The relationship of obesity with lifestyle and dietary exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Phytoestrogens are natural components of plants, including numerous foods that form part of the habitual diet of humans and animals. They have similar estrogenic effects to those of synthetic endocrine disrupters such as monomers of plastic materials, e.g., polycarbonates and epoxy resins. The most frequently used monomer is bisphenol A (BPA), which has been found to migrate from drink and food packaging, plastic baby bottles, and the coating of cans. Numerous studies have associated exposure to endocrine disrupters with obesity, classifying them as obesogens. The objectives of this study were to estimate the dietary exposure to phytoestrogens and BPA in a group of Spanish schoolchildren and to estimate their potential obesogenic effects. The diet of this population of healthy Spanish children was estimated to have a mean total estrogenic capacity of 5.10-12 M eq.E2 (5 pmol/day). The effects of this additional estrogenic burden are highly controversial, and no definitive conclusion has been reached. Thus, some authors consider exposure to these substances with estrogenic activity to be positive at certain stages of life, whereas others regard it as posing a risk at any age. In the present population of children, the likelihood of normal weight versus obesity was significantly related to the total proliferative effect (OR = 0.51, p = 0.026) as well as to the energy expenditure on physical activity, with lesser activity implying a greater risk of obesity (OR = 13.54, p = 0.001). Further research is warranted on the obesogenic effects of exposure to endocrine disruptors present in foods.

Determination of bisphenols with estrogenic activity in plastic packaged baby food samples using solid-liquid extraction and clean-up with dispersive sorbents followed by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Bisphenols (BPs) are a family of chemicals with known endocrine disrupting activity. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most representative prototype of this group of chemicals. Recently, the use of BPA, a prototype of endocrine disruptors, has been reduced and replaced with structural analogs due to its negative effects on both the environment and consumers. In this work, a new method is presented for the determination of seven BPs, with estrogenic activity in ready-to-eat plastic packaged baby foods. The procedure involves the isolation of the analytes using solid-liquid phase extraction with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up step with a mixture of dispersive-SPE sorbents (C18 and PSA) and magnesium sulphate, to reduce matrix effect from proteins, sugars and lipids. Extraction parameters were optimized using multivariate optimization methods. The compounds were detected and quantified by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The limits of quantification were between 0.1 and 1.2ngg-1 for the studied analytes. The method was validated using matrix-matched calibration and recovery assays with spiked samples. Recovery rates were between 91% and 110% and % RSD was lower than 13% in all cases. The method has been successfully applied for the determination of these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in samples of a novel type of food consumed by pre-schoolers. This is the first study to analyze EDCs in plastic packaged foods consumed by this target group.

Hábitos alimentarios de escolares y calidad de la dieta en un entorno mediterráneo / Dietary habits and diet quality in schoolchildren from a Mediterranean setting

Fundamentos: Unos hábitos alimentarios correctos durante la infancia son de vital importancia para prevenir enfermedades futuras. El objetivo fue estudiar los hábitos alimentarios y la calidad de la dieta de escolares dentro del contexto de la unidad familiar. Métodos: La muestra incluyó 74 escolares de Granada (3-14 años). El cuestionario incluyó preguntas sobre la unidad familiar y hábitos de vida, un cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria (FFQ) y dos test recordatorios de 24 horas (R24h). La calidad de la dieta fue evaluada con el índice de calidad del desayuno (BQI) e índice de adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea para niños y adolescentes (KidMed). El análisis estadístico incluyó los test Kruskal-Wallis y Chi-cuadrado, la regresión por pasos y la regresión logística. Resultados: La ingesta de macronutrientes fue desequilibrada y la mayoría de los micronutrientes superaron la recomendación. El BQI y KidMed alcanzaron valores medios de 5,17 (1,57) sobre 10 y de 5,91 (1,83) sobre 12, respectivamente. Los factores que influyeron en la calidad del desayuno fueron: edad de las madres (OR=0,71, IC95%:0,50-0,94), consumo de golosinas (OR=5,40, IC95%:2,30-8,67) y práctica de actividad física extraescolar (OR=3,21; IC95%:1,02-5,81). Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de mejorar el patrón alimentario entre los escolares, a través de programas de educación nutricional en centros educativos y sanitarios (AU)

Background: Correct dietary habits during childhood are of vital importance to prevent future diseases. This study analyzed the dietary habits and diet quality of schoolchildren in the context of the family unit. Methods: The sample included 74 schoolchildren aged 3 to 14 yrs from Granada (Southern Spain). The questionnaire included questions on the family unit and life habits, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and two questionnaires of 24-h recalls (R24h). Diet quality was evaluated using the Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KidMed). The statistical analyses used were Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests, and stepwise and logistic regression analyses. Results: Macronutrient intake was imbalanced, and most micronutrients exceeded recommendations. The mean (standard deviation) BQI value was 5.17/10 (1.57) and the mean KidMed value was 5.91/12 (1.83). Breakfast quality was influenced by maternal age (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.50-0.94), sweet consumption (OR=5.40, 95%CI: 2.30-8.67) and out-of-school physical activity (OR=3.21, 95%CI: 1.02-5.81). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the need to improve dietary patterns among schoolchildren by implementing nutritional education programs in schools and health centres (AU)

Effects of maternal diet and environmental exposure to organochlorine pesticides on newborn weight in Southern Spain.

An appropriate eating pattern is essential during childbearing years and pregnancy to ensure a healthy pregnancy and newborn. Our group developed a Mediterranean Diet Score for Pregnancy (MDS-P) based on the MD and the specific need of pregnant women for Fe, Ca, and folic acid. Humans are daily exposed to endocrine disruptors, which may alter body weight and hormone system regulation. This study analyzed the relationship of maternal diet and in utero exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with newborn weight in mothers and newborns from Southern Spain. Higher MDS-P score, folic acid supplementation, and greater in utero exposure to endosulfan-diol and endosulfan-1 were related to higher newborn weight. MDS-P score was not associated with maternal weight gain during pregnancy (above or below 12 Kg). Residues from one or more OCPs were detected in 96.5% of umbilical cord serum samples from 320 newborns. The most frequent residues were endosulfans (96.5%). The presence of endosulfan-diol, endosulfan-I, p-p´DDT, folic acid supplementation, and a higher MDS-P (>8) were predictive factors for newborn overweight (>3500 g). Conversely, smoking during pregnancy, shorter gestation time (32-36 vs. 37-39 weeks), and lesser maternal weight gain during pregnancy predicted lower newborn weight (<2500 g). These results indicate prenatal exposure to OCPs in Southern Spain and its possible impact on the weight of healthy full-term newborns. Further studies are warranted to interpret the consequences of this exposure and identify preventive measures. Adherence to the MD and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy emerged as predictive factors for overweight in newborns.

Estimation of dietary folic acid intake in three generations of females in Southern Spain.

An adequate folic acid intake has been related to female fertility. The recommended intake of this vitamin was recently increased to 400µg/day, with an additional 200µg/day during pregnancy. The Mediterranean Diet includes sources of folate such as pulses, green-leaf vegetables, fruit, cereals, and dried fruits; other foods of interest are liver and blue fish. The objectives were to determine the foods that contribute most to folate intake and analyze the factors that influence their consumption by three generations in a female population (n=898; age, 10-75yrs) from Southern Spain: 230 adolescents (10-16yrs), 296 healthy pregnant women (19-45yrs), and 372 menopausal women (>45yrs). Participants completed a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Over 90% of their folate intake was supplied by cereals, fruit, natural juice, pulses, and cooked and raw vegetables. The mean (SD) daily intake of folate was 288.27(63.64) µg. A higher Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) was significantly related to a greater folate intake. The daily folate intake was not significantly influenced by educational level, number of children, or place of residence (rural vs. urban). In logistic regression analysis, the factors related to an adequate folate intake (>2/3 of recommendations) were higher age, higher MDS, and lower BMI.

Assessment of the estrogenicity of the diet of a healthy female Spanish population based on its isoflavone content.

Phytoestrogens are natural components of plants consumed by humans. The hormonal activity of these substances has long been known. Various in vitro tests have demonstrated the agonistic or antagonistic estrogenic activity of some phytoestrogens. The objective of this study was to estimate the supply of isoflavones in the diet of a healthy adult female population and to assess its estrogenic effect. The diet was assessed by questionnaire and the estrogenicity of the estimated isoflavone content was tested by E-screen, finding a mean total estrogenic capacity of 0.129 × 10⁻¹° eq.E2 (12.9 pmol day⁻¹), corresponding to a daily isoflavone intake of 265.8 µg day⁻¹. This study offers a preliminary insight into the phytoestrogen content of the diet of a healthy active population of Spanish women. The effects of this additional hormonal burden are highly controversial, and this approach to estimating dietary phytoestrogen intake of specific populations may help to elucidate its implications for human health.

Analysis of the drinks that contribute to the hydration of andalusian sportspeople / Análisis de bebidas que contribuyen a la hidratación de deportistas andaluces

Objectives. To estimate the water balance in a healthy population of sportspeople from Southern Spain and determine the sources of their fluid intake, evaluating the contribution of different types of drink and comparing the results by sex and province of residence. Methods. Three hundred eighty-six sportspeople (231 males, 152 females) were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire was administered to calculate nutrient intake through diet and physical activity, and anthropometric measures were taken according to ISAK standards. SPSS-15 was used for data analyses. Results. Fruit juice, tap water, bottled water, processed fruit juice, carbonated drinks, and isotonic drinks comprised 96% of the total water intake. Simple sugar consumption represented 4.44% of daily calorie intake. Significant differences were found between sexes and between professionals and amateurs. The amount of drinks consumed varied as a function of the quality of the drinking water, which significantly differed among the eight Andalusian provinces. Conclusion. This study population did not fully meet fluid intake recommendations, compliance with hydration recommendations varied as a function of the sex and the amateur or professional status of these sportspeople. The pattern of drinks consumption also differed according to their place of residence(AU)

Objetivos. Estimar el balance hídrico en deportistas sanos del sur de España. Determinar los principales aportes de agua y la contribución de los diferentes tipos de bebidas en la hidratación de los sujetos de estudio y comparar los resultados teniendo en cuenta el sexo y la provincia de residencia. Métodos. Se reclutaron 386 individuos, (231 hombres y 152 mujeres), a través de los Centros Andaluces de Medicina del Deporte (CAMD) y el CAR de Sierra Nevada. Mediante la realización de un cuestionario se calculó la ingesta de nutrientes a través de la dieta y la actividad física. Así mismo se tomaron medidas antropométricas de acuerdo con las normas ISAK. Los datos fueron procesados usando SPSS-15. Resultados. Los zumos naturales, el agua del grifo, el agua embotellada, los zumos envasados, las bebidas carbonatadas y las bebidas isotónicas contribuyen en un 96% a la ingesta total de agua. La media de consumo diario de azúcares simples fue del 4,44% de la energía diaria. Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre sexos y entre profesionales y aficionados. Teniendo en cuenta la calidad del agua de consumo de las ocho provincias andaluzas encontramos diferencias en el patrón de ingesta de líquidos. Conclusión. En este estudio la población no cumple las recomendaciones de ingesta de líquidos. Las recomendaciones de hidratación varían en función del sexo y de si son o no profesionales o aficionados. El patrón de ingesta de líquidos es diferente dependiendo del lugar de residencia de nuestros deportistas(AU)

Association between dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQs) and bone mineral density in Spanish women / Asociación entre el índice de calidad antioxidante de la dieta y la densidad mineral ósea en mujeres españolas

Background: Several lines of evidence suggest a tight association between oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in humans. The intake of antioxidants may influence Bone Mineral Density by acting as free radical scavengers, preventing oxidation-induced damage to bone cells. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score and bone mineral density in a sample of healthy women. Methods: A total of 280 women were grouped into three major groups: women aged ≤ 35 years; women aged 36-45, and finally women aged >45 years. Calcaneous Bone Mineral Density (g/cm2) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data on the eating habits of each participant were collected with a structured 24-hour diet recall questionnaire. A Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score was used to calculate antioxidant-nutrient intake. Results: A significant and positive association was observed among Bone Mineral Density and dietary intake of vitamin C and selenium. Zinc intake was significantly related to Bone Mineral Density in the youngest group. Low antioxidant consumers were considered individuals whose Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score was lower or equal than the median (3.5), and high antioxidant consumers were those whose Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score were higher than 3.5. Bone Mineral Density was higher in the participants defined as high antioxidant consumers in all aged groups. Conclusion: The study showed that there is an association between Bone Mineral Density and the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score in all the women studied. Therefore, new therapies for osteoporosis based on higher dietary antioxidant intakes might be developed basing on the results obtained in this study (AU)

Antecedentes: Varias líneas de evidencia sugieren que existe una estrecha relación entre el estrés oxidativo y la patogénesis de la osteoporosis en humanos. La ingesta de nutrientes antioxidantes puede influenciar la densidad mineral ósea al neutralizar los radicales libres, previniendo el daño oxidativo a las células de hueso. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es establecer la asociación entre un Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta y la densidad mineral ósea en una muestra de mujeres sanas. Métodos: Un total de 280 mujeres participaron en el estudio. Las participantes fueron agrupadas por edad en tres categorías: edad ≤ 35 años; edad entre 36 y 45 años y con edad superior a 45 años. Las medidas de la densidad mineral ósea (g/cm2) del calcáneo fueron realizadas por absorciometría dual de rayos X. Los datos sobre los hábitos alimentarios de cada participante fueron recogidos mediante recordatorios de 24 horas. El Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta se utilizó para calcular la ingesta total de nutrientes antioxidantes. Resultados: La ingesta de vitamina C y selenio está asociada significativamente a la densidad mineral ósea. En el grupo de mujeres de edad inferior, la ingesta de zinc está relacionada con la masa ósea. Los individuos cuyo Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta es inferior o igual a la mediana (3,5) son considerados de bajo consumo antioxidante, y aquellos individuos cuyo Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta es superior a 3,5 se consideran de alto consumo antioxidante. En todos los grupos estudiados, la densidad mineral ósea fue significativamente superior en los sujetos cuya dieta tiene un alto consumo de nutrientes antioxidantes. Conclusión: El trabajo muestra que existe una asociación entre la densidad mineral ósea y el Índice de Calidad Antioxidante de la Dieta en todos los grupos de mujeres estudiadas. Por lo tanto, basándose en los resultados de este estudio, se pueden desarrollar nuevas terapias para la osteoporosis basadas en una ingesta elevada de nutrientes antioxidantes (AU)

Association between dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQs) and bone mineral density in Spanish women.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence suggest a tight association between oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in humans. The intake of antioxidants may influence Bone Mineral Density by acting as free radical scavengers, preventing oxidation-induced damage to bone cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score and bone mineral density in a sample of healthy women. METHODS: A total of 280 women were grouped into three major groups: women aged ≤ 35 years; women aged 36-45, and finally women aged >45 years. Calcaneous Bone Mineral Density (g/cm²) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data on the eating habits of each participant were collected with a structured 24-hour diet recall questionnaire. A Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score was used to calculate antioxidant-nutrient intake. RESULTS: A significant and positive association was observed among Bone Mineral Density and dietary intake of vitamin C and selenium. Zinc intake was significantly related to Bone Mineral Density in the youngest group. Low antioxidant consumers were considered individuals whose Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score was lower or equal than the median (3.5), and high antioxidant consumers were those whose Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score were higher than 3.5. Bone Mineral Density was higher in the participants defined as high antioxidant consumers in all aged groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that there is an association between Bone Mineral Density and the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score in all the women studied. Therefore, new therapies for osteoporosis based on higher dietary antioxidant intakes might be developed basing on the results obtained in this study.

Validation of questionnaires to estimate adherence to the Mediterranean diet and life habits in older individuals in Southern Spain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the nutritional behaviour of an elderly urban population in Southern Spain, estimating their degree of adherence to the Mediterranean. DIET DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional nutritional survey, recruiting a representative sample of elderly inhabitants. The study sample comprised 260 people. The mean age was 73.60 yrs for the men and 72.25 yrs for the women. Around 70% lived with their family. RESULTS: The questionnaires used were first validated by using the Bland-Altman plot and the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. The degree of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was around 50%, similar to findings in other Mediterranean populations. We highlight the mean consumption of milk and milk products (300-317 g/day) and of fruit/vegetables (250 g/day), which are slightly below recommendations. Our study subjects were all autonomous in their movements and were physically independent: 80% reported that they performed some type of physical activity. CONCLUSION: In this study, both adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and physical activity were considered as components of a healthy life. In summary, a majority of this elderly population was slightly overweight, considered themselves to be in good health.

Comparison of methods to evaluate the quality of the Mediterranean dietin a large representative sample of young people in Southern Spain / Comparación de dos métodos para evaluar la calidad de la dieta mediterránea en una muestra representativa de jóvenes del sur de España

The objective of this study was to compare the usefulness of two methods to evaluate diet quality in young people in Southern Spain: a new Mediterranean Diet Pattern (MDP) and a modification of the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) for the Mediterranean area. The study population was 3190 schoolchildren aged 8-15 yrs. The questionnaires used were first validated (Bland-Altman plot and Wilcoxon tests) in a randomized sample. The DQI gives a more detailed evaluation of food components, whereas the MDS gives global information on food groups but includes foods characteristically consumed in the Mediterranean region. Highly similar results were obtained using the MDP and the adapted DQI-I, which appear to be equally useful to evaluate diet quality in a Mediterranean population. The fact that we selected the same types of food for both indices may explain the similar overall evaluations. According to these results, both methods appear to be equally appropriate for evaluating diet quality in a Mediterranean population (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la utilidad de dos métodos para evaluar la calidad de la dieta de jóvenes en el sur de España: un nuevo patrón de dieta mediterránea (MDP) y una modificación de la dieta del índice de calidad-Internacional (ICD-I) para el área Mediterránea. La población de estudio fue 3.190 escolares de entre 8-15 años. Los cuestionarios utilizados fueron validados primero (gráfico de Bland-Altman y las pruebas de Wilcoxon) en una muestra tomada al azar. El ICD-I ofrece una evaluación más detallada de los componentes de los alimentos, mientras que el MDP proporciona información global sobre los grupos de alimentos, que incluye alimentos típicamente consumidos en la región mediterránea. Se obtuvieron resultados similares utilizándole MDP y la adaptación del ICD-I, que parecen ser igualmente útiles para evaluar la calidad de una dieta en una población mediterránea. El hecho de que se seleccionaron los mismos tipos de alimentos para ambos índices podría explicar la similitud de las evaluaciones globales. De acuerdo con estos resultados, ambos métodos parecen ser igualmente apropiado para evaluar la calidad de la dieta en una población mediterránea (AU)

[Study of nutritional menus offered at noon school in Granada]. / Estudio de los menús escolares servidos en colegios de Granada.

OBJECTIVE: It has been considered a study of nutritional menus offered at noon School in Granada. Balanced diet in children and youth will enable the prevention of diseases in adulthood. Comparing the menus prepared on school and the services offered by catering. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The menus are aimed at 5,399 children from Granada, analyzed 354 school menus from 29 centres, public and private schools. Eleven colleges have their own kitchen, while 18 had hired a catering service. The amounts provided in each menu were estimated using standardized photographs of different sizes ration identified by those responsible for the dining room or by weighing Served directly from the ration. Nutritional assessment was determined by software, and the statistical treatment with the program SPSS v. 15.0. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the intakes of energy and nutrients from the menus developed in the centres and catering services. In the catering firms, the available energy and nutrition is similar, and in the menus prepared at the centres, there are significant differences in relation to some nutrients, depending on whether public school or private. CONCLUSIONS: The energy, protein and lipid is high and low input from carbohydrates. It is the frequency of excessive consumption of meat and derivatives. To balance the diet of school, it is necessary to complement the menu of midday meals with the rest of the day.

Estudio de los menús escolares servidos en colegios de Granada / Study of nutritional menus offered at noon school in Granada

Objetivo: Se ha considerado interesante el estudio nutricional de los menús de mediodía ofertados en centros escolares de Granada, ya que la dieta equilibrada en la población infantil y juvenil, permitirá la prevención de enfermedades en la edad adulta. Se comparan los menús elaborados en el propio centro y los ofertados por servicios de catering. Material y métodos: Los menús van dirigidos a 5.399 niños/as granadinos, analizándose 354 menús escolares de 29 centros, públicos, concertados y privados. 11 colegios, disponían de cocina propia, mientras que 18 tenían contratado un servicio de catering. Las cantidades servidas en cada menús se estimaron mediante fotografías estandarizadas con distintos tamaños de ración identificadas por los responsables del comedor o por pesada directa de la ración servida. La valoración nutricional se determinó mediante el programa informático, y para el tratamiento estadístico con el programa SPSS v. 15.0. Resultados: Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el aporte de energía y nutrientes de los menús elaborados en los centros y los servicios de catering. En las empresas de catering, el aporte energético y nutricional es similar, y en los menús elaborados en los centros, existen diferencias significativas en relación a algunos nutrientes, según se trate de colegio público, concertado o privado. Conclusiones: El aporte energético, proteico y lipídico es elevado y bajo el aporte de hidratos de carbono. Es excesiva la frecuencia de consumo de carne y derivados. Para equilibrar la dieta del escolar, es necesario complementar el menú de mediodía con el resto de comidas del día (AU)

Objective: It has been considered a study of nutritional menus offered at noon School in Granada. Balanced diet in children and youth will enable the prevention of diseases in adulthood. Comparing the menus prepared on school and the services offered by catering. Material and methods: The menus are aimed at 5,399 children from Granada, analyzed 354 school menus from 29 centres, public and private schools. Eleven colleges have their own kitchen, while 18 had hired a catering service. The amounts provided in each menu were estimated using standardized photographs of different sizes ration identified by those responsible for the dining room or by weighing Served directly from the ration. Nutritional assessment was determined by software, and the statistical treatment with the program SPSS v. 15.0. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the intakes of energy and nutrients from the menus developed in the centres and catering services. In the catering firms, the available energy and nutrition is similar, and in the menus prepared at the centres, there are significant differences in relation to some nutrients, depending on whether public school or private. Conclusions: The energy, protein and lipid is high and low input from carbohydrates. It is the frequency of excessive consumption of meat and derivatives. To balance the diet of school, it is necessary to complement the menu of midday meals with the rest of the day (AU)

Organochlorine pesticides in umbilical cord blood serum of women from Southern Spain and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Exposure of pregnant women to organochlorine (OC) pesticides largely derives from contaminated food, but environmental, occupational, and domestic factors have also been implicated. We investigated the presence of nine OC residues in the umbilical cord blood of newborns in Southern Spain and analyzed the relationship of this exposure with maternal and pregnancy variables, including maternal adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD). OCs were detected in 95% of umbilical cord blood samples from the 318 mothers, who had a mean degree of adherence to the MD of 56.77 (SD: 16.35) (range, 0-100). The MD prioritizes consumption of vegetable and fruit over meat and dairy products, and OCs are generally lipophilic molecules that accumulate in foods of animal origin. Consumption of meat, fish, and dairy products was associated with dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in umbilical cord serum, and dairy product intake with lindane. Vegetable consumption was also associated with lindane and fruit intake with endosulfan I. We found no significant association between MD adherence and the presence of OC residues in serum. However, closer adherence to the MD may offer greater protection against OC exposure because of its reduced content in meat and dairy products.

Comparison of methods to evaluate the quality of the Mediterranean diet in a large representative sample of young people in Southern Spain.

The objective of this study was to compare the usefulness of two methods to evaluate diet quality in young people in Southern Spain: a new Mediterranean Diet Pattern (MDP) and a modification of the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) for the Mediterranean area. The study population was 3190 schoolchildren aged 8-15 yrs. The questionnaires used were first validated (Bland-Altman plot and Wilcoxon tests) in a randomized sample. The DQI gives a more detailed evaluation of food components, whereas the MDS gives global information on food groups but includes foods characteristically consumed in the Mediterranean region. Highly similar results were obtained using the MDP and the adapted DQI-I, which appear to be equally useful to evaluate diet quality in a Mediterranean population. The fact that we selected the same types of food for both indices may explain the similar overall evaluations. According to these results, both methods appear to be equally appropriate for evaluating diet quality in a Mediterranean population.

[Validation of questionnaires for the study of food habits and bone mass]. / Validación de cuestionarios para el estudio de hábitos alimentarios y masa ósea.

BACKGROUND: The loss of bone mass and density is influenced by nutritional factors that act on the bone mass peak, age-related bone loss and muscle strength. The objective of the present study was to validate a food frequency questionnaire applied to estimate the relationship between food habits and bone mineral density (BMD) in a healthy adult population. METHODS: The results of the food frequency questionnaire were compared with 24-hr recall findings. Calcaneus BMD was measured by densitometry. RESULTS: The validity of the questionnaire was demonstrated, with Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.014 to 0.467. The Bland-Altman test also found no differences in study variables between the two methods. Correlation analysis showed that the BMD was significantly associated with the intake of vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, thiamine and iron. Total fat consumption was not associated with BMD but the intake of monounsaturated fatty acids, EPA, DHA and cholesterol showed a significant correlation. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire evaluates the consumption of energy and nutrients with adequate validity. Its application revealed the importance for bone health of a diet rich in B-group vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, iron, monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3.

Validación de cuestionarios para el estudio de hábitos alimentarios y masa ósea / Validation of questionnaires for the study of food habits and bone mass

Antecedentes: La pérdida de masa y densidad de los huesos esta influenciada por factores nutricionales, actuando sobre el pico de masa ósea, la pérdida ósea relacionada con la edad y la fortaleza muscular. El objetivo del presente estudio es validar un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos aplicado a la estimación de la relación entre los hábitos alimentarios y la densidad mineral ósea de una población adulta sana. Métodos: Los resultados obtenidos mediante el cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos se compararon con los de recordatorios de 24 horas. Las medidas de la densidad mineral ósea se realizaron mediante densitometría de calcáneo. Resultados: Se demuestra la validez del cuestionario al obtener coeficientes de correlación de Spearman entre 0,014 y 0,467. Asimismo el test de Bland-Altman muestra que no existe variación entre los dos métodos para las variables analizadas. El análisis de correlación muestra que la densidad mineral ósea está asociada significativamente al consumo de vitamina D, vitamina A, vitamina B12, folato, tiamina y hierro. El consumo de lípidos totales no fue asociado con la densidad mineral ósea, sin embargo la ingesta de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados, EPA y DHA y colesterol muestra una correlación estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: El cuestionario estima el consumo de energía y nutrientes con adecuada validez. Su aplicación nos ha permitido deducir la importancia de una dieta rica en vitaminas del grupo B, vitamina D, calcio, hierro y ácidos grasos monoinsaturados y n-3 en la salud ósea (AU)

Background: The loss of bone mass and density is influenced by nutritional factors that act on the bone mass peak, age-related bone loss and muscle strength. The objective of the present study was to validate a food frequency questionnaire applied to estimate the relationship between food habits and bone mineral density (BMD) in a healthy adult population. Methods: The results of the food frequency questionnaire were compared with 24-hr recall findings. Calcaneus BMD was measured by densitometry. Results: The validity of the questionnaire was demonstrated, with Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.014 to 0.467. The Bland-Altman test also found no differences in study variables between the two methods. Correlation analysis showed that the BMD was significantly associated with the intake of vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, thiamine and iron. Total fat consumption was not associated with BMD but the intake of monounsaturated fatty acids, EPA, DHA and cholesterol showed a significant correlation. Conclusion: The questionnaire evaluates the consumption of energy and nutrients with adequate validity. Its application revealed the importance for bone health of a diet rich in B-group vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, iron, monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 (AU)

[Exposure of phytoestrogens intake through diet in a sample of females]. / Estimación de la ingesta de fitoestrógenos en población femenina.

INTRODUCTION: The phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds that are part of many foods of plant origin and could therefore modulate aspects related hormones, such as type of antioxidant reactions, learning about intakes of these compounds in different populations clarify important aspects on their responses on the human body. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the exposure of phytoestrogens through diet, in a sample of women of all ages belonging to the university community (teachers, students and administrative), residents in the province of Granada, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 52 adult females, aged between 20 and 63 years completed a questionnaire individually Frequency of Food Consumption (FFQ) composed of a total of 144 foods. It weighted the total daily consumption of phytoestrogens standardizing these values referring to the daidzein as substance pattern (mg/day). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), with a level of significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results show that the total intake of phytoestrogens was (0.89 mg/day), and most of phytoestrogens was consumed in the form of lignanos. The total consumption of isoflavones, was 0.12 mg/day, of lignanos was 1.32 mg/day intake coumestrol was not significative. A linear regression analysis determined the equation to calculate intake phytoestrogens took into account 9 food groups (R: 0.918; p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Average intake of phytoestrogens in Spain, is comparable to intakes reported by similar studies in Germany, England and the United States (< 1 mg/ day). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in the intake of phytoestrogens, when comparing results by age, educational level, marital status or physical activity. The intake of phytoestrogens (mg/day) can be estimated from the intake (g/day) from 9 food groups.

Estimación de la ingesta de fitoestrógenos en población femenina / Exposure of phytoestrogens intake through diet in a sample of females

Introducción: Los fitoestrógenos son compuestos naturales que forman parte de numerosos alimentos de origen vegetal y que podrían modular tanto aspectos relacionados con hormonas, como reacciones de tipo antioxidante, por lo que conocer las ingestas de estos compuestos en diferentes poblaciones aclararía aspectos importantes sobre sus respuestas en el organismo. Objetivo: Valorar la exposición de fitoestrógenos por medio de la dieta, en una muestra de mujeres de todas las edades pertenecientes a la comunidad universitaria (docentes, administrativas y estudiantes), residentes en la provincia de Granada, España. Material y método: 52 mujeres adultas, con edades entre 20 y 63 años completaron individualmente un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos (FFQ) compuesto por un total de 144 alimentos. Se ponderó el consumo diario de fitoestrógenos totales estandarizando los valores refiriendo estos a la daidzeína como sustancia patrón (mg/día). El análisis estadístico se realizó con SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), con un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. Resultados: Muestran que la ingesta total de fitoestrógenos referidos a la daizdeína fue de 0,89 mg/día, y la mayor parte de fitoestrogenos fue consumido en forma de lignanos. El consumo total de isoflavonas, fue de 0,12 mg/día, el de lignanos fue de 1,32 mg/día y la ingesta de coumestrol no fue significativa. Un Análisis de Regresión Lineal, determinó la ecuación para calcular la ingesta de fitoestrógenos, tomando en cuenta 9 grupos de alimentos (R: 0,918; p < 0,001). Discusión: La ingesta media de fitoestrógenos en España, es comparable con las ingestas descritas por estudios similares en Alemania, Inglaterra y Estados Unidos (< 1 mg/d). Conclusiones: No existen diferencias significativas en la ingesta de fitoestrógenos, cuando se compara la muestra por edad, nivel educativo, actividad física o estado civil. La ingesta de fitoestrógenos (mg/día) puede ser estimada a partir de la ingesta (g/día) de 9 grupos de alimentos (AU)

Introduction: The phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds that are part of many foods of plant origin and could therefore modulate aspects related hormones, such as type of antioxidant reactions, learning about intakes of these compounds in different populations clarify important aspects on their responses on the human body. Objective: To evaluate the exposure of phytoestrogens through diet, in a sample of women of all ages belonging to the university community (teachers, students and administrative), residents in the province of Granada,Spain. Material and method: 52 adult females, aged between 20 and 63 years completed a questionnaire individually Frequency of Food Consumption (FFQ) composed of a total of 144 foods. It weighted the total daily consumption of phytoestrogens standardizing these values referring to the daidzein as substance pattern (mg/day). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), with a level of significance of p < 0.05. Results: The results show that the total intake of phytoestrogens was (0.89 mg/day), and most of phytoestrogens was consumed in the form of lignanos. The total consumption of isoflavones, was 0.12 mg/day, of lignanos was 1.32 mg/day intake coumestrol was not significative. A linear regression analysis determined the equation to calculate intake phytoestrogens took into account 9 food groups (R: 0.918; p < 0.001). Discussion: Average intake of phytoestrogens in Spain, is comparable to intakes reported by similar studies in Germany, England and the United States (< 1 mg/ day). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the intake of phytoestrogens, when comparing results by age, educational level, marital status or physical activity. The intake of phytoestrogens (mg/day) can be estimated from the intake (g/day) from 9 food groups (AU)

[Assessment of the diet of school children from Granada and influence of social factors]. / Valoración de la dieta de escolares granadinos e influencia de factores sociales.

INTRODUCTION: To perform a balanced diet adapted to the needs of the different life stages is important for a correct peopleís physical and psychological growth, preventing disease, and obtaining an optimal health status. The industrialized society is characterized by unbalanced energy balance due to an increase of energy intake through foods and decreased energy waste with increased SFA consumption. OBJECTIVE: To assess average dietary intake and how certain demographical and socio-economic factors have an influence on dietary habits of a sample of schoolchildren from Granada city. METHODS: The study population comprises 3,190 children and adolescents schooled at Granada city, with ages comprised between 8 and 15 years. A previously validated specific questionnaire was created including lifestyle habits, dietary habits, 24-hour recall, and frequency of foods consumption. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The average caloric ingestion in this population is higher than the predicted average waste recommended by WHO, with higher energy values being found in males. The caloric profile found in our sample is clearly unbalanced. The main protein sources were meats and dairy products. There were high intakes of SFA, PUFA, and cholesterol, markedly surpassing the recommended values. Vitamin E intake did not reach the daily recommended values. With regards to dietary habits, the study population spends less than 30 minutes for breakfast and about half an hour for lunch and dinner, those spending more time for meals having the highest energy and proteins intake.