Organizations of food redistribution and rescue.

OBJECTIVE: Food insecurity affects 13.4% of the USA population, despite the fact that 30-40% of all food is deposited in a landfill. Food rescue nutrition is the process of redistribution of surplus food to the impoverished. The aim of this study is to document the extent of involvement of organizations in food rescue nutrition. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, a survey about organizations involved in food rescue nutrition was developed, validated, and then tested. METHOD: Directors of 100 organizations involved in food rescue nutrition from eight Southwestern States in the USA participated in this research. RESULTS: These organizations provided an average of 2 million kg of food to more than 40,000 clients each month. Food assistance programs had an average of eight workers and 3081 volunteers. In addition to food, these organizations provided other services such as clothing, clinical, and childcare. The agencies encountered several challenges, including lack of resources that resulted in reducing food portions and turning away clients. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of involvement of community-based programs in food rescue nutrition was strong in eight Southwestern states in the USA. Organizations involved in food redistribution helped alleviate food insecurity in their clients. Sustainability of these charitable networks was dependent on availability of resources and sufficient volunteers. Health professionals should encourage these organizations by providing support through donations of time, money, and/or food.

Motivations for volunteers in food rescue nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: A variety of organizations redistribute surplus food to low-income populations through food rescue nutrition. Why volunteers participate in these charitable organizations is unclear. The aim of this study is to document the participation and motivations of volunteers who are involved specifically in food rescue nutrition. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases. METHODS: In phase 1, a new instrument, Motivations to Volunteer Scale, was developed and validated in 40 participants (aged ≥18 years). In phase 2, the new scale and a demographics questionnaire were administered to 300 participants who were volunteering in food pantries and churches. RESULTS: The pilot study showed that Motivations to Volunteer Scale exhibited an internal consistency of Cronbach's α of 0.73 (P < 0.01), and a reliability from a test-retest of times 1 and 2 was r = 0.9 (P < 0.05); paired t-test was insignificant (P > 0.05). The scale was validated also by comparison to the Volunteer Function Inventory (r = 0.86, P < 0.05). The constructs of the newly developed Motivations to Volunteer Scale were requirement, career improvement, social life, and altruism. The mean motivation score of the 300 volunteers was 9.15 ± 0.17. Greater motivations were observed among participants who were aged >45 years, women, Hispanics, college/university graduates, physically inactive, non-smokers, and had an income ≥ $48,000. CONCLUSIONS: The Motivations to Volunteer Scale is a valid tool to assess why individuals volunteer in food rescue nutrition. The extent of motivations of participants was relatively high, and the primary reason for volunteering was altruism. Health professionals should be encouraged to participate in food redistribution.

Genome-wide scan of resistin mRNA expression in omental adipose tissue of baboons.

INTRODUCTION: The hormone resistin was recently discovered in adipose tissue of mice. Functional tests suggest a role for resistin in the regulation of insulin sensitivity. However, human studies have reported controversial results on the metabolic function of this hormone. METHODS: A 1 g omental adipose tissue biopsy was obtained from 404 adult baboons. Resistin mRNA expression was assayed by real-time, quantitative RT-PCR, and univariate and bivariate quantitative genetic analyses were performed, via the variance decomposition approach. A genome scan analysis was conducted using resistin mRNA abundance in omental adipose tissue as a quantitative phenotype. RESULTS: A significant heritability of h2 = 0.23 (P = 0.003) was found for resistin mRNA abundance in omental adipose tissue. A genome scan detected a quantitative trait locus for resistin expression with an LOD score of 3.8, in the region between markers D19S431 and D19S714, corresponding to human chromosome 19 p13. This chromosomal region contains genes related to insulin resistance phenotypes, such as resistin, insulin receptor, angiopoietin-like 4 protein and LDL receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Individual variation in resistin mRNA expression has a significant genetic component, and a gene or genes on chromosome 19 p13 may regulate resistin mRNA levels in baboon omental adipose tissue.

Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for manganese and molybdenum dietary recommendations.

The background of the current dietary recommendations for manganese and molybdenum are described. This article reviews how the previous and current estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intakes (ESADDI) were set, shortcomings in the methods used, concerns about the current recommendations, and brief summaries of new research reports. New approaches, endpoints and paradigms to use for the development of useful recommendations are given.

Plasma uptake of manganese as affected by oral loads of manganese, calcium, milk, phosphorus, copper, and zinc.

Six adult subjects were administered a series of manganese (Mn) tolerance tests to investigate the influence of various minerals on Mn plasma uptake. Oral loads given to all six subjects included 40 mg manganese alone, or with 800 mg calcium (Ca) as either calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or 545 ml 2% milk. Four of the subjects also received loads of 800 mg phosphorus (P), 2 mg copper (Cu), and 50 mg zinc (Zn) with the 40 mg Mn. Baseline Mn tolerance tests for all subjects produced a rapid increase in plasma Mn, followed by return to baseline. The addition of Ca as either CaCO3 or 2% milk to the oral Mn essentially blocked the plasma uptake of Mn. No significant differences were found between the source of Ca in its inhibitory effect. Plasma Ca uptake was lower when Mn was simultaneously administered, but the results were not significantly different. Ionized levels of plasma Ca did not change significantly. The addition of Cu to the Mn load decreased the area under the curve for plasma Mn by about half, but it was not significantly different in the four subjects. In contrast, the addition of Zn to the Mn produced a significant increase in plasma Mn. Phosphorus has no influence on plasma uptake of Mn. These results indicate that the plasma uptake of Mn is greatly reduced by concomitant ingestion of Ca but may be increased by an oral load of Zn.

Zinc, magnesium, copper, and protein concentrations in human saliva: age- and sex-related differences.

Normal concentrations of trace elements in parotid saliva, supernatant- and sediment-mixed saliva, plasma, and hair were determined in 278 healthy adults grouped as young (18-29 y), middle-aged (30-64 y), and elderly (65-93 y). Age-related increases (p less than 0.05) were observed in concentrations of zinc in the supernatant of mixed saliva and parotid saliva, copper in plasma, and protein in all fractions of saliva studied. Concentrations of zinc in salivary sediment and plasma did not vary with age. Age-related decreases (p less than 0.05) were found in concentrations of magnesium in mixed-saliva supernatant, copper in salivary sediment, and zinc and copper in hair. Males had higher concentrations of zinc in plasma (p less than 0.05) and of copper in sediment (p less than 0.01) than did females but lower amounts of copper in plasma and of protein in parotid saliva (p less than 0.05). Concentrations of zinc in saliva were not correlated with those in plasma or hair. Copper in mixed-saliva supernatant was positively associated with concentrations in plasma but negatively related to concentrations in hair.

Metabolic balance of manganese in young men consuming diets containing five levels of dietary manganese.

Five healthy men, ages 19-20, were fed a diet for 105 d to measure manganese balance during consumption of conventional foods. The study was divided into five periods of 21, 21, 38, 11 and 14 d, in which the daily dietary intakes of manganese (Mn) were 2.89, 2.06, 1.21, 3.79 and 2.65 mg, respectively. During the last 7 d of each dietary period, subjects resided in a metabolic unit and fasting blood samples were drawn on two mornings. Feces and urine were collected during the last 6 d and integumental losses were collected during the last 60 h of each period. The mean Mn balances for periods 1-5 were -0.083, -0.018, -0.088, +0.657 and +0.136 mg/d, respectively. Corresponding apparent retentions were -2.90, -0.88, -7.40, +17.33 and +5.12%. The mean sum of endogenous and exogenous losses when intake was theoretically zero was calculated to be 392 micrograms/d. When these total losses were combined with the mean positive retention, the theoretical mean dietary level of Mn required for positive balance for these male subjects was 3.5 mg/d or 50 micrograms/kg.

Manganese balance and clinical observations in young men fed a manganese-deficient diet.

A balance study was conducted to determine the minimum requirement for manganese (Mn) and to examine the effects of Mn depletion. Seven male subjects, age 19-22, were fed a Mn-adequate diet of conventional foods (2.59 mg Mn/d, 135 mg cholesterol, and P:S ratio of 0.86) for 3 wk to establish base-line data. Then a purified diet containing 0.11 mg Mn/d was fed for 39 d (depletion), followed by two 5-d periods of 1.53 and 2.55 mg Mn/d (repletion). Diets, feces, urine, and integument were analyzed for Mn, and blood was analyzed for Mn, cholesterol, and other constituents. Plasma levels of cholesterol decreased from 170 to 152 mg/dL during the base-line period, and then to 142 mg/dL at the end of depletion, but did not respond to 10 days of repletion. A fleeting dermatitis, Miliaria crystallina, developed in five of the seven subjects at the end of depletion, but disappeared as repletion began. The minimum requirement for Mn on this purified diet, calculated by the factorial method using Mn balance at three levels of intake was 0.74 mg/d. This requirement would be increased to 2.11 mg/d if the obligatory loss was combined with the lowest individual percentage of retention.

The effect of age on plasma zinc uptake and taste acuity.

Plasma uptake of a 25 mg oral dose of zinc was measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h postdose in 16 elderly (mean age = 7.25 yr) and 12 young (mean age = 24.0 yr) subjects selected from a group of 62 healthy nonsmokers. Elderly and young subjects were divided into two groups based upon low or high detection thresholds for solutions of sodium chloride and sucrose. Mean fasting concentrations of plasma zinc were almost identical for the two age groups. Plasma response to a zinc dose was lower (p less than 0.05) in the elderly compared to that in the young, as indicated by plasma zinc levels at hours 2 and 3 postdose and by total area under the response curve. Moderate but significant age-associated increases in detection thresholds for both sodium chloride and sucrose were found; taste thresholds were not correlated to plasma uptake of the zinc dose in either age group.

A demographic and social profile of age- and sex-matched vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

A demographic and social profile was compiled for 150 vegetarians and 150 nonvegetarians who were matched for age and sex. A 328-item questionnaire containing both closed- and open-ended questions was administered. Information collected included personal and demographic data, personal habits, social activities, and possible influences of vegetarianism. No differences were observed in the cultural, ethnic, or familial background of the groups. Vegetarians were less influenced by parents and traditional religions, were slightly less well educated, and were employed in less-skilled occupations. However, vegetarians socialized more than nonvegetarians, as evidenced by their greater frequency of entertaining, going out with friends, and joining organizations. The commitment to vegetarianism was strong and appeared to be reinforced by an extensive network of family and friends who were also vegetarians. This strong support network was particularly evident for those who practiced the more restrictive forms of vegetarianism, the only major difference observed within the types of vegetarians studied.

Health practices, attitudes, and beliefs of vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

Health practices, attitudes, and beliefs were studied in 150 vegetarians and 150 nonvegetarians matched for age and sex. A questionnaire was administered that included a medical history and questions concerning use of medications, recreational drugs, nutrition supplements, and alcohol; smoking habits; exercise; and relaxation activities. The questionnaire also included Likert scales on which the subjects rated themselves according to their knowledge and practice of nutrition and diet and their agreement or disagreement with statements concerning health. Vegetarians believed in visiting a physician when they were ill but were more willing to try alternative or unusual therapies and/or preventive treatments. Substances that are potentially harmful to the body, such as alcohol, tobacco, or prescription drugs, were used less frequently by vegetarians. Conversely, greater use was seen of substances that are thought to improve health. The area of greatest difference between the groups was in their attitudes and beliefs concerning health. Although the vegetarians believed that they as a group were healthier than nonvegetarians, the lack of differences in self-ratings of health and incidence of health problems suggest that that perception may not be true.

The effect of zinc deficiency and food restriction on prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2 in saliva and plasma of rats.

Zinc has been implicated in the regulation of prostaglandins and other arachidonic acid derivatives. Studies of zinc-deficient animals, however, are compromised by concomitant reduction in food intake that may also alter eicosanoid levels in body tissues and fluids. In this study, three groups of rats, designated as zinc-deficient, pair-fed and control, were fed diets containing 1 ppm, 15 ppm (in amounts paired to deficient rats) and 15 ppm Zn ad libitum, respectively, for 6 weeks. Saliva and blood were analyzed for PGE2 and TXB2 by radioimmunoassay. Saliva concentrations of both eicosanoids were lower (p less than 0.05) in the pair-fed animals, but not significantly altered by zinc deficiency. Plasma levels of PGE2 and TXB2 were unchanged by either zinc deficiency or food restriction. The results of this study support the contention that the effect of zinc on these prostaglandins is not mediated by altered rates of synthesis or degradation but rather by effects on eicosanoid function.

Zinc tolerance tests in zinc deficient and zinc supplemented diets.

Seven men consumed a low-zinc (3.3 mg/day) diet for 8 wk, followed by zinc-repletion (+15 mg/day) for 12 days. Zinc tolerance tests (50 mg) were administered initially and following depletion and repletion periods. Plasma zinc after 2 h in the zinc tolerance test was marginally higher after both the depletion (p less than 0.06) and repletion (p less than 0.001) periods as compared to the initial test. No changes were seen in parotid zinc tolerance tests or fasting levels of zinc in plasma or parotid saliva. In a subsequent study, zinc tolerance tests were given to normal subjects before and after 12 days of zinc supplementation (15 mg/day). Again, zinc levels in plasma were increased following zinc supplementation at the 2nd h post-zinc dose, but levels in saliva did not change. The elevation of plasma zinc curves with both zinc deficiency and supplementation suggests that this test is not a reliable indicator of zinc status.

Effect of zinc supplementation on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and zinc.

The recent report by Hooper PL, et al. (JAMA 1980;244:1960-1) that pharmacological doses (160 mg) of zinc lowered high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in men and that zinc might be an atherogenic agent prompted this report of the effect of zinc supplementation on HDL-cholesterol in women. Four levels of zinc supplements (0, 15, 50, or 100 mg/day) were given to 32 women for 8 wk. Fasting plasma HDL-cholesterol and zinc were measured at biweekly intervals. Plasma zinc increased in the supplemented groups, peaked at wk 4, then decreased toward initial values. The decline in plasma zinc regardless of continuing zinc administration may reflect a homeostatic response. No significant differences were seen in HDL-cholesterol over the 8 wk except in the 100 mg group at wk 4 when a transient decrease, -8.4% (57 to 48 mg/dl, p less than 0.04) was observed. Thus we conclude that in women the reduction in HDL-cholesterol in response to the pharmacological doses of zinc used in this study was transient and not dose-related.

Salivary zinc as an index of zinc status in women fed a low-zinc diet.

The effect of a low-zinc diet on saliva and plasma levels was studied in 12 healthy young women. A diet low in zinc (3.2 mg/day) was fed to the subjects for 22 days. Subjects were determined to be in satisfactory zinc status via analysis of the zinc levels of their diet, hair, plasma, and saliva. During the low-zinc diet, concentrations of zinc in whole mixed saliva remained relatively stable for each individual and related significantly to the percentage sediment in the saliva. However, mixed saliva zinc did not respond to dietary depletion. Plasma zinc levels declined, but not significantly. Zinc levels of salivary sediment, which consisted primarily of epithelial cells, significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased from initial values of 126 +/- 28 microgram/g to final levels of 94 +/- 14 microgram/g after the low-zinc diet. These results suggest that mixed saliva zinc is not a useful index of zinc status; however, salivary sediment zinc may be a sensitive parameter if contamination can be avoided.

Zinc and copper content of foods used in vegetarian diets.

The zinc and copper content of seventy-four foods was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Each of these foods was reported to have been consumed by practicing vegetarians. Legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, hard cheeses, and some nutritional supplements were found to be excellent sources of both zinc and copper. Vegetables, fruits, and their products were generally poor sources of trace minerals, with the exception of seed and bean sprouts. Milk and milk products, including rennetless cheeses, contain small quantities of these minerals. Although many of the foods consumed by vegetarians do contain adequate amounts of zinc and copper, their bioavailability may be limited.

Zinc status of vegetarians.

The zinc status of seventy-nine vegetarians and forty-one non-vegetarians was investigated. The subjects provided 24-hr. dietary recalls and donated samples of blood, hair, and saliva that were subsequently analyzed for zinc content. Avoidance of animal products in the diet was associated with decreased intakes of energy, protein, fat, calcium, and zinc and increased consumption of crude fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and ascorbic acid. The low dietary intake of zinc by vegetarian women was believed to result from liberal use of foods low in zinc such as fruits and vegetables, whereas vegetarian men primarily consumed zinc-rich food such as legumes and cheeses Lacto-ovo-vegetarians consumed twice the amount of crude fiber consumed by non-vegetarians and vegans four times as much. The zinc content of salivary sediment was significantly lower in vegetarians than in non-vegetarians; vegans had the lowest mean level. The observed decrease in salivary zinc was inversely proportional to the amount of crude fiber in the diet. Zinc levels in the hair of vegetarians were significantly lower than those in the hair of non-vegetarians, while serum levels were also lower, but not significantly so. The increased crude fiber intake of vegetarians coupled with the decreased levels of zinc found in saliva and hair seem to indicate that some vegetarians, particularly women, have less than satisfactory zinc status.

Alterations in zinc absorption and salivary sediment zinc after a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet.

The effect of a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on plasma zinc tolerance tests and plasma and saliva zinc levels was measured in 12 nonvegetarian women. A diet meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowances for all nutrients, including zinc, was fed to the subjects for 22 days. Initial zinc status of subjects was determined by zinc analysis of their diet, hair, plasma, and saliva. Plasma response to an oral load of 50 mg Zn was determined in five subjects before and after the dietary period. Zinc levels of salivary sediment, which consisted primarily of epithelial cells, significantly decreased from initial values of 128 to final levels, of 94 microgram/g. No significant differences were found in zinc levels of plasma or whole mixed saliva. Plasma response to initial zinc tolerance tests were inversely correlated (P < 0.05) to dietary protein levels. Significantly increased plasma zinc uptake and areas under zinc tolerance curves were found after consumption of vegetarian diets compared to diets containing meats. The increased plasma response to a zinc load and decrease in salivary sediment zinc after a vegetarian diet indicate that this diet adversely affects zinc status.