Metabolic syndrome, obesity, and related risk factors among college men and women.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome (MbS) and its criteria, and nutrient intakes of college-age men and women via a large-scale screening. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: From August 2005 to July 2008, 2,722 subjects were recruited for the ongoing, cross-sectional Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative project. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary data were collected. RESULTS: Approximately one-half of men and more than one-quarter of women were overweight or obese. MbS was identified in 9.9% of men and 3.0% of women; 77% of men and 54% of women had at least 1 MbS criterion. Intakes of saturated fat, magnesium, and fiber, as well as body mass index and reported physical activity levels were related to MbS. CONCLUSIONS: Because of high rates of overweight/obesity and MbS, college-age adults are at risk for developing chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

The University of New Hampshire's Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative.

Few comprehensive studies exist that evaluate the nutrient intake and health indicators of college-aged students. This article describes the University of New Hampshire's Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative and examines results from participants evaluated from September 2005 through July 2007. This cross-sectional study included 1,701 students who enrolled in an introductory nutrition course, met age requirements (18 to 24 years), agreed to participate, and completed related assessments. All evaluation components were built into the semester-long course design, thus minimizing participant burden. Anthropometric measurements, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure were measured directly by research staff. Online dietary intake was self-reported and evaluated using a software program. Health risk data indicate high rates of overweight (33%), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (53%), and elevated systolic (47%) and diastolic blood pressures (39%). Less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day was reported by 28% of respondents. The majority of males (94%) and females (73%) exceeded sodium guidelines. Although females were less likely to be overweight than males, few met recommended intakes for vitamin D (26%), calcium (25%), potassium (35%), iron (31%), and folate (32%). Undergraduate and graduate dietetics students assisted with biological assessments, data entry, and record maintenance. Data inclusion rates ranged between 84% and 94% for various measurements. The methods employed in this study could be modified by institutions interested in profiling the health status of students. Results have led to an enhanced understanding of the nutrition practices and health status of this population and will serve to inform university programs and policies.

Diet and serum carotenoid concentrations affect macular pigment optical density in adults 45 years and older.

The dietary carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are the principal components of macular pigment (MP). Protection of the central retina by MP is suggested, but data are limited. Dietary practices and serum carotenoid concentrations were investigated in 98 adults, 45-73 y old, in relation to MP. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured at 4 loci: 10 min (10', 30 min (30'), 60 min (60'), and 120 min (120') retinal eccentricity. Serum L + Z concentrations in fasting subjects were correlated with MPOD: 10' (r = 0.29, P = 0.008), 30' (r = 0.342, P = 0.0006), and 60' (r = 0.73, P = 0.001) eccentricity. Dietary L + Z was positively correlated with MPOD: 10' (r = 0.24, P = 0.02), 30' (r = 0.237, P = 0.02), 60' (r = 0.27, P = 0.009), and 120' (r = 0.25, P = 0.02) eccentricity. The lowest fruit and vegetable consumers had lower MPOD at 30' (P = 0.01), 60' (P = 0.03), and 120' (P = 0.006) eccentricity compared with the highest consumers. Based on age quartiles (45-49 y), (50-55 y), (56-61 y), and (62-74 y), the youngest and oldest had higher MPOD than those 56-61 y at 60' (P < 0.05). Compared with those with a BMI (kg/m(2)) >/= 27, those with a BMI < 27 had higher serum concentrations of beta-carotene (P = 0.002), and higher MPOD at 60' (P = 0.04) and 120' (P = 0.01). These findings suggest that carotenoid-rich diets and serum carotenoids positively contribute to MP status.

In vivo assessment of retinal carotenoids: macular pigment detection techniques and their impact on monitoring pigment status.

Of the many carotenoids found within human tissue, only the carotenoids within the human retina can be assessed noninvasively at present. Such assessment should eventually provide a more complete understanding of the functional role of retinal lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) (termed macular pigment, MP) in human vision. The emerging data allow for some initial observations. For example, there appears to be wide variation (>factor of 10) in the concentration of MP. Although MP levels have been recorded from nondetectable to 1.20 OD (optical density), the "average" levels, relative to what is possible, appear low. This may be due in part to the low average dietary intake of L and Z in the typical U.S. diet. Nonetheless, individual differences in MP may also be influenced by nondietary factors such as genetics, demographics and lifestyle characteristics. Some evidence indicates that the MP carotenoids may protect the retina and lens, and could improve vision through some optical mechanisms. Consequently, efforts to determine typical MP levels and the factors that influence individual differences in MP density should be continued.