Feeding difficulties in childhood: A narrative review. / Dificultades alimentarias en la infancia: una revisión narrativa.

It has been estimated that between 25% and 40% of healthy children show symptoms of feeding difficulties (FDs) during their growth and development; many times, these are not adequately diagnosed. The objective of this study was to conduct a narrative review that collected the available information on feeding difficulties. Assessment and management algorithms were developed based on the bibliographic evidence. Most feeding problems in young children (feeding selectivity, loss of appetite, fear of feeding) are often concurrent, and a clinical risk assessment is necessary to plan an individualized intervention. Having standardized definitions and common terms to address these difficulties in an appropriate and multidisciplinary manner is one of the ways to optimize their treatment. The involvement of different health care providers and parents is critical to address feeding difficulties.

Se estima que entre el 25 % y el 40 % de los niños sanos presentan algún síntoma de dificultad alimentaria (DA) durante su crecimiento y desarrollo, y muchas veces no son adecuadamente diagnosticadas. El propósito de este trabajo consistió en realizar una revisión narrativa que reuniera la información disponible sobre las dificultades alimentarias. Se desarrollaron algoritmos de evaluación y abordaje a partir de la evidencia en la literatura. La mayoría de los problemas de alimentación en los niños pequeños (selectividad alimentaria, falta de apetito, miedo a la alimentación) a menudo coexisten y es necesario evaluar el riesgo clínico para planificar una intervención individualizada. Contar con definiciones estandarizadas y terminología común para abordar estas dificultades de manera adecuada y multidisciplinaria es uno de los caminos para optimizar su tratamiento. Involucrar a los diferentes profesionales de la salud y a los padres es fundamental para abordar las dificultades alimentarias.

Dietary Patterns in the Argentinian Population and Their Association With Sociodemographic Characteristics: Results From the ELANS Study (2014-2015).

Aim: To describe dietary patterns in the Argentinian population and their association with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of Argentina's food consumption and sociodemographic data of 1,266 men and women between 15 and 65 years from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health carried out between March 2014 and December 2015. Dietary patterns were identified by using factor analysis and median factor scores were calculated for gender, age, region, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic, education, and physical activity categories. Results: Five dietary patterns were identified. Western, Local Western, and Rural were generally characterized by high consumptions of animal fats, sugar-sweetened beverages, meats or processed meats, pizza and empanadas, sweets, pastries, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Traditional pattern was mainly characterized by consumption of oils, starchy vegetables, and red meat and Sweet Prudent by milk and yogurt, vegetables, fruit, artificially sweetened beverages, sweets, and cookies. Higher adherence to the Sweet Prudent pattern was observed in women, in people who meet physical activity guidelines and higher socioeconomic and educational levels. Higher adherence to traditional pattern was only observed for men. Higher adherence to the rest of the patterns was observed mostly by men, young, leaner, lower socioeconomic, and educational levels, not meeting physical activity guidelines, from the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires or northern regions. Conclusion: Food consumption in Argentina is expressed in a diversity of dietary patterns. Men, younger, and sedentary individuals, with lower socioeconomic and educational level, from the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires and northern regions, seem to have higher adherence to least healthy dietary patterns.

Inadecuación de micronutrientes en adolescentes y adultos argentinos de población urbana. Resultados de estudio latinoamericano de nutrición y salud (ELANS) / Inadequancy of micronutrients in argentine adolescents and adults from the urban population. Results of the Latin Amercan study of nutritio and health (ELANS)

Introducción: conocer la deficiencia de micronutrientes en la ingesta es imprescindible para desarrollar estrategias de intervención y para evaluar programas destinados a mejorar el estado nutricional. Objetivos: determinar el consumo y la inadecuación de la ingesta de hierro, calcio, zinc, ácido fólico y vitaminas A, B12, C,D y E en la dieta de la población argentina. Materiales y métodos: la muestra fue de 1.266 individuos (población urbana 15-65 años), estratificada por región, edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico (NSE). Los datos de ingesta fueron recolectados con dos recordatorios de 24 horas (R24). Resultados: el riesgo relativo (RR) de inadecuación de ingesta de calcio, ácido fólico y vitamina B12 fue mayor para las mujeres. El consumo y la inadecuación de hierro mostraron diferencias significativas por sexo (0,3% hombres, 11% mujeres). La inadecuación de vitamina D fue casi del 100% para toda la muestra. Todos los grupos etarios presentaron alta inadecuación de calcio y vitaminas C, A y D. Adolescentes, adultos mayores de 50 años y población de NSE bajo presentaron mayor RR de inadecuación de calcio (1,18; 1,21 y 1,17 respectivamente). Se observó una disminución significativa de la media de consumo de calcio (mg) (856,4; 770,5; 745,3), vitaminas A (mcg) (643,6; 601,8; 536,2), C (mg) (54,2; 52,3; 44,8) y D (mcg) (3,7; 3,7; 3,2) al disminuir el NSE. La inadecuación en calcio aumentó significativamente con el índice de masa corporal. Conclusiones: mejorar la ingesta de micronutrientes a través de políticas públicas sobre educación alimentaria y desarrollo científico es una prioridad de salud pública

Introduction: knowing the deficiency of micronutrients intake is essential to develop intervention strategies and to evaluate programs aimed at improving nutritional status. Objectives: to determine the consumption and inadequacy of the intake of iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid and vitamins A, B12, C, D and E, in the diet of the Argentine population. Materials and methods: the sample consisted of 1,266 individuals (urban population 15-65 years old), stratified by region, age, sex and socioeconomic level (SEL). Intake data was collected with two 24-hour reminders (R24). Results: the relative risk (RR) of inadequate intake of calcium, folic acid, and vitamin B12 was higher for women. Iron consumption and inadequacy showed significant differences by sex (0.3% men, 11% women). Vitamin D inadequacy was almost 100% for the entire sample. All age groups presented high prevalence of inadequacy in calcium and vitamins C, A and D. Adolescents, adults over 50 years and the low SEL population presented a higher RR of calcium inadequacy (1.18, 1.21 and 1.17, respectively). A significant decrease in the average consumption of calcium (mg) (856.4, 770.5, 745.3), vitamins A (mcg) (643.6, 601.8, 536.2), C (mg) (54.2, 52.3, 44.8) and D (mcg) (3.7, 3.7, 3.2) was observed as the SEL decreased. Calcium inadequacy increased significantly with the body mass index. Conclusions: improving the intake of deficient micronutrients through public policies based on food education and scientific development is a public health priority

La pobreza como determinante de la calidad alimentaria en Argentina. Resultados del Estudio Argentino de Nutrición y Salud (EANS) / Poverty as a determinant of food quality in Argentina. Results of the Argentine Study of Nutrition and Health (EANS)

Introducción: las diferencias socioeconómicas acarrean desigualdades alimentarias y nutricionales. La dieta es un factor de riesgo modificable con acciones de salud pública, camino a la prevención de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Objetivo: estimar las desigualdades alimentarias en Argentina en función del nivel socioeconómico de la población, analizando el consumo de distintos grupos de alimentos. Métodos: datos argentinos del Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud. Muestra: 1266 individuos estratificados por género, nivel socioeconómico y región geográfica. Ingesta: 2 recordatorios de 24 horas con técnica de pasos múltiples. Análisis: con el NDS Software se analizaron los valores medios de consumo de 11 grupos de alimentos por nivel socioeconómico y región del país. Resultados: la población con menor nivel socioeconómico consume significativamente menos frutas, verduras y lácteos que la población de nivel medio y alto. Frutas: 59 vs. 79,1 y 106,3 g/d, respectivamente; p = 0,000. Verduras: 82,3 vs. 112 y 118 g/d; p = 0,000. Lácteos: 114 vs. 165 y 137 g/d; p = 0,000). Por el contrario, consume un mayor volumen de refrescos y jugos industriales (680 ml/d vs. 527 y 590 ml/d, respectivamente; p = 0,000), infusiones con azúcar agregada (568 ml/d vs. 385 y 309 ml/d; p = 0,000), pan (85 g/d vs. 75,5 y 66,7 g/d; p = 0,012) y bollería (159 g/d vs. 147 y 122 g/d; p = 0,008). Conclusiones: la vulnerabilidad social es un determinante importante de la calidad de la dieta. Intervenciones diseñadas para reducir las desigualdades sociales vinculadas a la nutrición y la salud resultan imprescindibles

Introduction: socio-economic differences lead to food and nutritional inequalities. Diet is a modifiable risk factor by public health activities, on the way to the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. Objective: to estimate food inequalities in Argentina based on the socioeconomic level of the population, analyzing the consumption of different food groups. Methods: Argentine data from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health. Sample: 1,266 individuals stratified by gender, socioeconomic level and geographic region. Intake: 2 24-hour reminders with the multi-step technique. Analysis: with the NDS Software average consumption values of 11 food groups were analyzed by socioeconomic level and country region. Results: the population with lower socioeconomic status consumes significantly less fruits, vegetables and dairy products than the population with medium to high socioeconomic level. Fruits: 59 vs. 79.1 and 106.3 g/d, respectively; p = 0.000. Vegetables: 82.3 g/d vs. 112 and 118 g/d; p = 0.000. Dairy products: 114 g/d vs. 165 and 137 g/d; p = 0.000). On the contrary, it consumes a greater volume of soft drinks and industrial juices (680 mL/d vs. 527 and 590 mL/d, respectively; p = 0.000), infusions with added sugar (568 mL/d vs. 385 and 309 mL/d; p = 0.000), bread (85 g/d vs. 75.5 and 66.7 g/d; p = 0.012) and pastries (159 g/d vs. 147 and 122 g/d; p = 0.008). Conclusions: Social vulnerability is an important determinant for diet quality. Interventions designed to reduce social inequalities as linked to nutrition and health are essential

[Poverty as a determinant of food quality in Argentina. Results of the Argentine Study of Nutrition and Health (EANS)]. / La pobreza como determinante de la calidad alimentaria en Argentina. Resultados del Estudio Argentino de Nutrición y Salud (EANS).

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: socio-economic differences lead to food and nutritional inequalities. Diet is a modifiable risk factor by public health activities, on the way to the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. Objective: to estimate food inequalities in Argentina based on the socioeconomic level of the population, analyzing the consumption of different food groups. Methods: Argentine data from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health. Sample: 1,266 individuals stratified by gender, socioeconomic level and geographic region. Intake: 2 24-hour reminders with the multi-step technique. Analysis: with the NDS Software average consumption values of 11 food groups were analyzed by socioeconomic level and country region. Results: the population with lower socioeconomic status consumes significantly less fruits, vegetables and dairy products than the population with medium to high socioeconomic level. Fruits: 59 vs. 79.1 and 106.3 g/d, respectively; p = 0.000. Vegetables: 82.3 g/d vs. 112 and 118 g/d; p = 0.000. Dairy products: 114 g/d vs. 165 and 137 g/d; p = 0.000). On the contrary, it consumes a greater volume of soft drinks and industrial juices (680 mL/d vs. 527 and 590 mL/d, respectively; p = 0.000), infusions with added sugar (568 mL/d vs. 385 and 309 mL/d; p = 0.000), bread (85 g/d vs. 75.5 and 66.7 g/d; p = 0.012) and pastries (159 g/d vs. 147 and 122 g/d; p = 0.008). Conclusions: Social vulnerability is an important determinant for diet quality. Interventions designed to reduce social inequalities as linked to nutrition and health are essential.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: las diferencias socioeconómicas acarrean desigualdades alimentarias y nutricionales. La dieta es un factor de riesgo modificable con acciones de salud pública, camino a la prevención de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Objetivo: estimar las desigualdades alimentarias en Argentina en función del nivel socioeconómico de la población, analizando el consumo de distintos grupos de alimentos. Métodos: datos argentinos del Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud. Muestra: 1266 individuos estratificados por género, nivel socioeconómico y región geográfica. Ingesta: 2 recordatorios de 24 horas con técnica de pasos múltiples. Análisis: con el NDS Software se analizaron los valores medios de consumo de 11 grupos de alimentos por nivel socioeconómico y región del país. Resultados: la población con menor nivel socioeconómico consume significativamente menos frutas, verduras y lácteos que la población de nivel medio y alto. Frutas: 59 vs. 79,1 y 106,3 g/d, respectivamente; p = 0,000. Verduras: 82,3 vs. 112 y 118 g/d; p = 0,000. Lácteos: 114 vs. 165 y 137 g/d; p = 0,000). Por el contrario, consume un mayor volumen de refrescos y jugos industriales (680 ml/d vs. 527 y 590 ml/d, respectivamente; p = 0,000), infusiones con azúcar agregada (568 ml/d vs. 385 y 309 ml/d; p = 0,000), pan (85 g/d vs. 75,5 y 66,7 g/d; p = 0,012) y bollería (159 g/d vs. 147 y 122 g/d; p = 0,008). Conclusiones: la vulnerabilidad social es un determinante importante de la calidad de la dieta. Intervenciones diseñadas para reducir las desigualdades sociales vinculadas a la nutrición y la salud resultan imprescindibles.

Latin American consumption of major food groups: Results from the ELANS study.

BACKGROUND: The Latin American (LA) region is still facing an ongoing epidemiological transition and shows a complex public health scenario regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A healthy diet and consumption of specific food groups may decrease the risk of NCDs, however there is a lack of dietary intake data in LA countries. OBJECTIVE: Provide updated data on the dietary intake of key science-based selected food groups related to NCDs risk in LA countries. DESIGN: ELANS (Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health) is a multicenter cross-sectional study assessing food consumption from an urban sample between15 to 65 years old from 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Two 24-HR were obtained from 9,218 individuals. The daily intake of 10 food groups related to NCDs risk (fruits; vegetables; legumes/beans; nuts and seeds; whole grains products; fish and seafood; yogurt; red meat; processed meats; sugar-sweetened beverages (ready-to-drink and homemade)) were assessed and compared to global recommendations. RESULTS: Only 7.2% of the overall sample reached WHO's recommendation for fruits and vegetables consumption (400 grams per day). Regarding the dietary patterns related to a reduced risk of NCDs, among the overall sample legumes and fruits were the food groups with closer intake to the recommendation, although much lower than expected (13.1% and 11.5%, respectively). Less than 3.5% of the sample met the optimal consumption level of vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and yogurt. Largest country-dependent differences in average daily consumption were found for legumes, nuts, fish, and yogurt. Mean consumption of SSB showed large differences between countries. CONCLUSION: Diet intake quality is deficient for nutrient-dense food groups, suggesting a higher risk for NCDs in the urban LA region in upcoming decades. These data provide relevant and up-to-date information to take urgent public health actions to improve consumption of critically foods in order to prevent NCDs.

Total and added sugars consumption in Argentina: Their contribution to daily energy intake. Results from Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS).

AIM: The aim of the present study is to determine the intake of total sugars (TS) and added sugars (AS) in Argentina based on the local data of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the urban Argentine population (n = 1266). The sample was stratified by age group (15-65 years), gender, geographic region and socioeconomic level (SEL). TS and AS intake were obtained by two 24-hour recalls (R24) and analysed using the Nutrition Data System for Research Software 2013. RESULTS: On average, TS consumption in Argentina was 114.3 g/day, accounting for 39.8% of the total carbohydrate intake and 20.6% total energy (TE) intake. Overall, 77.2% of the TS intake consisted of AS (90.4 g/day), contributing to 30.4% of total carbohydrate intake and 15.9%TE. Men consume more TS and AS (in g/day), with no difference in the AS %TE between men and women. The consumption of sugars decreased with age, with adolescents consuming more AS and older adults more intrinsic sugars. The intake of AS was higher in low SEL. CONCLUSIONS: In Argentina, the intake of AS was 50% above the recommendations. Younger and socially vulnerable people are at higher risk of excessive intake.

Study Protocol of MINI SALTEN: a technology-based multi-component intervention in the school environment targeting healthy habits of first grade children and their parents.

BACKGROUND: MINI SALTEN is a program developed to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and improve eating habits at home and school in first grade children. It aims to assess the effects of a technology family-based and PA school-based intervention. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the protocol design and the MINISALTEN intervention. METHODS: This is cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to run from July 2015 to November 2016 in 12 public schools of the city of Buenos Aires, matched for socio-demographic characteristics. The intervention is based on two main components: (a) "active breaks" (AB): implemented during school breaks by a PA instructor; (b) "virtual" (V): web-based contents delivered to the families via a multiplatform application. Using a computer generated random sequence participants are allocated to one of four intervention conditions: (AB), (V), (AB + V), and control (C). Outcomes are measured at baseline and 12 months post intervention, and will include data collected from the child and her/his mother/father or guardian. Primary outcome measures are: PA and sedentary behaviour (measured with accelerometers). Secondary outcome measures related are: percentage of kilocalories (kcal) from added sugars, and from total and saturated fats; grams of fruits and vegetables; and number of snacks and kcal coming from their added sugars and total and saturated fats. Family socio-economic level, home environment, and school environment will also be assessed. Statistical analysis is on an intention-to-treat principle. Baseline characteristics are described using summary measures and mixed models (with school as random effect). The effect of the two interventions will be estimated using a generalized mixed linear model with link and distribution selected according to the type of outcome. Included random effects are: child (or mother/father or guardian) accounting for repeated measures; school accounting for cluster induced by school. The most parsimonious model for each outcome will be reported. The False Discovery Rate criterion will be used to correct for multiple testing in non-planned analyses. DISCUSSION: It is a pioneer assessment of the impact of a technology-based virtual intervention and a school-based PA program, designed to prevent obesity, and involving the parents at public schools of Buenos Aires. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN58093412 . Registered March 14th, 2016 (retrospectively registered).