Dietary exposure to endocrine disruptors in gut microbiota: A systematic review.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with hormonal actions and have been associated with a higher incidence of metabolic disorders. They affect numerous physiological, biochemical, and endocrinal activities, including reproduction, metabolism, immunity, and behavior. The purpose of this review was to elucidate the association of EDCs in food with the gut microbiota and with metabolic disorders. EDC exposure induces changes that can lead to microbial dysbiosis. Products and by-products released by the microbial metabolism of EDCs can be taken up by the host. Changes in the composition of the microbiota and production of microbial metabolites may have a major impact on the host metabolism.

Estimation of the Quality of the Diet of Mexican University Students Using DQI-I.

The quality of diet can be measured using diet quality indices, based on knowledge of associations between diet and health. The objective of this work was to evaluate whether the International Diet Quality Index is suitable for use as a diet quality index in populations of Mexican university girls. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was conducted at the University of Chihuahua (Mexico), collecting semi-quantitative nutritional information and socio-economic and lifestyle data from a representative sample of 400 women. Mean (Standard Deviation (SD)) age was 21.43 years (SD: 3.72); 59.1% were normal weight, 26.6% overweight, 15.3% obesity. The Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) was developed according to the method of Kim et al. (2003) and focused on major aspects of a high-quality diet (variety, adequacy, moderation and overall balance). The total score of Diet Quality Index-International reached 53.86% (SD: 11.43), indicating that the general diet of Mexican women a poor-quality diet. Adequacy scored highest, followed by moderation and variety. Overall balance scored the lowest. Variety: 26.3 % consumed less than 4 food groups daily, only 12.8% take more than 1 serving from each food group, and 50.6% consumed only one source of protein daily. Regarding adequacy, a large proportion of the population reported an intake of proteins, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and fruit greater than 50% of recommendation; the vegetables, fiber and grain groups were less 50%. Poor scores were obtained for total fat and SFA consumption (moderation). No statistically significant differences are observed for any of the variables under study and score of the Diet Quality Index-International: body mass index, weight, physical activity level, education level of father and mother, location of lunch, breakfast considered important, knowledge of nutrition, which allows us to consider a relatively uniform population in its eating habits. These people are close to a Westernized diet, and an intervention in nutritional education would be advisable to improve the intake of unprocessed foods, consume a greater variety of protein sources and significantly reduce consumption of sugary foods and soft drinks. Due to different methodological and cultural factors, the proposed Diet Quality Index-International dietary assessment method does not seem to be useful in the assessment of diet quality in the Mexican university population, so further research is needed to develop a diet quality index adapted to the Mexican population.

Influence of BPA exposure, measured in saliva, on childhood weight.

Introduction: Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA), BPA glycidyl methacrylate, and other BPA acrylate-based derivatives have been related to type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, and obesity, among other metabolic disorders. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of BPA exposure by saliva analysis and daily physical activity on the risk of overweight/obesity in schoolchildren from southern Spain. Methods: The study included 300 children (53.5% girls) aged 7-10 years. Participants completed a questionnaire with four sections: participant data, including demographic information and life and family habits; semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire; anthropometric variables; and physical activity variables. All participants underwent dental examination, when the presence of sealants/composites in each tooth and other dental alterations was recorded, and samples of whole saliva were collected for UHPLC-MS/MS analyses. Results: Risk of overweight/obesity was significantly influenced by body fat composition (OR = 10.77), not walking to and from school (OR = 1.38), lesser energy expenditure in sedentary activities (OR = 12.71), greater energy expenditure in sports (OR =1.62), and exposure to BPA from dental sealants/composites (OR = 1.38; p = 0.058). Discussion: Further research is warranted on this issue in children, who may be especially vulnerable to the negative health effects of endocrine disruption.

Sugar consumption in schoolchildren from southern Spain and influence on the prevalence of obesity.

AIM: The main cause of childhood overweight/obesity is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. The objective was to determine whether the intake by Spanish schoolchildren of sugars from habitually consumed foods and drinks can be related to overweight/obesity. METHODS: Subjects The study included 657 schoolchildren between 7-10 years from educational centers in Southern Spain. These children live under the influence of the Mediterranean diet. Design Participants completed an encoded questionnaire with three sections: a) data on sex, age, educational center, school year, and life/family habits, among others; b) semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire related to the previous 12 months; and c) information on anthropometrics and physical activities. RESULTS: Obesity was observed in 10.9% of the children. The daily activity questionnaire showed a mean energy expenditure of 8.73 (1.33) MJ/day. The study considered foods that supply carbohydrates in any form (total carbohydrates, starch, total sugars, added sugars, and free sugars). The likelihood of overweight/obesity was significantly greater with a higher intake/day of total sugars, starch, added sugars, and free sugars. The likelihood of normal weight was significantly greater with lower energy expenditure in sedentary activities (OR = 3.03), higher energy expenditure in sports activities (OR = 1.72), and higher total activity/day measured as METs (OR = 8.31). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, overweight/obesity was influenced by the physical activity of the children and by their intake of energy, total sugars, starch, added sugars, and free sugars. Further studies are warranted to verify this observation and explore the implications for public health policies.

Comparison of Mediterranean diet compliance between European and non-European populations in the Mediterranean basin.

Fruit, vegetables, cereals, and olive oil are common elements of the Mediterranean diet (MD), but each country in the Mediterranean basin has its own gastronomic customs influenced by socio-cultural, religious, and economic factors. This study compared the dietary habits of three Mediterranean populations with different cultures and lifestyles, a total of 600 adults (61.9% females) between 25 and 70 yrs from Spain, Morocco, and Palestine. All participants completed a self administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic and anthropometric items, a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire adapted to the foods consumed in each country, and three 24-h recalls. MD adherence was estimated with the MD Serving Score (MDSS). All populations showed a moderate adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. In comparison to the Palestine population, MDSS-assessed adherence to the MD was 6.36-fold higher in the Spanish population and 3.88-fold higher in the Moroccan population. Besides the country of origin, age was another predictive factor of MD adherence, which was greater (higher MDSS) in participants aged over 50 yrs than in those aged 30 yrs or younger. This preliminary study contributes initial data on dietary differences between European and non-European countries in the Mediterranean basin. The Spanish diet was shown to be closer to MD recommendations than the diet of Morocco or Palestine. Given the impact of good dietary habits on the prevention of chronic non-transmittable diseases, health policies should focus on adherence to a healthy diet, supporting traditional dietary patterns in an era of intense commercial pressures for change.

Association of bisphenol A exposure with dietary quality indices in Spanish schoolchildren.

Young children, whose growth and development are highly dependent on the endocrine system, are particularly vulnerable to endocrine disruptor exposure. The main objectives of this study were to measure BPA migration levels from cans, fruit juice bottles/packs, and microwave containers used for food/drinks consumed by a sample of 6- to 8-year old schoolchildren in Spain and to estimate the relationship between their resulting BPA exposure and diet quality index scores (Mediterranean Diet Score and Breakfast Quality Index). The mean BPA concentration was 11.8 ng/mL for vegetable cans, 22.1 ng/mL for pulse cans, 3.6 ng/mL for juice bottles/packs, and 1.2 ng/mL for microwave containers. Results revealed a significant association between the Mediterranean Diet Score and low BPA exposure of the children. BPA exposure below the median level was significantly associated with a higher score in both the first-grade (P = 0.030) and second-grade (p = 0.0001) groups. However, no association was found between BPA exposure and the Breakfast Quality Index. In conclusion, children with a stronger adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet appear to be less exposed to BPA migrating from food packaging and microwave containers. Further research is warranted on the inadvertent exposure of children to endocrinedisrupting chemicals from these sources.

SCHOOL DIETARY HABITS AND INCIDENCE OF DENTAL CARIES.

INTRODUCTION: healthy dietary habits are considered to improve oral health and tooth quality. Caries treatment comprises tooth restoration with dental composites and sealants, almost all (> 90%) of which contain bisphenol A (BPA). Study hypotheses were: a) breakfast and oral hygiene habits are important factors in dental caries development; and b) dental caries treatment with epoxy-resins entails a risk of oral exposure to monomers migrating from the polymeric material. We evaluated caries in the teeth of a Spanish school population and determined the percentage treated with dental composites. OBJECTIVE: to relate consumption of breakfast components and oral hygiene habits to dental caries and determine the presence of sealants/composites as potential sources of BPA exposure. METHODS: subjects: 582 schoolchildren from Granada city (Southern Spain) aged 7 yrs; mean (SD) of 7.55 (0.64) yrs. RESULTS: caries was detected in 21.7% of their teeth. Mean breakfast quality index (BQI) score, based on nutritional questionnaires, was 5.18 (1.29). Breakfast with foods rich in simple sugars representing > 5% of total daily energy was consumed by 24% of the population and was significantly associated with caries frequency in binary logistic regression analysis. Biscuit consumption was reported by 35.8% and significantly associated with caries frequency. Breakfast intake of bakery products/ cereals and of dairy products showed a significant inverse association with caries frequency. No significant relationship was observed between caries and BQI score or oral hygiene factors. CONCLUSION: further research is required to elucidate the role of diet in caries and the associated risk of exposure to estrogenic xenobiotics such as BPA.

Introducción: los hábitos alimentarios saludables influyen sobre la salud oral. El tratamiento de la caries comprende la restauración dental con selladores y composites dentales, la mayoría con bisfenol A (BPA). Hipótesis: a) el desayuno y hábitos de higiene oral son factores importantes en el desarrollo de caries; b) el tratamiento de la caries con epoxirresinas conlleva riesgo de exposición oral a monómeros plásticos. Objetivo: relacionar la ingesta del desayuno y los hábitos de higiene oral con la caries dental y determinar la presencia de selladores/composites como fuentes potenciales de exposición al BPA. Métodos: se analizaron 582 niños/as en edad escolar de Granada (sur de España) de 7 años de edad (7,55 [0,64] años). Se empleó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos, 3 recordatorios de 24 h y variables de estilo de vida, incluyendo la higiene bucodental. La calidad del desayuno fue estimada con el Breakfast Quality Index (BQI). Resultados: se detectó un 21,7% de caries. El valor medio del BQI fue 5,18 (1,29). El 24% de la población realizó un desayuno con alimentos ricos en azúcares simples (> 5% de la energía total), asociado significativamente con la frecuencia de caries en el análisis de regresión logística. El 35,8% de los participantes tomaron galletas; asociado significativamente con la frecuencia de caries. La ingesta de productos de panadería, cereales y lácteos mostró una asociación inversamente significativa con la frecuencia de caries. Conclusión: se necesitan más investigaciones para aclarar el papel de la dieta en la caries y el riesgo de exposición a xenobióticos estrogénicos, como el BPA.

School dietary habits and incidence of dental caries / Hábitos dietéticos de los escolares e incidencia de caries dental

Introduction: healthy dietary habits are considered to improve oral health and tooth quality. Caries treatment comprises tooth restoration with dental composites and sealants, almost all (>90%) of which contain bisphenol A (BPA). Study hypotheses were: a) breakfast and oral hygiene habits are important factors in dental caries development; and b) dental caries treatment with epoxy-resins entails a risk of oral exposure to monomers migrating from the polymeric material. We evaluated caries in the teeth of a Spanish school population and determined the percentage treated with dental composites. Objective: to relate consumption of breakfast components and oral hygiene habits to dental caries and determine the presence of sealants/composites as potential sources of BPA exposure. Methods: subjects: 582 schoolchildren from Granada city (Southern Spain) aged 7 yrs; mean (SD) of 7.55 (0.64) yrs. Results: caries was detected in 21.7% of their teeth. Mean breakfast quality index (BQI) score, based on nutritional questionnaires, was 5.18 (1.29). Breakfast with foods rich in simple sugars representing > 5% of total daily energy was consumed by 24% of the population and was significantly associated with caries frequency in binary logistic regression analysis. Biscuit consumption was reported by 35.8% and significantly associated with caries frequency. Breakfast intake of bakery products/ cereals and of dairy products showed a significant inverse association with caries frequency. No significant relationship was observed between caries and BQI score or oral hygiene factors. Conclusion: further research is required to elucidate the role of diet in caries and the associated risk of exposure to estrogenic xenobiotics such as BPA (AU)

Introducción: los hábitos alimentarios saludables influyen sobre la salud oral. El tratamiento de la caries comprende la restauración dental con selladores y composites dentales, la mayoría con bisfenol A (BPA). Hipótesis: a) el desayuno y hábitos de higiene oral son factores importantes en el desarrollo de caries; b) el tratamiento de la caries con epoxirresinas conlleva riesgo de exposición oral a monómeros plásticos. Objetivo: relacionar la ingesta del desayuno y los hábitos de higiene oral con la caries dental y determinar la presencia de selladores/composites como fuentes potenciales de exposición al BPA. Métodos: se analizaron 582 niños/as en edad escolar de Granada (sur de España) de 7 años de edad (7,55 [0,64] años). Se empleó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos, 3 recordatorios de 24 h y variables de estilo de vida, incluyendo la higiene bucodental. La calidad del desayuno fue estimada con el Breakfast Quality Index (BQI). Resultados: se detectó un 21,7% de caries. El valor medio del BQI fue 5,18 (1,29). El 24% de la población realizó un desayuno con alimentos ricos en azúcares simples (>5% de la energía total), asociado significativamente con la frecuencia de caries en el análisis de regresión logística. El 35,8% de los participantes tomaron galletas; asociado significativamente con la frecuencia de caries. La ingesta de productos de panadería, cereales y lácteos mostró una asociación inversamente significativa con la frecuencia de caries. Conclusión: se necesitan más investigaciones para aclarar el papel de la dieta en la caries y el riesgo de exposición a xenobióticos estrogénicos, como el BPA (AU)