança ou insegurança alimentar (leve, moderada ou grave). O consumo foi identificado pelo questionário de avaliação dos marcadores de consumo alimentar. Das 830 famílias inscritas no Programa, 585 foram entrevistadas (70,5%) e 80% estavam em situação de insegurança alimentar. O consumo familiar de feijão, cereais e ovos foi elevado e, de frutas, legumes e verduras foi reduzido. Conclui-se que a prevalência de insegurança alimentar nas famílias é elevada e o consumo de marcadores da alimentação saudável é baixo para o grupo de frutas. Os dados servirão para direcionar ações a nível municipal.

Little is monitored and assesses the situation of food and nutritional insecurity, especially in order to verify the effectiveness of governmental actions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of food insecurity and consumption of the families enrolled to the Family Agriculture Food Acquisition Programme in São Lourenço do Sul (RS). A cross-sectional study was conducted between january and march 2012, involved all families enrolled in the Food Acquisition Program of São Lourenço do Sul (RS). Food insecurity was assessed with the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, long version, classifying families in food security or insecurity (mild, moderate or severe). Consumption was identified by the questionnaire evaluating food consumption markers. Of the 830 families attached to the program, 585 were interviewed (70.5%) and 80% were food insecure. The household consumption of beans, cereals and eggs was high and fruit and vegetables were reduced. In conclusion, the prevalence of food insecurity in the families is high and the consumption of healthy food markers is low for the fruit group. The data will be used to guide actions at the municipal level

Sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits in childhood:a cohort study.

Worldwide, about 22 million children under five years old are overweight. Environmental factors are the main trigger for this epidemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating and physical activity habits in a cohort of eight-year-old children in Pelotas, Brazil. Eating habits were assessed based on the Ten Steps to Healthy Eating proposed by the Ministry of Health. To assess the level of physical activity, the physical activity questionnaire for children and adolescents (PAQ-C) was used. Of the 616 interviewed children at 8 years, it was observed that 50.3% were male; 70.3% were white and just over half belonged to economic class C. None of the children were classified as very active and none acceded to a daily consumption of six servings of the cereals, tubers, and roots. The steps that had higher adhesion were 8 (do not add salt to ready foods); 4 (consumption of beans, at least 5 times per week) and 1 (have 3 meals and 2 snacks per day), respectively. The high prevalence of physical inactivity and low level of healthy eating habits confirm the importance of strategies to support and encourage the practice of physical activity and healthy eating among youth.

Sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits in childhood: a cohort study / Sedentarismo e práticas alimentares inadequadas na infância: um estudo de coorte

Abstract Worldwide, about 22 million children under five years old are overweight. Environmental factors are the main trigger for this epidemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating and physical activity habits in a cohort of eight-year-old children in Pelotas, Brazil. Eating habits were assessed based on the Ten Steps to Healthy Eating proposed by the Ministry of Health. To assess the level of physical activity, the physical activity questionnaire for children and adolescents (PAQ-C) was used. Of the 616 interviewed children at 8 years, it was observed that 50.3% were male; 70.3% were white and just over half belonged to economic class C. None of the children were classified as very active and none acceded to a daily consumption of six servings of the cereals, tubers, and roots. The steps that had higher adhesion were 8 (do not add salt to ready foods); 4 (consumption of beans, at least 5 times per week) and 1 (have 3 meals and 2 snacks per day), respectively. The high prevalence of physical inactivity and low level of healthy eating habits confirm the importance of strategies to support and encourage the practice of physical activity and healthy eating among youth.

Resumo Mundialmente, cerca de 22 milhões de crianças menores de cinco anos têm excesso de peso, sendo que fatores ambientais são os principais desencadeadores da epidemia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar os hábitos alimentares e de atividade física em crianças de oito anos de idade, pertencentes a uma coorte de Pelotas, Brasil. Os hábitos alimentares foram avaliados com base nos Dez Passos para Alimentação Saudável, propostos pelo Ministério da Saúde. Para avaliar o nível de atividade física, utilizou-se o questionário de atividade física para crianças e adolescentes (PAQ-C). Das 616 crianças avaliadas aos 8 anos, observou-se que 50,3% eram do sexo masculino; 70,3% de cor branca e pouco mais de metade pertencia à classe econômica C. Nenhuma das crianças foi classificada como muito ativa ou aderiu ao consumo diário de 6 porções do grupo de cereais, tubérculos e raízes. Os passos de maior adesão foram o 8 (não adicionar sal aos alimentos prontos); o 4 (consumo de feijão, pelo menos, 5 vezes por semana) e o 1 (realização de 3 refeições e 2 lanches por dia), respectivamente. A alta prevalência de inatividade física e o baixo nível de hábitos alimentares saudáveis, confirmam a importância de estratégias para apoiar e incentivar a prática de atividade física e alimentação saudável entre os jovens.

Prevalence of factors associated to metabolic syndrome in a cohort of children in South Brazil / Prevalencia de factores de riesgo asociados con el síndrome metabólico de los niños en una cohorte en el sur de Brasil

Introduction: the Metabolic Syndrome is a group of disorders and it has gaining importance due to its association with the subsequent development of cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of risk factors associated to the metabolic syndrome in children from a cohort in Southern Brazil. Methods: a prospective cohort study with hospital screening of all births (2741) occurred from September 2002 to May 2003, monitoring a random sample of 30.0% at one, three and six months and eight years old. During the visit at the age of eight years, a questionnaire containing questions related to nutrition, physical activity and family history of chronic diseases. Also, weight, height and the waist circumference were measured. Descriptive and bivariate analyzes between independent variables and the outcome were performed. Results y discussion: from the 616 studied children, 51.3% were male, 70.3% had white, about half belonged to the economic class C, 20.5% were overweight and 16.9% were obese. There was high prevalence of family history for hypertension (81.5%), and was observed that 20.7% of the eutrophic children showed elevated waist circumference. Conclusion: the high prevalence of risk factors for the metabolic syndrome found in the studied children reinforces the importance of proper medical history including family history. It is suggested to include the measurement of waist circumference in routine pediatric care (AU)

Introducción: el síndrome metabólico es un grupo de enfermedades que ha ido ganando importancia debido a la asociación con el desarrollo posterior de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: verificar la prevalencia de factores de riesgo asociados con el síndrome metabólico en niños de una cohorte del sur de Brasil. Métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectivo con el hospital de todos los nacimientos (2.741) que tuvieron lugar en el mes de septiembre/2002 a mayo/2003 y seguimiento de una muestra aleatoria de 30,0% con uno, tres y seis meses y ocho años de edad. En una visita a los ocho años de edad se utilizó un cuestionario con preguntas relacionadas con la nutrición, la actividad física y la historia familiar de enfermedades crónicas, y se midieron peso, talla y circunferencia de la cintura. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y bivariados entre las variables independientes y los resultados obtenidos. Resultados y discusión: de 616 niños estudiados, el 51,3% fueron varones, el 70,3% blancos, cerca de la mitad pertenecían a la clase económica C, el 20,6% tenían sobrepeso y el 17,0% eran obesos. Mostró una alta prevalencia de historia familiar de hipertensión arterial (81,5%), y se observó que el 20,7% de los niños eutróficos tenían una circunferencia de cintura elevada. Conclusión: la alta prevalencia de factores de riesgo para el síndrome metabólico en los niños estudiados refuerza la importancia de una adecuada anamnesis: historia familiar. Se sugiere medir la circunferencia de la cintura en la rutina de cuidados pediátricos (AU)

Prevalence of factors related to the bone mass formation of children from a cohort in Southern Brazil / Prevalencia de los factores relacionados con la formación de la masa ósea de los niños en una cohorte en el sur de Brasil

Introduction: The amount of bone mass acquired in the early stages of life is an important determinant of its peak and future risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Objective: To describe the prevalence of factors that contributes to the formation of bone mass in children of a Southern Brazil cohort. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with hospital screening of all births (2741) occurred from September/2002 to May/2003 and monitoring of a random sample of 30.0% of these (one, three and six months and eight years old). During the eight years old visit, a questionnaire containing questions related to food and physical activity was applied. Results e Discussion: Of the 616 children studied, 51.3% were male, 70.3% Caucasian, about half belonged to economic class C, 20.5% were overweight, 16.9% were obese and 71.2% were sedentary. As for food intake low consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, cereals and tubers was noticed. Vitamin D administration in the first six months of life was followed by 14.1% of premature, 16.1% of infants with low birth weight, 24.2% of weaned in the first month and only 16.4% at three months. Conclusion: The evaluated children have low nutrients consumption, including calcium, inappropriate vitamin D administration in the first semester of life, little regular physical activity and high prevalence of overweight and obesity are factors that can impair the formation of bone mass (AU)

Introducción: La cantidad de masa ósea adquirida en las primeras etapas de la vida es un importante factor determinante de su pico y el riesgo futuro de osteoporosis y fracturas. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de factores que contribuye a la formación de la masa ósea en niños de una cohorte del sur de Brasil. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva con el hospital de todos los nacimientos (2741) se produjo en septiembre / 2002 a mayo / 2003 y el seguimiento de una muestra aleatoria de un 30,0% de los mismos (uno, tres y seis meses y ocho años de edad). En una visita a los ocho años de edad, aplicó un cuestionario con preguntas relacionadas con la alimentación y la actividad física. Resultados y Discusión: De los 616 niños, el 51,3% eran hombres, el 70,3% de raza caucásica, cerca de la mitad pertenecían a la clase económica C, 20,5% tenían sobrepeso, el 16,9% eran obesos y 71,2% sedentarios. La ingesta de alimentos es bajo consumo de frutas, verduras, productos lácteos, carne, los cereales y los tubérculos. La administración de vitamina D en los primeros seis meses de vida fue seguido por 14,1% de los prematuros, el 16,1% de los recién nacidos con bajo peso al nacer, el 24,2% de destete en el primer mes y sólo el 16,4% a los tres meses. Conclusión: Los niños evaluados tienen un bajo consumo de nutrientes, entre ellos el calcio, deficiente administración de vitamina D en el primer semestre de vida, poco actividad física regular y la alta prevalencia del sobrepeso y la obesidad son factores que pueden afectar a la formación de masa ósea (AU)

Risk of infection by the consumption of liver of chickens inoculated with low doses of Toxocara canis eggs.

Experimental studies and registries of cases of human toxocariasis have shown that the consumption of raw or undercooked offal of the paratenic host of Toxocara canis may pose a risk of infection. Thus, we evaluated the risk of infection due to the consumption of liver of chickens inoculated with different doses of embryonated T. canis eggs. Doses were 5-100 times smaller than the ones previously employed in this type of study. Groups of five chickens were inoculated with 5000 (control), 1000, 500, 300 or 50 eggs of T. canis, and at 72 h post-inoculation, the liver of each bird was consumed by a BALB/c receptor mouse. Forty-eight hours after consumption, we examined the organs and carcasses of the mice for larvae of T. canis. All mice were positive for larvae, except the group that consumed the chicken liver inoculated with 50 eggs. This group contained only one positive mouse, in which the larva was lodged in the brain. In mice that consumed livers of chickens inoculated with ≥300 eggs, larvae concentration was primarily in the liver and lungs, characterizing the initial phase of infection. We conclude that the consumption of raw poultry liver, under the studied conditions, poses a risk of infection even with a low number of infected T. canis eggs.

Evaluation of the initial and chronic phases of toxocariasis after consumption of liver treated by freezing or cooling.

Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis of worldwide distribution. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat and offal from paratenic hosts of the Toxocara canis nematode can cause infection in humans, but there have been a lack of studies examining specific prophylactic measures to combat this mode of transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the establishment of infection by T. canis larvae at the initial and chronic phases of visceral toxocariasis after the consumption of mouse liver subjected to cold treatment. This study was divided into two stages using groups (G) of five donor mice inoculated with 2,000 eggs of T. canis. Two days post-inoculation, the livers of donor mice in G1 and G2 were kept at -20 °C and between 0 and 4 °C, respectively, for 10 days. In the first stage of the study, the livers of mice from G1, G2, and G3 (control) were subjected to a tissue digestion technique and found to be positive for infection. In the second stage, which evaluated infection in mice that had consumed livers from donor mice, receiver mice of G4 and G7 were fed with livers of donor mice from G1 (freezing), receiver mice of G5 and G8 were fed with livers of donor mice from G2 (cooling), and receiver mice of G6 and G9 with livers from G3 (control). Then, the tissue digestion technique was performed for recovering larvae from organs and carcasses of mice, at 2 days (G4, G5, and G6) and 60 days after liver consumption (G7, G8, and G9). It was observed that freezing inhibited the viability of 100 % of the larvae, while cooling promoted 87.7 and 95.7 % reductions in the intensity of infection at 2 and 60 days after liver consumption, respectively. Under the studied conditions, cold treatment shows great potential to help control this parasitosis, both in the initial and chronic phases of toxocariasis.

Saccharomyces boulardii reduces infection intensity of mice with toxocariasis.

Several studies have shown the benefit of the use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of diseases; however, few of them have investigated the effect of probiotics on parasitosis. In this study, the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii on the intensity of infection of mice with toxocariasis was evaluated. The animals were fed with a diet supplemented with S. boulardii for 15 days before inoculation with Toxocara canis eggs and for 2 or 60 days post-inoculation. S. boulardii promoted a reduction of approximately 36% in the average number of recovered T. canis larvae, suggesting that it can be used as an alternative to help control toxocariasis.

Evaluation of the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone in mice with visceral toxocariasis.

Visceral toxocariasis is a serious public health problem with a cosmopolitan distribution. Children are susceptible due to their immature immune system and high risks of infection. Nevertheless, the few completed studies about immunosuppression have had controversial results. To evaluate the effect of two immunosuppressive drugs on the larval burden of Toxocara canis, four groups of ten Swiss strain mice each were inoculated on day 0 with 1,200 embryonated T. canis eggs. Fifteen days before the experimental infection, group 1 (control) was treated via intraperitoneal injection (IP) with sterile distilled water and groups 2 and 3 were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) at 1 and 5 mg/kg/day, respectively. Additionally, group 4 was treated IP with cyclophosphamide (CY) at 50 mg/kg at two times per week for 2 weeks. Sixty days following infection, the mice were euthanised to recover the larvae by means of the tissue digestion technique. The levels of antibodies detected by indirect ELISA were not associated with the larval burden. Administration of CY (50 mg/kg) and DEX (5 mg/kg) resulted in an increase of the larval burden of 162.1% and 50.8%, respectively, in relation to the control group. These two treatments, especially CY (50 mg/kg), promoted immunosuppression and the establishment of a significant larval burden, supporting its further utilisation in studies related to immunosuppression in visceral toxocariasis.