Dietary intake of polish organic and conventional fruit growers and their life partners - a pilot study.

Diet is one of the elements that contribute to health and quality of life. There are significant discrepancies between the diets of people living in different regions, with different beliefs, or with different approaches to sustainability and ecology. There is a lack of research on dietary intake among organic and conventional fruit growers. The aim of our study was to examine the diets of orchardists and their immediate life partners in terms of meeting energy requirements, nutrient intake and fulfillment of dietary recommendations in this group. Fifty-three participants (28 in the organic group and 25 in the conventional group) took part in the study. Dietary data were obtained using the 3-day dietary record. Body mass and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Physical activity was estimated using a questionnaire method. The study group was aged 44 ± 8 years, with a body weight of 84 ± 16 kg and a height of 172 ± 9 cm. The mean BMI was 28 ± 4 kg/m2. Mean energy intake with diet was 2170 ± 606 kcal/day with needs of 3002 (1991-5144) kcal/day. A significant proportion of the study group did not fulfill their calcium and vitamin D requirements. In addition, a significant proportion of the conventional fruit growers did not cover their needs for potassium, magnesium and vitamins: E, C, and folate. Both groups had too high an intake of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, and too low an intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, the orchardists' diets mostly provided adequate amounts of nutrients, with inadequate intakes of calcium, vitamin D, cholesterol, and fatty acids. The diets of organic fruit growers were significantly richer in selected nutrients.

Energy expenditure during training and official league match in professional female soccer players - a pilot study.

Background: The most important component of a well-balanced diet is the proper energetic value. However, adequate estimation of the body's energy needs is difficult for professional athletes, including soccer players. There is little research showing energy expenditure during training and lack of studies on the energy expenditure of professional female soccer players during a match. Objective: The aim of our study was to estimate energy expenditure during training and official league match in female soccer players and comparing it. Material and methods: Seven Polish professionally practicing soccer females (23.4±6,6 years old; 63.5±7.8 kg; 168.5±5.8 cm; 46±4.4 kg fat-free mass) participated in the study. The participants had their height and body mass measured. Energy expenditure during activities was measured by means of a SenseWear Pro3 Armband device. Body composition was assessed with Akern BIA 101 Anniversary Sport Edition device. Results: Statistically higher energy expenditure was achieved in the study group during the match hour (452±55 kcal/hour) compared to the training hour (353±28 kcal/ hour) as well as in the case of energy expenditure per hour of activity per kg of fat-free mass (match: 9.94±1.75 kcal/kg fat-free mass/hour; training: 7.71±0.8 kcal/kg fat-free mass/hour). During one hour of training, more time was spent on sedentary, light, and moderate activities, but the difference was statistically significant only for light activities. More time during the match hour than during the training hour was spent on vigorous and very vigorous activities. Conclusions: In conclusion, the energy expenditure of the players during the match was greater than in the case of the planned intensive training, which was caused by the timeshare of more intense physical activities and going a longer distance during match.

Fantastic Foods and Where to Find Them-Advantages and Disadvantages of Nutri-Score in the Search for Healthier Food.

The composition and quality of food rations and the intake of nutrients with the diet are undoubtedly reflected in our health. In order to help the consumer choose the right food product, food manufacturers use front-of-pack labels, which are designed to convey concise information about the nutritional value of the product. Such labels include the Nutri-Score system. In this paper, we have critically analyzed this system. As the available data indicate, this system does not take into account a number of factors that affect the quality of a food product, including the size of the package, the contents of vitamins, minerals, and other selected health-promoting ingredients, the degree of processing, or the fatty acid profile of the product, and it discriminates against regional products, organic products, and juices and nectars. This system, although intuitive and created with good intentions, still has quite a few flaws that must be addressed before it can be considered to correctly indicate the nutritional value of food products.

Effect of Age and Gender on the Efficacy of a 12-Month Body Weight Reduction Program Conducted Online-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Overweight and obesity are a cause of many non-communicable diseases leading to an increased risk of death. There are many programs aimed at weight reduction, but few publications have evaluated their effectiveness according to the gender and age of the subjects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of age and gender on weight loss outcomes in subjects participating in a 12-month online weight loss program. 400 subjects, 190 men and 210 women, were included in the study. The online intervention consisted of a 15% energy deficit diet and training (RESPO method). Changes in body weight over 12 months were similar (p = 0.14) across age groups. Weight reductions by month were statistically significant (p = 0.0001) in both groups. We noted no differences in weight loss between men and women expressed in kilograms. However, women reduced their body weight to a greater extent, i.e., by 2.7 percentage points, than men. Gender is a factor that may influence the effectiveness of weight loss programs, while age demonstrates no such influence. Our study shows that significant weight reduction during weight loss therapy is achieved by both men and women, but women can expect better results.

Effectiveness of a 12-Month Online Weight Reduction Program in Cohorts with Different Baseline BMI-A Prospective Cohort Study.

The purpose of this article was to answer the question of whether people who want to reduce their body weight can achieve different results depending on their baseline BMI and whether the rate of weight loss is constant over the months of intervention. The study included 400 individuals aged 19 to 55 years with a mean BMI of 31.83 ± 4.77 (min 25.1 max 51.8). Men comprised 190 subjects and women 210 subjects. The participants were divided into three groups with the following BMI: overweight, class 1 obesity, and obesity class > 1 (class 2 and 3 combined). BMI groups were randomized by gender, the number of trainings per week, training time, intervention length, and intervention type. The online intervention consisted of a 15% energy deficit diet and training. Over the 12-month dietary intervention, overweight subjects reduced average body weight by 16.6%. The group with class 1 obesity reduced body weight by 15.7%. The group with obesity class > 1 reduced mean body weight by 15.4%. The relative weight reduction in the overweight group was significantly greater than in the other obesity groups (p = 0.007). In all groups, the rate of weight loss from month-to-month was statistically significant (p = 0.0001), ranging between 0.6 and 2.6% per month. The results indicate that overweight individuals are likely to experience a percent greater weight loss as a result of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. Regardless of baseline BMI, the observed weight loss was consistent from month-to-month throughout the 12-month period, which may indicate that the diet, as well as, the training plan were properly tailored to the subjects' needs and that they were highly motivated to participate in the program throughout its course. Properly conducted lifestyle intervention enables significant weight loss regardless of baseline BMI values.

Alternative and online weight loss interventions during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

The problem of obesity is affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic and the required social distancing, which make it impossible to see a dietitian, present new challenges and require the development of new ways of working with overweight individuals. Based on research and practice, dietetic services are beginning to shift from in-office consultations to a form of online consultation using mobile apps and websites. This literature review aims to critically analyze the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of interventions targeting weight loss in overweight or obese individuals focusing on behavioral and online interventions. The data from the presented studies suggest that the effectiveness of online interventions to control body weight is high enough to be used in nutritional education and in weight reduction or maintenance. The main advantage is a wide access to them for the public.

Body Mass, Physical Activity and Eating Habits Changes during the First COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Poland.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a number of changes in social life around the world. In response to the growing number of infections, some countries have introduced restrictions that may have resulted in the change of the lifestyle. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the lockdown on body weight, physical activity and some eating habits of the society. The survey involving 183 people was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire. The mean age of the study participants was 33 ± 11 and mean height 169 ± 8 cm. An average increase in body weight was observed in 49.18% by 0.63 ± 3.7 kg which was the result of a decrease in physical activity and an increase in food consumption. We also observed a decrease in PAL from 1.64 ± 0.15 to 1.58 ± 0.13 and changes in the amount of food and individual groups of products consumption, including alcohol. Among the study participants who did not lose body mass, there was an average weight gain of 2.25 ± 2.5 kg. In conclusion, an increase of weight was shown in about half of the respondents in the study group which was associated with a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of total food and high energy density products.

The effect of high-fat versus high-carb diet on body composition in strength-trained males.

Low-fat, high-carb (LFHC) and low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diets change body composition as a consequence of the reduction of body fat of overweight persons. The aim of this study is the assessment of the impact of LFHC and LCHF diets on body composition of men of a healthy body mass who do strength sports while maintaining the appropriate calorific value in a diet and protein intake. The research involved 55 men aged 19-35, with an average BMI of 24.01 ± 1.17 (min. 20.1, max. 26.1). The participants were divided into two groups following two interventional diets: high-fat diet or high-carb diet, for 12 weeks. The body composition of the participants was measured using bioimpedance. After the 12-week-long experiment based on the low-carbohydrate diet, a significant body mass reduction of 1.5% was observed. In the group, following the LFHC diet, the parameters did not significantly change. In the group following LCHF diet, the body fat reduction of 8.6% from 14 (6.7-19.8) kg to 12.7 (3.9-19.2) was reported (p = 0.01) (in the absolute value of 1.2 kg). However, also in the LFHC group, the body fat mass was significantly reduced, that is, by 1.5% (p = 0.01) (by 0.4 kg). Nevertheless, it is worth emphasizing that despite significant changes within the groups, these changes were not statistically significant between the groups. Diets with different carbohydrate and fat intake and the energy value covering the energy needs of men training strength sports have similar impact on changes in body composition.

Evaluation of Eating Habits and Their Impact on Health among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

According to the health field concept, the most important factor affecting health is a lifestyle. The current upward trend in overweight and obesity among younger populations is a consequence of inadequate lifestyle habits. The study aimed to characterise youth nutrition behaviour and knowledge in the context of the risk of developing overweight or obesity. The study group consisted of 307 high school students, 59% females and 41% males, aged between 15 and 19. Nutrition behaviours were studied using the standardised Questionnaire of Eating Behaviour. Body weight and body height were measured with a body composition analyser and a body height meter, respectively. It was observed that the average body mass index was 21.7 ± 3.4 kg/m2 for the females and 22.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2 for the males (p = 0.036). Disturbed weight-to-height ratios (i.e., overweight and obesity) were found in 15.6% of the females and 16.5% of the males. The diets of approximately 90% of these youth were characterised by excessively low pro-health product content. The males showed a significantly higher intensity of adverse health traits compared to the females (8.1% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.002). More than half of the males presented insufficient knowledge about food and nutrition (53.5% vs. 30.8%, p < 0.001). Regardless of gender, the study showed a positive correlation between adolescents' level of knowledge and the pro-health diet index (gamma coefficient: 0.42, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between their level of knowledge and the unhealthy diet index (gamma coefficient: -0.66, p < 0.001). The level of knowledge was closely related to the indicators of the intensities and adverse health characteristics of their diets. These results indicate the need for educational programs to raise awareness among youth in civilisation backgrounds.

The possibility of use of the ketogenic diet and medium chain triglycerides supplementation in the support therapy of Alzheimer disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diet-induced ketosis has a fasting-like effect and brings the body to increase the production of ketone bodies (KB). Works over the last decades have provided evidence of the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet (KD). This review focus on mainly clinical research on the effectiveness of the KD and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) supplementation in ameliorating the severity of symptoms in Alzheimer disease (AD). RECENT FINDINGS: A limited number of clinical studies (short-time and with a small number of participants) evaluated the role of the KD and MCT supplementation in AD as a potential dietary intervention in the therapy of this disease. These studies report that the application of KD or/and MCT supplements to older people reduces symptoms of AD. MCT supplements allow achieving an increased level of KBs in the blood even with a greater supply of carbohydrates in the diet and without any drastic changes in the habitual diet of patients. SUMMARY: The recent literature highlights the potential benefit of using diet-induced ketosis as an additional element of therapy in AD. Since persons with AD are at risk of malnutrition, the use of KD raises certain concerns due to side effects, especially for long periods of time. MCT supplements to obtain similar clinical results without the need for drastic changes in the diet of patients.

Dietary Factors and Prostate Cancer Development, Progression, and Reduction.

Due to the constantly increasing number of cases, prostate cancer has become one of the most important health problems of modern societies. This review presents the current knowledge regarding the role of nutrients and foodstuff consumption in the etiology and development of prostate malignancies, including the potential mechanisms of action. The results of several in vivo and in vitro laboratory experiments as well as those reported by the clinical and epidemiological research studies carried out around the world were analyzed. The outcomes of these studies clearly show the influence of both nutrients and food products on the etiology and prevention of prostate cancer. Consumption of certain nutrients (saturated and trans fatty acids) and food products (e.g., processed meat products) leads to the disruption of prostate hormonal regulation, induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and alteration of growth factor signaling and lipid metabolism, which all contribute to prostate carcinogenesis. On the other hand, a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grain products exerts protective and/or therapeutic effects. Special bioactive functions are assigned to compounds such as flavonoids, stilbenes, and lycopene. Since the influence of nutrients and dietary pattern is a modifiable risk factor in the development and prevention of prostate cancer, awareness of the beneficial and harmful effects of individual food ingredients is of great importance in the global strategy against prostate cancer.

The Combination of a Diversified Intake of Carbohydrates and Fats and Supplementation of Vitamin D in a Diet Does Not Affect the Levels of Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, and Cortisol) in Men Practicing Strength Training for the Duration of 12 Weeks.

This study aims to verify the extent to which a diversification of carbohydrates and fats intake in a diet, together with the reduction in vitamin D deficiency, impact the levels of hormones (testosterone, estradiol, cortisol) and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHGB) in men doing strength training. The research involved 55 men aged 19-35. The participants were divided into two groups following two interventional diets for 12 weeks: high-fat diet (LCHF) or high-carb diet (LFHC), which were applied to satisfy the caloric requirements of each participant. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation was included. Moreover, both before and after following interventional diets, the level of hormones in participant's blood was examined. After 12 weeks of following interventional diets in both groups, no changes of the levels of testosterone and estradiol, as well as SHGB, were found. The cortisol level in both groups decreased; however, only in the LFHC group was the change statistically significant (p = 0.03) and amounted to -3.5% (the cortisol level on an empty stomach in this group decreased from 14.17 ± 3.35 to 13.93 ± 2.63 mcg/dl). In both groups, the supplementation of vitamin D brought about a significant change in the level of vitamin D metabolite (25 (OH) D) (p = 0.01). In the LCHF group, the level of metabolite increased by 95%, and by 58.3% in the LFHC group. The increase in vitamin D metabolite in blood was higher in the LCHF group than the LFHC group, which might have resulted from the supplementation of this vitamin.

The causes of adverse changes of testosterone levels in men.

INTRODUCTION: As men age, progressive testosterone deficiency syndrome becomes an increasingly common problem. However, the decreased testosterone levels are not only the result of advanced age. AREAS COVERED: PubMed search of published data on testosterone, nutritional deficiency, stress, sleep, and obesity. Many factors impact the male HPG axis (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal), including body weight, calorific and nutritional value of a diet, the amount and quality of sleep, as well as the level of stress. In the case of persons of healthy weight, a below-average calorific value of a diet may decrease the levels of testosterone in men. On the other hand, the same caloric deficiency in obese persons may result in a neutral or positive impact on testosterone levels. EXPERT OPINION: Many factors, including external, environmental and internal factors, influence testosterone levels. Undoubtedly, nutritional deficiency, and particularly of such nutrients as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, together with low polyphenols intake, affects the HPG axis. The levels of mental and oxidative stress can also adversely impact the axis. Hence, a diagnosis of the cause of disturbance in testosterone levels depends on many factors and requires a broad range of research, as well as a change of patients' lifestyle.

Nutrition for Female Soccer Players-Recommendations.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. As its number of players is increasing, the number of female players is also on the rise. However, there are limited data about how the diets of female soccer players should be designed. Thus, the aim of our work is to deliver concise nutritional recommendations for women practicing this sport. Based on a literature review, we emphasize that individual adjustment of the energy value of the diet is the key factor for the physical performance of female soccer players. Appropriate macronutrient intake makes it possible to achieve the proper energy value of the diet (5-10 g/kg body mass/day carbohydrates; 1.2-1.7 g/kg body mass/day proteins; <30% fats from energy). The micronutrients should be consumed in amounts corresponding to individual values recommended in national standards. Soccer players should pay special attention to the proper consumption of such micronutrients, as well as vitamins such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D. The right amount of fluid intake, consistent with the player's needs, is crucial in maximizing exercise performance. The diet of a female practicing soccer is usually characterized with low energy values, which increases the risk of various health consequences related to low energy availability. Monitoring the diets of female soccer players is, therefore, necessary.

Low energy availability in group of Polish female soccer players

Background: The most important element of a well-balanced diet is a proper energetic value. Energy deficiencies are often observed in athletes, especially women. Energy deficiencies can lead to low energy availability which can cause serious health problems and affect exercise capacities. There is, therefore, a risk of health complications and reduced physical performance among female soccer players. Objective: The aim of this study was to check the frequency of low energy availability appearance in a group of women training soccer, which could results in negative health effects due to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Material and methods: Thirty-one professional female soccer players practicing on different league levels (Extra-league, I league, II league) participated in the study. The participants had their height and body mass measured. To assess the Energy Intake the method of 3-day dietary food recording was used. Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) and Exercise Energy Expenditure (EEE) was measured by means of an Armband SenseWear Pro3 device. The content of fat free mass was assessed with Akern BIA 101 Anniversary Sport Edition device. Results: The body mass median of participants was 58 kg. The average height was 166±5 cm, and the average BMI was 21.4±2 kg/m2. TEE was 2703±392 kcal/day, while EEE was 515 kcal (203-597 kcal). Energy intake was 1548±452 kcal/day. Energy availability was 25±11 kcal/kg fat free mass/day. Twenty of the study participants had low energy availability. The percentage of EEE in TEE was 17.93±3.14%. Conclusions: Low energy availability was demonstrated in the vast majority of studied group, which may lead to negative health consequences or reduction of exercise capacity.

The Assessment of the Supply of Calcium and Vitamin D in the Diet of Women Regularly Practicing Sport.

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D in women's diet is significant for a proper maintenance of the skeletal system. RESEARCH AIM: The aim of the research was to assess the calcium and vitamin D supply in a diet among women regularly practicing sport. METHODOLOGY: The research was completed by 593 women at the age of 18-50 (median 25) who played sports regularly (at least 2 times a week). To assess the calcium and vitamin D intake, short Food Frequency Questionnaires for calcium and vitamin D (VIDEO-FFQ) were used. The examined group was provided with the questionnaires via social media. To assess intake levels, the authors applied the group-based cutoff point method (calcium norm was EAR 800 mg/day; vitamin D norm was AI 15 µg/day). RESULTS: The median of calcium and vitamin D intake in a diet was 502 mg/day and 5.2 µg/day, respectively (Q25 and Q75 for calcium was 387 mg/day and 627 mg/day, respectively, and for vitamin D was 3.4 µg/day and 8.2 µg/day, respectively). In relation to the EAR norm for calcium and AI norm for vitamin D, 92.0% of the examined participants in a group demonstrated lower than recommended calcium intake levels and 97.3% showed lower than recommended vitamin D intake levels. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation was used by 13.1% (in this subgroup, 11.5% of the examined group members did not need it) and 56.8% of the examined women (in this subgroup, 2.4% of the examined group did not need it), respectively. After including the calcium and vitamin D intake, the supply median for the whole group was 535 mg/day and 28.8 µg/day, respectively (Q25 and Q75 for calcium was 402 mg/day and 671 mg/day, and for vitamin D was 6.3 µg/day and 55.7 µg/day, respectively); 87.5% of the examined participants did not meet the EAR norms for calcium and 42.0% did not meet the AI norm for vitamin D. Among the women supplementing calcium, 58.9% did not reach the reference intake value; however, all women supplementing vitamin D fulfilled the expected nutritional need. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to educate women about the necessity to provide the body with proper calcium and vitamin D intake levels in a diet in order to avoid health problems resulting from the deficit of the nutrients.

Dietary Intake of Polish Female Soccer Players.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the energy expenditure and fulfillment of nutritional needs of female soccer players. Participants in this research were 41 professional soccer players from the three Polish female soccer league levels: Ekstraleague, I League and II League. The participants had their height and body mass measured. Total Energy Expenditure was measured by means of a SenseWear Pro3 Armband device. Data related to the food-intake energy values and the consumption of macro- and micronutrients were obtained through systematic recording of results, which was conducted over a three-day-long period at the start of the competitive season. The average age of the participants was 21 ± 5 years, the average height was 167.5 ± 5 cm, and the average body mass was 62.53 ± 9.8 kg. The average energy expenditure of the participants was 2811 ± 493 kcal/day, and their average energy intake was 1476 ± 434 kcal/day. The average consumption of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins was 199 ± 20.6, 47.3 ± 20.7, and 72.3 ± 24.2 g/day, respectively. There was a prevalence of inadequate intake of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine, vitamins D, E and B1, and folate in the diet of the examined group. The remaining micronutrients were consumed in the prescribed amounts by at least 50% of the examined group. The participants demonstrated low energy intakes, and consequently, low consumption of macronutrients and a large number of micronutrients.

Assessment of resting energy demand and body composition in oncological patients undergoing partial resections of the liver.

INTRODUCTION: The metabolism of the body is a complicated process. The most important organ of the organism that affects the intensity of changes is the liver. An effective treatment method of primary and metastatic tumours is a partial resection of the organ. The analysis of changes in the body composition of patients undergoing this type of treatment allows identification of problems coexisting with the underlying disease. AIM: To evaluate changes in the parameters of body composition and the amount of resting metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 87 patients who underwent resection of changes in the liver or thermoablation of focal lesions during hospitalisation. RESULTS: Analysis of the data showed that the surgical intervention contributes to a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the value of the phase angle. A significant increase was noted within the extra cellular water content. The amount of resting metabolism in the postoperative period did not differ significantly; however, there was an upward trend in women and a downward trend in men. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection of lesions aimed at extending the survival of patients are performed more and more often, while the consequences of these operations are not sufficiently known. The adverse effect of resection treatments on body composition parameters, mainly imaged by decreasing the phase angle value, should be minimised. Effects on metabolism remain ambiguous because no significant changes have been demonstrated in the postoperative period.

Role of Ketogenic Diets in Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease).

The goal of this review was to assess the effectiveness of ketogenic diets on the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate and fat-rich diet. Its implementation has a fasting-like effect, which brings the body into a state of ketosis. The ketogenic diet has, for almost 100 years, been used in the therapy of drug-resistant epilepsy, but current studies indicate possible neuroprotective effects. Thus far, only a few studies have evaluated the role of the ketogenic diet in the prevention of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Single studies with human participants have demonstrated a reduction of disease symptoms after application. The application of the ketogenic diet to elderly people, however, raises certain concerns. Persons with neurodegenerative diseases are at risk of malnutrition, while food intake reduction is associated with disease symptoms. In turn, the ketogenic diet leads to a reduced appetite; it is not attractive from an organoleptic point of view, and may be accompanied by side effects of the gastrointestinal system. All this may lead to further lowering of consumed food portions by elderly persons with neurodegenerative diseases and, in consequence, to further reduction in the supply of nutrients provided by the diet. Neither data on the long-term application of the ketogenic diet in patients with neurodegenerative disease or data on its effects on disease symptoms are available. Further research is needed to evaluate the suitability of the ketogenic diet in the therapy of AD- or PD-affected persons.