Hydration status in adults with metabolic disorders in relation to socioeconomic, lifestyle and health factors.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining the health and functionality of the human body. This study aimed to examine the association between selected socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health factors and the hydration status of adults with metabolic disorders by analyzing their urine osmolality. METHODS: The study involved 290 adults aged 18-70 years with metabolic disorders. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the factors associated with urine osmolality in tertiles for women and men. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: In women, the following factors of urine osmolality were identified in 1st tertile: age (OR:1.04), physical activity (moderate/high vs. no/low; OR:0.38), and headaches (no vs. yes; OR:1.55), in 2nd tertile: physical activity (moderate/high vs. no/low; OR:2.46) and fatigue during the day (sometimes vs. never/very rarely; OR:0.45), and in 3rd tertile: age (OR:0.94), professional status ('I work part-time/I study and I work' vs. 'I do not work/I study'; OR:0.27), fatigue during the day (very often vs. never/very rarely; OR:2.55), and headaches (no vs. yes; OR:0.44). In men, the following factors of urine osmolality were identified in 1st tertile: place of residence (city vs. village; OR:2.72) and health assessment (average vs. poor; OR:0.32). CONCLUSION: Different factors affecting urine osmolality have been identified in women and men. These results highlight the need to implement studies to clarify the relationship between socioeconomic, lifestyle and health factors, and hydration status in adults with metabolic disorders.

Attitudes of 10-12-year-old primary school pupils towards food and nutrition: insights from Qualitative FGI Research - Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years constitute an interesting consumer group due to their greater autonomy in the area of nutrition, compared to the younger group of children, among other things, due to their 'pocket money' and the greater influence of their peer group. However, this is an age group at high risk of inadequate nutrition, eating disorders, including those related to obesity and underweight. Hence, the aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of pupils aged 10-12 years towards food and nutrition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using the Focus Group Interview (FGI) technique among 84 primary school pupils from different localities in Poland. RESULTS: Pupils had moderate knowledge of food and nutrition but did not consistently apply this knowledge in practice. Four pupils' profiles were identified, categorized as 'engaged,' 'obedient,' 'rebels,' and 'indifferent,' based on their level of involvement and awareness of proper nutrition. Lunch was the most regularly consumed meal, sometimes eaten twice a day (at school and at home), while first breakfast was skipped the most frequently, mainly because of lack of time and morning rush. Pupils accurately identified recommended and not recommended food products, but lacked an understanding of their importance for health. Pupils' emotional state increased the consumption of salty snacks, sweets, and fast food, and to a lesser extent, seeds, vegetables, and fruit. Pupils reported engaging in moderate physical activity, although they also spent a significant amount of time on the internet or watching TV. CONCLUSIONS: Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years represented a relatively good level of knowledge about adequate nutrition; nevertheless, they did not follow these recommendations in practice.

The influence of early and current feeding practices, eating behaviors, and screen time on dietary patterns in Polish toddlers - A cross-sectional study.

Early nutrition has an important influence on a child's proper health and development, and understanding factors that may be related to desirable dietary patterns is key to improving the diet of future generations. The aim of this study was to assess whether early and current feeding practices, eating behaviors, and screen time viewing are associated with toddlers' dietary patterns. A cross-sectional sample of 467 mothers of toddlers (aged 1 year to 3) was surveyed between 2020 and 2022. Food consumption was evaluated by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The k-means algorithm was used to define dietary patterns on the basis of data collected from the FFQ and mealtime environment patterns, based on the data about practices during meals consumption. The odds of following a prohealth dietary pattern among early feeding factors were lower when infants ate commercial complementary foods more often. Distracted mealtime environment pattern increased the odds of following a non-eaters pattern, and commercial complementary foods pattern increased the odds of following a processed pattern. Currently, the odds of following a processed dietary pattern were higher when children were not breastfed and had higher screen time. Toddlers who ate during distraction and were more fussy had lower odds of following a prohealth dietary pattern, whereas higher enjoyment of food and satiety responsiveness increased the odds. The results indicate the need to increase parents' awareness about the importance of early factors in establishing dietary patterns.

The Effect of Maternal Overweight/Obesity on Serum and Breastmilk Leptin, and Its Associations with Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Health Indices, and Maternal Diet: The BLOOM Study.

In overweight and obese patients, elevated serum and breastmilk leptin concentrations are observed, with serum leptin also being likely affected by the diet. We analyzed serum and breastmilk leptin in normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW/OB) mothers, and evaluated its associations with (1) maternal anthropometric parameters; (2) markers of cardiometabolic health; and (3) the maternal diet. The BLOOM (Breastmilk and the Link to Overweight/Obesity and Maternal diet) study was conducted among 40 women (n = 20 OW/OB; n = 20, NW) who were exclusively or predominantly breastfeeding for 15.5 ± 1.2 (OW/OB group (0.99)) weeks. We collected 24 h breastmilk and fasting blood samples for leptin analysis by ELISA. Maternal dietary habits were evaluated using a 3-day dietary record and food frequency questionnaire, which were used to calculate the Polish-adapted Mediterranean Diet score. Maternal anthropometric measurements and DEXA scans were performed, and anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices were calculated. The OW mothers had 1.4 times higher serum levels, while OB mothers had 4.5 and 6.2 higher serum and breastmilk leptin levels, respectively, in comparison to the NW mothers. The FM% was correlated with serum and breastmilk leptin levels (r = 0.878, r = 0.638). Serum leptin was associated with markers of cardiometabolic health such as AIP, CMI, and VAI in the NW mothers, and with LAP in the OW/OB mothers. Higher energy, fructose intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with serum leptin in the NW mothers (ß = 0.323, 0.039-0.608; ß = 0.318, 0.065-0.572; ß = 0.279, 0.031-0.528); meanwhile, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet could protect against elevated breastmilk leptin concentrations in OW/OB mothers (ß = -0.444, -0.839--0.050), even after adjustment for FM%. Our results suggest a potential association between maternal serum leptin concentrations and cardiometabolic health. In addition, we confirm the importance of healthy dietary patterns in the improvement of breastmilk composition.

Dietary Antioxidants May Support Cosmetic Treatment in Patients with Rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary antioxidants can support the effect of cosmetic treatment in improving the QoL of patients with rosacea. Basic data about participants (N = 160) were collected using a self-reported survey. QoL was assessed using the standardized Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. An interventional cosmetic treatment was performed using cavitation peeling and sonophoresis with a commercial capillary repair serum. The study was registered as a clinical trial (NCT06271135). To assess antioxidant diet quality, for the first time, a new dietary antioxidant quality index (DAQI) was developed, which consisted of 12 items: dietary total antioxidant capacity, dietary polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, vitamin C, vitamin E, ß-carotene, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium. It was found that the highest tertiles of DAQI diminished the odds about 40-45% of the moderate, large and extremely large effect of rosacea on QoL and about 8-11% of the occurrence of rosacea symptoms compared with the lowest tertile. This study showed that rosacea has a negative impact on QoL, but a comprehensive approach to treatment, including antioxidant cosmetic treatment and dietary antioxidants, can improve the QoL of patients with rosacea.

Changes in eating behaviours and physical activity among primary schoolchildren aged 7-12 during the pandemic in the light of qualitative and quantitative research - Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic had many direct and indirect effects, including lifestyle changes in all subpopulations, including children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to identify: 1) attitudes of students aged 7-12 years and their parents towards food, nutrition, and physical activity; 2) changes in the consumption of basic food products during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative survey was conducted among students and their parents using the Focus Group Interview method, as well as quantitative research among parents and schoolchildren aged 10-12 years. RESULTS: During the pandemic, changes were demonstrated in the eating habits of primary schoolchildren which were both positive and negative. Positive changes include a greater number of meals and their regularity, especially in relation to meals prepared at home, and a greater consumption of mainly fruit, and to a lesser extent vegetables and whole grain products. Among the negative changes observed were an increased consumption of salty snacks and sweets, including those prepared at home. Moreover, limiting physical activity during isolation may have resulted, as a long-term effect, in excessive body weight and obesity-related non-communicable diseases in children and adolescence, and later in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to develop post-pandemic support strategies addressed to both schoolchildren and their parents regarding adequate eating behaviours and physical activity.

Breastmilk mineral composition among well-educated mothers from Central Poland - Associations with maternal dietary intake, dietary patterns and infant psychomotor development.

BACKGROUND: Maternal dietary habits could affect breastmilk mineral composition, which may influence infant development. Mineral dietary intake or supplementation slightly affects its breastmilk concentration. However, the intake of selected food groups or dietary patterns that reflect diet complexity could have a greater impact. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess breastmilk mineral composition at one, three, and six months of lactation among mothers living in urban area of Central Poland, as well as the evaluate maternal dietary determinants and associations with infant anthropometric and psychomotor development. METHODS: The study was conducted among 43 healthy and exclusively breastfeeding mothers. In the first, third, and sixth months of lactation, we collected breastmilk samples and assessed the concentration of Ca, P, Zn, Fe, Se, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd using the ICP-MS method. Maternal dietary habits were evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire in the first month of lactation, whereas in the third and sixth by the three-day food record. Based on the collected data adherence to the Polish-adapted Mediterranean (Pl-aMED; 1 month) and the DASH diet (Mellen's Index; 3 and 6 months) was assessed. In the third and sixth months of lactation infant anthropometric parameters and the sixth month of lactation psychomotor development were evaluated. RESULTS: Breastmilk Se, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd levels were under the LOQ in all the breastmilk samples at all study visits. Median breastmilk mineral concentrations of Ca, P, Zn, and Fe in the first, third, and sixth months of lactation varied from 381.9 to 332.7 mg/L, 161.6 to 139.1 mg/L, 2.2 to 0.8 mg/L, and 0.26 to 0.17 mg/L, respectively. Maternal dietary intake and supplementation did not affect breastmilk Ca, P, Zn, and Fe. Pl-aMED scores were associated with breastmilk Ca (ß = 0.489, 95% CI 0.180 - 0.799, p = 0.003) and Zn (ß = 0.499, 95% CI 0.199 - 0.798, p = 0.002) in the first month of lactation, whereas no association with the DASH diet were observed in the third and sixth month of lactation. Breastmilk Fe in the third month was associated with infant motor development (ß = 0.420, 95% CI 0.113 - 0.727, p = 0.009) in the sixth month of life, but no other associations with anthropometric or psychomotor development were observed. Moreover, we estimated that few infants meet their adequate intake (AI) requirements for P, Zn, and Fe. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that maternal adherence to Pl-aMED is a significant predictor of breastmilk Ca and Zn in the first month of lactation, which may be especially important considering that more than 75% of infants had inadequate Zn intake. Moreover, we found that breastmilk Fe positively influenced infant motor development, despite the majority of infants having inadequate intake. On the other hand, no infant had deficiency symptoms, which emphasizes the necessity to evaluate of AI norms for infants.

Changes in Plasma Carotenoid Concentrations during the AntioxObesity Weight Reduction Program among Adults with Excessive Body Weight.

Plasma carotenoid concentrations are associated with antioxidant defense which might be disturbed in people with excessive body weight (EBW). This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a 6-week weight reduction program on plasma concentration of ß-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin in adults with EBW. A total of 130 adults were recruited for the study; 75 completed the program. Data on food consumption were collected with a 3-day recording method and a semi-quantitative FFQ. Body height, body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured. Lipid profile, ß-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin were analyzed in blood. The AntioxObesity program resulted in a significant reduction in BW, WC, FM, SAT, and VAT. The mean plasma concentrations of ß-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin increased significantly after intervention. A reduction in FM above 4 kg significantly increased the concentration of ß-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and total carotenoids. An increase in carotenoid levels correlated with FM reduction, as fruit and vegetable intake remained unchanged. However, this effect may vary due to gender, HDL-cholesterol, body fat content, and obesity status in the weight loss process.

The Family Environment as a Source for Creating the Dietary Attitudes of Primary School Students-A Focus Group Interview: The Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

The family environment plays a crucial role in creating the health behaviours of children and youth. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of parents with children aged 7-12 who represent an influential environment for creating the eating behaviours of children. A qualitative study was conducted using focus-group interviews (FGI) involving 101 parents from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Three categories of parents were identified based on their level of involvement and awareness of nutrition: 'aware', 'determined', and 'relaxed'. Among parents of 10-12-year-old students, an additional category, 'distanced' parents, was identified. The study revealed that parents require support in terms of providing compelling arguments and practical recommendations related to meals and reducing or eliminating their children's consumption of sweets, snacks, fast food, and, in the case of older students, energy drinks. Parents reported that their children had a moderate understanding of the principles of proper nutrition. The majority of respondents viewed this knowledge as primarily theoretical and expressed a need for practical guidance and activities, which they believe should be offered by schools. To achieve positive outcomes in educational activities related to food and nutrition, it is essential to involve children, parents, guardians, teachers, and other school staff in these efforts.

The Attitudes of 7-9 Year Old Primary School Students towards Food and Nutrition: Insights from Qualitative FGI Research-The Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

Optimal nutrition is one of the most significant environmental factors affecting human health. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of primary school students aged 7-9 towards nutrition considering three fundamental components: knowledge, emotional disposition, and dietary behaviors. The research was conducted using the Focus Group Interview (FGI) technique among 78 children. Considering their attitudes towards food and nutrition, four profiles were identified: "engaged", "obedient", "reluctant", and "indifferent". Children who were "engaged" and "obedient" due to their parents' involvement in creating their dietary attitudes exhibited the most alignment with the principles of optimal nutrition. Regardless of profile type, it was observed that children were familiar with recommended and unrecommended food products, as well as the role of water in proper nutrition. It was demonstrated that parents wield the most substantial influence on children's nutrition. As a result, initiatives promoting the proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle should commence with parents. Children of nutritionally conscious parents tend to eat more healthily and demonstrate a high nutritional awareness. Conversely, the children of busy parents who lack time for meal preparation more frequently replicate their parents' nutritional mistakes. These findings emphasize the importance of the family environment in shaping the dietary behaviors of children and youth.

Plasma Carotenoids and Polyphenols and Their Association with MetS: The Need for Nutritional Interventions.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased pro-oxidative stress and a chronic inflammation state and their consequent alterations. Several studies have highlighted the protective effect of carotenoids and polyphenols in MetS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma level of selected carotenoids and polyphenols and to determine their relationship with MetS severity, MetS components, and inflammatory markers in Polish adults with metabolic disorders. It was designed as a cross-sectional study. The final study group comprised 275 adults, including 158 women and 117 men. Data were collected on the frequency of consumption of selected food groups. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of carotenoids, polyphenols, and indicators (parameters) of metabolic disorders. Plasma concentrations of selected carotenoids and polyphenols were low in adults with MetS. The highest concentrations of carotenoids and polyphenols in the blood were observed for lutein and phenolic acids (including gallic and p-coumaric acids). Nevertheless, a correlation was found between the individual bioactive compounds and MetS components. In terms of the lipid profile, our study showed that the plasma of the selected carotenoids and polyphenols positively correlated with HDL cholesterol (zeaxanthin; total carotenoids), LDL cholesterol (chlorogenic acid), triglycerides (lycopene), and the total cholesterol (kaempferol). We found that the level of CRP as a marker of inflammation negatively correlated with the concentration of zeaxanthin. In our study group, no relationship was found between the dietary antioxidant intensity and the variables studied, which may be attributed to the low frequency of consumption of the sources of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, but also to the metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether these associations are causally related to the metabolic syndrome or are a result of the pathologies of the syndrome or improper diet with a low intake of vegetables and fruit.

Cross sectional study of vitamin B12 supplementation in Slovak and Czech vegans.

Background: The number of vegans in the world is growing and in Slovakia and the Czech Republic they make up 1% of the population. Vegan diet excludes all foods of animal origin and vegans who do not use vitamin B12 supplements are at risk of the vitamin B12 deficiency. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of Czech and Slovak vegans use vitamin B12 supplements regularly, irregularly or not at all and what is their supplemental cobalamin intake. Materials and methods: The research involved 1337 self-identified vegans from Slovakia and the Czech Republic who were interviewed using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method. Participants were recruited by posts in veganism-themed social media groups. Results: Out of 1337 vegans 55.5% supplemented cobalamin regularly, 32.54% irregularly and 11.97% were not supplementing. Rate of not supplementing individuals was 5.04% higher in Slovaks than in Czechs. Short-term vegans had a significantly higher rate of not supplementing individuals (17.99%) compared to medium-term (8.37%) and long-term vegans (7.50%). Mean weekly cobalamin intake from supplements was 2938.34±2566.60 µg in regularly supplementing vegans compared to 1630.31±1949.27 µg in irregularly supplementing vegans, particularly due to the lower weekly supplementation frequency among irregularly (2.93) compared to regularly supplementing vegans (5.27). Conclusions: The rate of supplementation in Slovak and particularly Czech vegans was higher than in other countries. The number of not supplementing individuals was significantly higher among short-term vegans, indicating that there is still a need for education on the importance of adequate and regular cobalamin supplementation, especially in new vegans. Our results support the hypothesis that the reason for higher rate of cobalamin deficiency in irregularly compared to regularly supplementing vegans is the lower cobalamin intake caused by lower supplementation frequency.

Associations between Dietary Patterns, Anthropometric and Cardiometabolic Indices and the Number of MetS Components in Polish Adults with Metabolic Disorders.

Diet-therapy of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is of great importance due to significant health and social consequences. The aim of this study was (1) to determine dietary patterns (DPs), and (2) to search for associations between defined DPs, anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices, and the number of MetS components in Polish adults with metabolic disorders. The study was designed as a cross-sectional. The study group was 276 adults. Data about the frequency of consumption of selected food groups were collected. Anthropometric measurements: body height (H), body weight (BW), waist (WC), and hip (HC), as well as body composition, were taken. Blood samples were obtained for measurements of glucose and lipids. The obtained biochemical and anthropometric parameters were used to calculate the anthropometric and metabolic dysfunction indices. Three dietary patterns were identified in our study group: Western, Prudent and Low Food. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated rare consumption of fish as a predictor of risk of more severe forms of MetS. The possibility of using body roundness index (BRI) for fast diagnosis of cardiometabolic risk was found. In the management of MetS, the development of strategies to reduce the risk of more severe forms of MetS should be focused on increasing fish consumption and other prohealthy food.

Do Food and Meal Organization Systems in Polish Primary Schools Reflect Students' Preferences and Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Guidelines? The Results of Qualitative Research for the Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

The school environment, together with that of the family, shapes students' eating behaviors, and is an important element of formal and informal nutrition education. The informal and practical dimensions can be realized through the food and meals offered/sold in school canteens, shops, and vending machines. As children and adolescents spend 6-10 h/day in schools and consume at least two meals there, the school food environment is important from a public health perspective. The aim of this study is to assess food and meal organization in primary schools in Poland. The study was conducted using individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) involving 24 school headmasters and 24 representatives of people employed in school canteens or catering companies involved in meal organization in schools. The nutritional food on offer at schools is important for shaping students' food preferences and choices, consequently influencing the development, functioning, and health of this subpopulation. The school environment can be an ideal place for hands-on nutrition education. In addition to the knowledge provided, there must be a consistent message concerning the provision of nutrition information to students between the teachings of parents, teachers, and, indirectly, the food and meals available at school. Our qualitative study is confirmed by the results of quantitative research to better understand the organization of nutrition and the problems and needs of primary schools in this area.

Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Diet Quality, Lifestyle, and Body Composition of 7-12-Years-Old Polish Students: Study Protocol of National Educational Project Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ).

Increasing students' nutrition knowledge is an important goal of school education which may improve their lifestyle and consequently reduce the incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases, including obesity. This research aimed at assessing the dietary habits, nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes, and nutritional status of Polish students aged 7-12 years. Additional objectives included recognizing nutrition-related knowledge among their parents and teachers as well as the school food and nutrition environment. The final goal was to develop a nutrition education program. This study protocol presents a general and detailed approach for realizing the above-mentioned issues, including conducting quantitative and qualitative research. The study was designed as cross-sectional, covering primary school students from all over Poland, including rural, town, and metropolitan areas. Data on eating habits, lifestyle, nutrition-related knowledge, and attitudes were collected with questionnaires. Measurements of body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and handgrip strength were performed in accordance with the International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (ISAK) recommendations. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Ultimately, 2218 schools from all 16 voivodeships in Poland registered for the project. In total, quantitative data were collected among 27,295 students, 17,070 parents, and 2616 teachers. Anthropometric measurements were taken among 18,521 students. The results allow us to develop a multifaceted educational program based on knowledge and adapted to the perception of students. Our research may contribute to the identification of subpopulations of children and adolescents at risk of excessive body weight and define the predictors of obesity risk in Poland.

How Can We Increase the Nutrition-Related Knowledge in Children Aged 7-12 Years: Results of Focus Groups Interviews with Parents-Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

Nutrition education is a long-term process that should cover various population groups. A special focus should be placed on children, adolescents and their parents. The aim of this research was to find out the opinions of parents of primary school pupils aged 7-12 on their expectations towards school education in the areas of food and nutrition, addressed to both pupils and their parents. The research was conducted among 101 parents of primary school pupils with the use of the Focus Group Interview (FGI) method. It demonstrated that what is most needed are hands-on activities relating to basic theoretical issues. While parents see the need for nutrition education for their children, educating pupils in this area is of interest to only some of the respondents for whom nutrition aspects are quite important. All parents would like formal nutrition education at school, but at the same time, they do not want classes to take up too much of their children's time, due to the already excessive number of school subjects. It seems appropriate to include everyone in regard to nutrition education, regardless of their declared interest in this issue. The need for consistent presentation of educational content addressed to teachers and parents is very important, so that they can, in a uniform way, shape the attitudes towards food and nutrition of children and adolescents.

Position statement of the Polish Academy of Sciences Committee Human Nutrition Science on the principles for the nutrition of children aged 1-3 years.

The Position Statement on the principles of nutrition for children aged 1-3 years emphasizes that proper nutrition of children at this age determines their optimal psychometric development and has beneficial effects on the process nutritional programming, which reduces the risk of diet-related diseases in adulthood. Continued breastfeeding in the post-infancy period, together with the proper introduction of complementary foods, supplies all the nutritional needs of the child. A varied selection of food products is important to balance out the diet of a child in the context of energy and nutrient needs. Attention should be paid to products not recommended for frequent consumption, due to the possibility of the early development of improper eating habits that can lead to undesirable health consequences. Due to the potential risk of deficiency, adequate intake of iron, iodine, calcium and vitamin D, as well as of n-3 PUFAs (which is often insufficient) should be provided. Adequate dietary energy and protein intake protects children against protein-energy undernutrition and is crucial for their proper growth and development. An important element in the assessment of the development of children involves monitoring their nutritional status and physical development by systematically measuring their body weight and length/height and analyzing their weight gain. It is necessary to diagnose the causes of being underweight/overweight in children. Physical activity (such as outdoor walks, plays, and games) and healthy sleep hygiene are recommended. Physical activity, an adequate number of hours of sleep, and the quality of sleep in early childhood may improve immunity, reduce the risk of excessive weight gain, and consequently reduce the risk of obesity later in life. Other issues discussed include the functioning of the digestive system as one of the determinants of the nutrition of young children, basics of proper nutrition, risk of nutrient deficiencies and development of proper eating habits in early childhood.

Factors Influencing Cortisol Concentrations in Breastmilk and Its Associations with Breastmilk Composition and Infant Development in the First Six Months of Lactation.

Previous studies provided contradictory results regarding the influence of maternal, seasonal, and infant factors on breastmilk cortisol, and its associations with breastmilk composition and infant development. This study aimed to assess breastmilk cortisol levels at the first, third, and sixth months of lactation and evaluate the associations with maternal psychosocial, seasonal, and infant factors, breastmilk composition, and infant anthropometric and psychomotor development and temperament. Cortisol concentrations were assessed by ELISA in 24 h breastmilk samples obtained from 38 healthy mothers. Maternal psychological status was assessed by EPDS and PSS-10 and infant psychomotor development was assessed using the Children's Development Scale (DSR). Breastmilk cortisol was 11.2 ± 6.2, 11.2 ± 4.3, and 12.7 ± 6.2 ng/mL at the first, third, and sixth months of lactation (p > 0.05), respectively. In the spring-summer season, we observed lower and higher levels of cortisol in the first and sixth months of lactation (p ≤ 0.05), respectively, but no other associations were detected regarding maternal or infant characteristics. In the third month of lactation, cortisol was related to breastmilk crude protein (ß = 0.318, 0.007-0.630) and infant BMI z-score before adjustment for infant birthweight and sex (Model 2: ß = 0.359, 0.021-0.697), but no other associations with breastmilk composition, infant development, or temperament were confirmed. Our results indicated that breastmilk cortisol is unrelated to maternal and infant factors and has limited influence on breastmilk crude protein, but not on infant anthropometric and psychomotor development.

Dietary-Physical Activity Patterns in the Health Context of Older Polish Adults: The 'ABC of Healthy Eating' Project.

The study aimed to analyze the dietary-physical activity patterns (D-PAPs) in the health context of Polish people aged 60+ years. A total of 418 respondents across Poland were recruited; however, the final analysis included 361 women and men aged 60-89 years old. D-PAPs were derived using a principal component analysis (PCA); input variables were the frequency of consumption of 10 food groups and physical activity. Finally, three D-PAPs were identified: 'Pro-healthy eating and more-active', 'Sweets, fried foods and sweetened beverages', and 'Juices, fish and sweetened beverages'. We developed the Functional Limitations Score (FLS) using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®). A logistic regression was applied to verify the association between the D-PAPs and health-condition outcomes. Older adults were more likely to adhere to the upper tertile of the 'Pro-healthy eating and more-active' pattern, with good/better self-reported health status in comparison with their peers (OR = 1.86) or with good/very good self-assessed appetite (OR = 2.56), while this was less likely for older adults with malnutrition risk (OR = 0.37) or with a decrease in food intake (OR = 0.46). Subjects with a decrease in food intake (OR = 0.43), who declared a recent weight loss (OR = 0.49), or older adults in the upper tertile of the FLS (OR = 0.34) were less likely to adhere to the upper tertile of the 'Sweets, fried foods and sweetened beverages' pattern. The decrease in food intake due to a loss of appetite or chewing or swallowing difficulties was inversely associated with the 'Pro-healthy eating and more-active' pattern characterized by a relatively high frequency of consumption of vegetables, fruit, water, dairy, and grains and a high physical activity. In the interest of the good nutritional status and health of older adults, special attention should be paid to removing limitations in meal consumption, including improved appetite.