Attitudes towards vegetables and fruits rich in bioactive compounds in a group of individuals aged 20-39 years old.

Background: Due to the high percentage of deaths caused by non-communicable chronic diseases, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases, recorded in recent years, proper nutrition, including consumption of vegetables and fruit rich in bioactive compounds is of a vital importance. It is especially important in the light of consumers' interest in pro-health values of foods. Objective: Aim of this study, was to assess the attitudes of people aged 20-39 towards food with a specific health effect, with particular emphasis on selected vegetables and fruits rich in bioactive compounds. Material and methods: The study included 500 people aged 20-39 years old. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of 3 parts, which assessed: attitudes of people aged 20-39 towards the health values of food, frequency of consumption of selected vegetables and fruits rich in bioactive compounds and knowledge about them. Results: The average result of respondents' given answers indicated their positive attitude towards health values of food (mean = 4.41). Nevertheless, consumption frequency of selected vegetables and fruits was low or very low among more than half (57%) of the respondents. In addition, members of the study group demonstrated insufficient knowledge about the confirmed by clinical tests, positive impact of the consumption of examined products on health (average knowledge test result = 25% among the members of the test group). At the same time, higher consumption of analysed vegetables and fruits was associated with better knowledge about them. Similarly, more positive attitudes towards health values of food were associated with higher frequency of vegetables and fruit consumption and knowledge about them. Conclusions: The surveyed adults aged 20-39 showed a positive attitude towards health values of food. Nevertheless, consumption of selected vegetables and fruits rich in bioactive compounds and knowledge about them was not sufficient. Due to the association between better knowledge about health values of particular products and frequency of their consumption, in the future, focus should be placed on increasing consumers' knowledge in this area, e.g. by organizing social and information campaigns.

[Key minerals significant for hypothyroidism including Hashimoto's thyroiditis - function and presence in food].

Thyroid diseases belong to the most common disorders of the ductless glands. Particular attention is paid to the growing morbidity of autoimmune affliction of the thyroid gland, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The main method of treatment is an oral substitution of thyroid hormones. However, the literature pays particular attention to supporting therapy with a diet rich in components essential for the proper functioning of this organ.

[Two compartment model of body composition and abdominal fat area in postmenopausal women - pilot study].

INTRODUCTION: Both menopausal period and aging have influence on body composition, increase of total body fat and visceral fat in particular. We should be aware that changes in body composition, mainly fat translocation to abdominal region, can occur without significant changes in body weight. Therefore quantitative abdominal fat assessment should be our aim. THE AIM: Body composition analysis based on two compartment model and abdominal fat area assessment in cross section. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects in postmenopausal period (41 women) were recruited for this study and divided into 2 groups: group 1 - women aged 45-56 years and group 2 - women aged 57-79 years. Body composition analysis and abdominal fat area assessment were conducted by using bioelectrical impedance method with BioScan 920 (Maltron int.) accordingly with standardized procedure. RESULTS: Women in early postmenopausal stage (Group 1) had statistically significant lower total body fat percentage in comparison with women in late postmenopausal period (Group 2) (41.09 ± 7.72% vs. 50.7 ± 9.88%, p=0.0021). Also women in group 1 were characterized by significant lower visceral fat area (VAT) as well as subcutaneous fat area (SAT) in comparison with group 2 (respectively VAT 119.25 ± 30.09 cm2 vs. 199.36 ± 87.38 cm2, p=0.0011; SAT 175.19 ±57.67 cm2 vs. 223.4±74.29 cm2, p=0.0336). According to VAT criteria (>120 cm2), 44% of women in group 1 and 80% in group 2 had excess of visceral fat. CONCLUSIONS: Both total body fat and intra-abdominal fat increased with age, independently of weight changes.

[Nutritional behavior of chosen group of school children in aspect of obesity risk]. / Zachowania zywieniowe wybranej grupy dzieci w wieku szkolnym w aspekcie zagrozenia otylocia.

The research was conducted by questionnaire method among children aged 7-9 y. and teenagers aged 13-15 y. The results of the study show that regularity of meals was better in children group. Dietary habits linked to obesity are large volumes of sweets, sweetened drinks, few vegetables, milk products and fish. Taking results into consideration it is probably schoolchildren are at obesity risk. The most important prevention factor is nutrition education.