Predictive equations for fat mass in older Hispanic adults with excess adiposity using the 4-compartment model as a reference method.

BACKGROUND: Predictive equations are the best option for assessing fat mass in clinical practice due to their low cost and practicality. However, several factors, such as age, excess adiposity, and ethnicity can compromise the accuracy of the equations reported to date in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate two predictive equations for estimating fat mass: one based exclusively on anthropometric variables, the other combining anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance variables using the 4C model as the reference method. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that included 386 Hispanic subjects aged ≥60 with excess adiposity. Fat mass and fat-free mass were measured by the 4C model as predictive variables. Age, sex, and certain anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance data were considered as potential predictor variables. To develop and to validate the equations, the multiple linear regression analysis, and cross-validation protocol were applied. RESULTS: Equation 1 included weight, sex, and BMI as predictor variables, while equation 2 considered sex, weight, height squared/resistance, and resistance as predictor variables. R2 and RMSE values were ≥0.79 and ≤3.45, respectively, in both equations. The differences in estimates of fat mass by equations 1 and 2 were 0.34 kg and -0.25 kg, respectively, compared to the 4C model. This bias was not significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The new predictive equations are reliable for estimating body composition and are interchangeable with the 4C model. Thus, they can be used in epidemiological and clinical studies, as well as in clinical practice, to estimate body composition in older Hispanic adults with excess adiposity.

Determination of Fat-Free Mass Density and its Components in Older Hispanic Adults by In Vivo Methods.

The densitometry method estimates body composition based on cadaver reference values, mainly the fat-free mass density value of 1.100 g/cm3. However, several changes in fat-free mass components by aging, ethnicity, and excess adiposity could influence their density and affect body composition estimations. The present study aimed to compare the mean fat-free mass component values in older Hispanic adults to cadaver reference values. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 420 subjects aged ≥60 yr from northern Mexico. Fat-free mass was determined by the four-compartment model using air displacement plethysmography, the deuterium dilution technique, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for body density, aqueous and mineral fractions of body weight, respectively. A 1-sample t test was used to compare the fat-free mass density and aqueous, mineral, and residue fractions of fat-free mass from subjects in the study to the assumed cadaver reference values. The mean fat-free mass density value for the total sample of older Hispanic adults (1.096 ± 0.011 g/cm3) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than the assumed value of 1.100 g/cm3, except in obese older men. The mean aqueous fraction of fat-free mass (74.8 ± 3.3%) was higher than the assumed value of 73.8%, and the mean residue fraction of fat-free mass value was lower (18.3 ± 3.4%) than the reference value of 19.4%. Indeed, only the mean mineral fraction of fat-free mass value (6.8 ± 0.8%) was similar to the reference value. In the total sample, all characteristic mean fat-free mass values in these older Hispanic adults differed from cadaver reference values, except the mineral fraction of fat-free mass value.

Agreement between laboratory methods and the 4-compartment model in assessing fat mass in obese older Hispanic-American adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Densitometry (Siri's and Brozek's equations), hydrometry (by the deuterium dilution technique), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are three methods for estimating body composition. However, because they are all based on certain assumptions, they may not be applicable to aged and obese subjects due to changes in their body composition. Hence, the validity of these "laboratory methods" could be affected in obese older people. The main aim was to assess the agreement between densitometry, hydrometry, and DXA with the 4-compartment (4C) model to estimate fat mass (FM) in obese older Hispanic-American adults. As secondary goals, we explored whether the bias in densitometry and hydrometry results could be improved by modifying the assumptions regarding fat-free mass (FFM) density and hydration factor (HF) values, respectively. In the case of DXA, we explored the factors that contribute to bias. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study based on a sample of 171 obese subjects aged ≥60 years from 3 regions of northern Mexico. Body composition was assessed by the 4C model as the reference method and by all three laboratory methods. Agreement of the latter with the 4C model was probed by Bland and Altman analysis, a paired sample t-test, and simple linear regression analyses. In addition, the mean FFM density estimated in this sample, and HF values (published previously) of 0.737 and 0.753 for obese older Hispanic-American men and women, respectively, were considered as ethnic- and gender-specific values. These values were used to modify the densitometric and hydrometric equations in order to improve their bias. Finally, we tested whether the hydration status and indirect markers of adiposity are contributing factors to the bias of DXA using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Siri's equation overestimated FM by 0.57 kg (p < 0.01), while Brozek's equation, hydrometry, and DXA underestimated it by 1.24 kg, 0.89 kg, and 0.79 kg (p < 0.01), respectively, compared to the 4C model. The bias in the densitometry and hydrometry results was eliminated by substituting the ethnic- and gender-specific values into the equations. Finally, we found that hip circumference contributes to the bias in DXA. CONCLUSION: The densitometry, hydrometry, and DXA methods are not interchangeable with the 4C model for assessing fat mass in obese, older Hispanic-American adults. The lack of agreement could indicate that the assumptions of each method do not apply to this population.

High Hydration Factor in Older Hispanic-American Adults: Possible Implications for Accurate Body Composition Estimates.

Age- and obesity-related body composition changes could influence the hydration factor (HF) and, as a result, body composition estimates derived from hydrometry. The aim of the present study was to compare the HF in older Hispanic-American adults to some published values. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 412 subjects, men and women, aged ≥60 years from northern Mexico. HF values were calculated based on the ratio of total body water-using the deuterium dilution technique-to fat-free mass, derived from the four-compartment model. The mean HF value for the total sample (0.748 ± 0.034) was statistically (p ≤ 0.01) higher than the traditionally assumed value of 0.732 derived from chemical analysis, the "grand mean'' value of 0.725 derived from in vivo methods, and the 0.734 value calculated for older French adults via the three-compartment model. The HF of the older women did not differ across the fat mass index categories, but in men the obese group was lower than the normal and excess fat groups. The hydration factor calculated for the total sample of older Hispanic-American people is higher than the HF values reported in the literature. Therefore, the indiscriminate use of these assumed values could produce inaccurate body composition estimates in older Hispanic-American people.

JAG1, MEF2C and BDNF polymorphisms associated with bone mineral density in women from Northern México

Introduction: Osteoporosis is characterized by a low bone mineral density. Genetic composition is one of the most influential factors in determining bone mineral density (BMD). There are few studies on genes associated with BMD in the Mexican population. Objective: To investigate the association of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of JAG1, MEF2C and BDNF genes with BMD in women of Northern México. Materials and methods: This study involved 124 unrelated Mexican women between 40 and 80 years old. BMD was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Genotyping was performed using allelic discrimination by real time PCR. We analyzed the SNP of JAG1 (rs6514116, rs2273061, rs2235811 and rs6040061), MEF2C (rs1366594, rs12521522 and rs11951031), and BDNF (rs6265) and the data using linear regression. Results: The JAG1 SNP rs2235811 was associated with the BMD of the total body under the dominant inheritance model (p=0,024). Although the other SNPs were not associated with BMD in any of the inheritance models studied, a trend was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the SNP rs2235811 in the JAG1 gene might contribute to the variation in BMD in women from northern México.

Polimorfismos de los genes JAG1, MEF2C y BDNF asociados con la densidad mineral ósea en mujeres del norte de México / JAG1, MEF2C and BDNF polymorphisms associated with bone mineral density in women from Northern México

Resumen Introducción. La osteoporosis se caracteriza por una baja densidad mineral ósea; la composición genética es uno de los factores que más influyen en ella, pero hay pocos estudios de genes asociados con esta condición en la población mexicana. Objetivo. Investigar la posible asociación de ocho polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, SNP) de los genes JAG1, MEF2C y BDNF con la densidad mineral ósea en mujeres del norte de México. Materiales y métodos. Participaron 124 mujeres de 40 a 80 años, sin parentesco entre ellas. Su densidad mineral ósea se determinó mediante absorciometría dual de rayos X y la genotipificación se hizo utilizando discriminación alélica mediante PCR en tiempo real; se estudiaron cuatro de los SNP del gen JAG1 (rs6514116, rs2273061, rs2235811 y rs6040061), tres del MEF2C (rs1366594, rs12521522 y rs11951031) y uno del BDNF (rs6265). El análisis estadístico de los datos obtenidos se hizo por regresión lineal. Resultados. El SNP rs2235811 presentó asociación significativa con la densidad mineral ósea de todo el cuerpo bajo el modelo de herencia dominante (p=0,024) y, aunque los otros SNP no tuvieron relación significativa con esta densidad, en ninguno de los modelos de herencia estudiados, se observó una tendencia hacia esta asociación. Conclusión. Los resultados sugieren que el SNP rs2235811 del gen JAG1 podría contribuir a la variación en la densidad mineral ósea de las mujeres del norte de México.

Abstract Introduction: Osteoporosis is characterized by a low bone mineral density. Genetic composition is one of the most influential factors in determining bone mineral density (BMD). There are few studies on genes associated with BMD in the Mexican population. Objective: To investigate the association of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of JAG1, MEF2C and BDNF genes with BMD in women of Northern México. Materials and methods: This study involved 124 unrelated Mexican women between 40 and 80 years old. BMD was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Genotyping was performed using allelic discrimination by real time PCR. We analyzed the SNP of JAG1 (rs6514116, rs2273061, rs2235811 and rs6040061), MEF2C (rs1366594, rs12521522 and rs11951031), and BDNF (rs6265) and the data using linear regression. Results: The JAG1 SNP rs2235811 was associated with the BMD of the total body under the dominant inheritance model (p=0,024). Although the other SNPs were not associated with BMD in any of the inheritance models studied, a trend was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the SNP rs2235811 in the JAG1 gene might contribute to the variation in BMD in women from northern México.

Body frame size in school children is related to the amount of adipose tissue in different depots but not to adipose distribution.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that body frame size is related to the amount of fat in different adipose tissue depots and to fat distribution in schoolchildren. METHODS: Children aged between 5 and 10 years were included in this cross-sectional study (n = 565). Body frame size, adiposity markers (anthropometric, skinfolds thickness, and ultrasound measures), and fat distribution indices were analyzed. Correlation coefficients adjusted by reliability were estimated and analyzed by sex; the significance of the difference between two correlation coefficients was assessed using the Fisher z-transformation. RESULTS: The sample included primarily urban children; 58.6% were normal weight, 16.1% overweight, 19.6% obese, and the rest were underweight. Markers of subcutaneous adiposity, fat mass and fat-free mass, and preperitoneal adiposity showed higher and significant correlations with the sum of the biacromial + bitrochanteric diameter than with the elbow diameter, regardless of sex. The fat distribution conicity index presented significant but weak correlations; and visceral adipose tissue, hepatic steatosis, and the waist-for-hip ratio were not significantly correlated with body frame size measures. CONCLUSIONS: Body frame size in school children was related to the amount of adipose tissue in different depots, but not adipose distribution. More studies are needed to confirm this relationship and its importance to predict changes in visceral fat deposition during growth.

Basic-education mexican teachers' knowledge of biotechnology and attitudes about the consumption of genetically modified foods.

Over the past few years, a new research field has emerged, focusing on the social-scientific criteria for the study of opinions toward genetically modified foods (GMFs), since these may be limiting factors for the success or failure of these products. Basic education is the first step in the Mexican education system, and teachers may wield an outsized influence on the attitudes and preferences of children, prospective future consumers of these products. To better understand the current state of knowledge of biotechnology issues and opinions toward the consumption of GMF of Mexican teachers, a questionnaire was distributed, and 362 Mexican teachers of basic education responded. The survey included questions about the benefits and risks of consuming GMF. The mean percentage of teachers expressing knowledge of a given topic in biotechnology was 50%. More than 60% of teachers believed that GMFs would be useful in preventing world hunger, while 39.2% considered GMF to be hazards for future generations. Although 47.0% reported not having enough knowledge about these topics, almost all (90.3%) respondents expressed an interest and willingness to learn about biotechnology. In light of the fact that teachers of basic education represent the first and potentially most lasting stage in the education of young children, this survey establishes the urgent need to develop strategies to improve the scientific knowledge of teachers and to facilitate decision making and the promotion of scientific and technological advances for their students. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(5):396-402, 2017.

Efecto de considerar la ingestión y eliminación de líquidos en la determinación de la composición corporal con el método de dilución con deuterio en escolares / Effect of ingestion and excretion of fluids in determining body composition with deuterium dilution method in school children

Introducción: el método de dilución con deuterio es una técnica de referencia en composición corporal en los trabajos de campo. A pesar de su amplia utilidad, aún no se ha reportado cómo es que algunos procedimientos empleados afectan a la medición del agua corporal total (ACT) y a otras estimaciones. Objetivo: analizar si considerar o no que la ingestión de líquidos y la eliminación de orina durante la prueba afectan a la medición del ACT, la masa grasa (MG) y la masa libre de grasa (MLG). Resultados y discusión: en 139 escolares (65 niñas y 74 niños) se midió la ingestión y eliminación de líquidos durante las tres horas de la prueba. La composición corporal resultó ser significativamente diferente (p < 0.001) cuando se corrige por los volúmenes ingeridos y eliminados; sin embargo, las diferencias obtenidas en ACT (100-200 mL), MLG y MG (100-300g) no se consideran importantes en cuanto a composición corporal en comparación con las diferencias resultantes con otros métodos (AU)

Introduction: the deuterium dilution technique is a reference method for measuring body composition in children. However, to our knowledge, there is no report on how some of the procedures used affect the measurement of total body water (TBW) and other estimates. Objective: to analyze whether considering fluid intake and urine excretion during the test affects the final TBW, fat mass and fat free mass results. Results and discussion: ingestion of fluids (100 mL rinse water + orange juice 150 mL) and excretion (urine) were measured in 139 schoolchildren (65 girls) during the determination of TBW. We found significant differences in body composition (p < 0.001), TBW (100-200 mL), FFM and FM (100-300 g) when corrected by volume of fluids ingested and excreted. However, these differences were not considered clinically relevant (AU)

[EFFECT OF INGESTION AND EXCRETION OF FLUIDS IN DETERMINING BODY COMPOSITION WITH DEUTERIUM DILUTION METHOD IN SCHOOL CHILDREN]. / EFECTO DE CONSIDERAR LA INGESTIÓN Y ELIMINACIÓN DE LÍQUIDOS EN LA DETERMINACIÓN DE LA COMPOSICIÓN CORPORAL CON EL MÉTODO DE DILUCIÓN CON DEUTERIO EN ESCOLARES.

INTRODUCTION: the deuterium dilution technique is a reference method for measuring body composition in children. However, to our knowledge, there is no report on how some of the procedures used affect the measurement of total body water (TBW) and other estimates. OBJECTIVE: to analyze whether considering fluid intake and urine excretion during the test affects the final TBW, fat mass and fat free mass results. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: ingestion of fluids (100 mL rinse water + orange juice 150 mL) and excretion (urine) were measured in 139 schoolchildren (65 girls) during the determination of TBW. We found significant differences in body composition (p < 0.001), TBW (100-200 mL), FFM and FM (100-300 g) when corrected by volume of fluids ingested and excreted. However, these differences were not considered clinically relevant.

Introducción: el método de dilución con deuterio es una técnica de referencia en composición corporal en los trabajos de campo. A pesar de su amplia utilidad, aún no se ha reportado cómo es que algunos procedimientos empleados afectan a la medición del agua corporal total (ACT) y a otras estimaciones. Objetivo: analizar si considerar o no que la ingestión de líquidos y la eliminación de orina durante la prueba afectan a la medición del ACT, la masa grasa (MG) y la masa libre de grasa (MLG). Resultados y discusión: en 139 escolares (65 niñas y 74 niños) se midió la ingestión y eliminación de líquidos durante las tres horas de la prueba. La composición corporal resultó ser significativamente diferente (p < 0.001) cuando se corrige por los volúmenes ingeridos y eliminados; sin embargo, las diferencias obtenidas en ACT (100-200 mL), MLG y MG (100-300g) no se consideran importantes en cuanto a composición corporal en comparación con las diferencias resultantes con otros métodos.

Iron status and dietary intakes of iron in normal-weight and obese young Mexican women.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is reported to be a predictor of iron deficiency. In Mexico, 45.5% of women older than 20 years have obesity, and the prevalence of anemia is 10.2% in women 20 to 29 years. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (% BF), dietary intakes and iron status of healthy normal-weight and obese young women. METHODS: A total of 86 women [normal-weight (n = 46) and obese (n = 40)] completed the study. Intakes were evaluated by an 8-day food-record. Anthropometrics and blood collection (hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin and transferrin) were done on the luteal phase of menstrual cycle; menstrual characteristics were also reported. Iron status was determined according to stages of iron depletion. T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare groups' variables. Pearson correlation was used to determine relationships between variables. An odds ratio (OR) analysis was used to measure the association of BMI, % BF and dietary intakes with iron status. RESULTS: Biomarkers of iron were similar between groups. There was a positive correlation between % BF and ferritin (r = 0.222; p = 0.032). Similar intakes and menstrual periods may be the reason of similar iron status. BMI, % BF or dietary intakes were not independent contributors to stages of iron depletion. CONCLUSION: Guidance on dietary intakes is suggested for this population to avoid future iron deficiency complications.

Introducción: la obesidad se ha reportado como predictor de la deficiencia de hierro. En México, el 45,5% de las mujeres mayores de 20 años tienen obesidad, y la prevalencia de anemia es de 10,2% en mujeres de 20 a 29 años. Objetivo: investigar la relación entre índice de masa corporal (IMC), porcentaje de grasa (%GC), ingesta dietética y reservas de hierro en mujeres jóvenes sanas con normopeso y obesidad. Métodos: ochenta y seis mujeres [normopeso (n = 46) y obesidad (n = 40)] completaron el estudio. La ingesta fue evaluada por un diario de registro de 8 días. La antropometría y obtención de sangre (hemoglobina, hematocrito, ferritina y transferrina) se consiguieron en la fase lútea del ciclo menstrual; se reportaron las características de la menstruación. Las reservas de hierro se determinaron según etapas de depleción. Pruebas de T y Mann-Whitney U se usaron para comparar variables entre grupos. La correlación de Pearson se usó para determinar relaciones entre variables. La razón de momios se utilizó para medir la asociación de IMC, %GC e ingesta dietética con las reservas de hierro. Resultados: los marcadores de hierro fueron similares entre grupos. Se encontró una relación positiva entre %GC y ferritina (r = 0,222; p = 0,032). La similitud en ingesta y periodos menstruales puede ser la razón de que existan reservas de hierro similares. El IMC, %GC e ingesta dietética no contribuyeron independientemente a las etapas de depleción de hierro. Conclusión: se sugiere guía dietética para esta población con el fin de evitar complicaciones por deficiencia de hierro.

Iron status and dietary intakes of iron in normal-weight and obese young Mexican women / Reservas de hierro e ingesta dietética de hierro en mujeres jóvenes mexicanas con normopeso y obesidad

Introduction: obesity is reported to be a predictor of iron deficiency. In Mexico, 45.5 % of women older than 20 years have obesity, and the prevalence of anemia is 10.2 % in women 20 to 29 years. Objective: to investigate the relation between body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (% BF), dietary intakes and iron status of healthy normal-weight and obese young women. Methods: a total of 86 women [normal-weight (n = 46) and obese (n = 40)] completed the study. Intakes were evaluated by an 8-day food-record. Anthropometrics and blood collection (hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin and transferrin) were done on the luteal phase of menstrual cycle; menstrual characteristics were also reported. Iron status was determined according to stages of iron depletion. T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare groups’ variables. Pearson correlation was used to determine relationships between variables. An odds ratio (OR) analysis was used to measure the association of BMI, % BF and dietary intakes with iron status. Results: biomarkers of iron were similar between groups. There was a positive correlation between % BF and ferritin (r = 0.222; p = 0.032). Similar intakes and menstrual periods may be the reason of similar iron status. BMI, % BF or dietary intakes were not independent contributors to stages of iron depletion. Conclusion: guidance on dietary intakes is suggested for this population to avoid future iron deficiency complications (AU)

Introducción: la obesidad se ha reportado como predictor de la deficiencia de hierro. En México, el 45,5% de las mujeres mayores de 20 años tienen obesidad, y la prevalencia de anemia es de 10,2% en mujeres de 20 a 29 años. Objetivo: investigar la relación entre índice de masa corporal (IMC), porcentaje de grasa (%GC), ingesta dietética y reservas de hierro en mujeres jóvenes sanas con normopeso y obesidad. Métodos: ochenta y seis mujeres [normopeso (n = 46) y obesidad (n = 40)] completaron el estudio. La ingesta fue evaluada por un diario de registro de 8 días. La antropometría y obtención de sangre (hemoglobina, hematocrito, ferritina y transferrina) se consiguieron en la fase lútea del ciclo menstrual; se reportaron las características de la menstruación. Las reservas de hierro se determinaron según etapas de depleción. Pruebas de T y Mann-Whitney U se usaron para comparar variables entre grupos. La correlación de Pearson se usó para determinar relaciones entre variables. La razón de momios se utilizó para medir la asociación de IMC, %GC e ingesta dieté- tica con las reservas de hierro. Resultados: los marcadores de hierro fueron similares entre grupos. Se encontró una relación positiva entre %GC y ferritina (r = 0,222; p = 0,032). La similitud en ingesta y periodos menstruales puede ser la razón de que existan reservas de hierro similares. El IMC, %GC e ingesta dietética no contribuyeron independientemente a las etapas de depleción de hierro. Conclusión: se sugiere guía dietética para esta población con el fin de evitar complicaciones por deficiencia de hierro (AU)

Ingesta energética y de macronutrientes en mujeres embarazadas en el noreste de México / Intakes of energy and macronutrients in pregnant women in the northeast of Mexico

Estudio descriptivo y transversal primero en reportar la ingesta dietética de energía y de macronutrientes en mujeres en gestación en la zona noreste de México. Muestra por conveniencia de 125 mujeres embarazadas (15-45 años) en el tercer trimestre, que acudieron a consulta prenatal del Hospital Regional Materno Infantil, Nuevo León, México. Se reportaron último nivel de estudios, estatus marital y profesional, peso, talla, e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se evaluó la dieta mediante la técnica de recordatorio de ingesta del día anterior, en 3 días no consecutivos. Se valoró la ingesta de energía y la contribución calórica porcentual de macronutrientes según las recomendaciones de ingesta de mujeres embarazadas. La ingesta energética fue de 1683,8 Cal/ día. La contribución calórica de grasa saturada fue mayor a la recomendación en 53,6 % de las mujeres. 76,8 % de las participantes consumieron más de 55 % de la energía de hidratos de carbono, mientras que 86,4 % consumió azúcares por arriba de lo sugerido. La mediana de consumo de proteína fue de 12,0 % de la energía total. 75% de las participantes consumieron menos de 22,5 g de fibra dietética total. La importancia de conocer la ingesta de energía y de macronutrientes en mujeres embarazadas se debe a la posible influencia que la dieta tiene sobre la programación del apetito del niño y las complicaciones de la madre. Los resultados sugieren brindar recomendaciones nutricias adecuadas para cada mujer desde el primer trimestre de gestación, según su estado nutricional y entorno social.

Descriptive and transversal study, first to report the dietary intake of energy and macronutrients in pregnant women in the northeast of Mexico. Convenience sample of 125 pregnant women (15-45 years of age) in the third trimester, who were prenatal patients in the Hospital Regional Materno Infantil, Nuevo León, Mexico. It was reported the level of studies, marital and professional status, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Diet was evaluated by 24-hour food recalls, in 3 non-consecutive days. There were analyzed the intake of energy and the percentage contribution of calories from macronutrients according to the recommendations of intake of pregnant women. Intake of energy was 1683,8 Cal/day. The caloric contribution of saturated fat was higher than the recommendation in 53,6 % of women. 76,8 % of participants ate more than 55 % of energy from carbohydrates, while 86,4 % ate more sugars than the amount suggested. The median intake of protein was 12,0 % of total energy intake. 75% of participants consumed less than 22,5 g of total dietary fiber. The relevance of knowing the intakes of energy and macronutrients in pregnant women may be due to the possible influence of diet over the child’s appetite and maternal complications. Results of this study suggest the need to provide women with adequate nutritional recommendations since the first trimester of gestation, according to their nutritional status and social environment.

[Intakes of energy and macronutrients in pregnant women in the northeast of Mexico]. / Ingesta energética y de-macronutrientes en mujeres embarazadas en el noreste de México.

Descriptive and transversal study, first to report the dietary intake of energy and macronutrients in pregnant women in the northeast of Mexico. Convenience sample of 125 pregnant women (15-45 years of age) in the third trimester, who were prenatal patients in the Hospital Regional Materno Infantil, Nuevo León, Mexico. It was reported the level of studies, marital and professional status, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Diet was evaluated by 24-hour food recalls, in 3 non-consecutive days. There were analyzed the intake of energy and the percentage contribution of calories from macronutrients according to the recommendations of intake of pregnant women. Intake of energy was 1683,8 Cal/day. The caloric contribution of saturated fat was higher than the recommendation in 53.6% of women. 76.8% of participants ate more than 55% of energy from carbohydrates, while 86.4% ate more sugars than the amount suggested. The median intake of protein was 12.0% of total energy intake. 75% of participants consumed less than 22,5 g of total dietary fiber. The relevance of knowing the intakes of energy and macronutrients in pregnant women may be due to the possible influence of diet over the child's appetite and maternal complications. Results of this study suggest the need to provide women with adequate nutritional recommendations since the first trimester of gestation, according to their nutritional status and social environment.

[Effect of a School Breakfast Program on the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in children]. / Impacto de un programa de desayunos escolares en la prevalencia de obesidad y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en niños sonorenses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a School Breakfast Program on obesity and some cardiovascular risk factors in 6 to 10 year old schoolchildren. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental prospective study was conducted in 2002-2003, in 17 municipalities of Sonora State, Mexico. The intervention group consisted of 254 children participating in a School Breakfast Program (SBP group). The control group (NSBP group, n=106) included children who did not participate in the program. In both groups the body mass index for age (BMI/age) and body composition by electrical resistance using bioelectrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) were estimated at the beginning and at the end of a 9-month period. In a subgroup of 264 school-children (SBP and NSBP children), serum cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting glucose were measured at the start and at the end of the program. RESULTS: The body mass index in the SBP and NSBP groups was not different at the start or at the end of the school period (p>0.05). The proportion of overweight and obese children and the percentage fat remained similar in both groups. However, the lean mass increased (p>0.05) at the end of the school period in both groups, and hence, cannot be attributed to the program. The biochemical parameters showed no change (p>0.05) in blood glucose, total serum cholesterol, and triglycerides in either group at the end of the school period. CONCLUSIONS: Study results showed no evidence of a negative effect of SBP in terms of risk factors for obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Impacto de un programa de desayunos escolares en la prevalencia de obesidad y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en niños sonorenses / Effect of a School Breakfast Program on the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in children

OBJETIVO: Determinar el efecto de un programa de desayunos escolares sobre el desarrollo de obesidad y algunos indicadores bioquímicos de riesgo cardiovascular en niños. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Entre 2002 y 2003, en 17 municipios del estado de Sonora, México, se realizó un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal en 254 niños del Programa de Desayunos Escolares (PDE), evaluados al inicio y al final del ciclo escolar (nueve-meses) y comparados con un grupo control (sin PDE, n=106). Se utilizó el índice de masa corporal para la edad (IMC/edad) y se midió la composición corporal por bioimpedancia eléctrica. En una submuestra de 264 niños (PDE y controles) se determinó colesterol total, triglicéridos y glucosa en ayuno. Se estimaron media y desviación estándar y diferencia de proporciones con ji cuadrada. RESULTADOS: El IMC en niños del PDE y sus controles no fue diferente al inicio y final del ciclo escolar (p> 0.05). Asimismo, el porcentaje de sobrepeso y obesidad no se modificó (p> 0.05) al final del Programa y el porcentaje de grasa corporal no mostró cambios (p> 0.05). Sin embargo, la masa corporal libre de grasa (MCLG) aumentó (p< 0.01) en los niños del PDE, pero también en los controles, por lo que este aumento no puede interpretarse como un efecto del Programa. Respecto a las variables bioquímicas no se encontraron diferencias (p> 0.05) en los valores séricos de glucosa, colesterol total y triglicéridos en niños PDE o en los controles. CONCLUSIONES: No hay evidencia de un efecto negativo sobre los niños del PDE en relación con factores de riesgo para obesidad y riesgo cardiovascular.