Assessing the dietary intake of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper in institutionalised children and adolescents from Guatemala. Contribution of nutritional supplements.

In childhood and adolescence an adequate mineral intake is essential for normal growth and immune function, and to prevent chronic diseases in adulthood. The aim of this study was to analyse the dietary intake of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu in children and adolescents from an orphanage-school in Guatemala and to assess the mineral contribution of nutritional supplements used by this population. Mineral content was analysed in nutritional supplements, bioaccesible fractions obtained after an in vitro gastrointestinal method, and diets sampled by a 7-day duplicate diet study. The average mineral content in the duplicate diets, including supplements, was (mg/d): Ca 452, Mg 230, Fe 25, Zn 8 and Cu 0.22. Especially Ca and Cu values were below recommended daily intakes. The content of these minerals in the nutritional supplements (mg/serving) was 49-112 for Ca, 1.2-3.8 for Fe, 24-47 for Mg, 0.7-4.16 for Zn and 0.08-0.23 for Cu. A great proportion of dietary minerals was provided by supplements, the contribution of which was: Ca 53.1%, Mg 58.4%, Fe 27.6%. Zn 82.2% and Cu 98.5%. Mineral bioaccessibility in supplements was particularly low for Ca and, to a lesser extent, for Fe and Zn. In spite of the high supplement consumption (up to 4 servings/d) important mineral deficiencies were detected in the diet of institutionalised children. Findings suggest that formulation and nutritional values of supplements used in Latin America should be carefully reviewed, in order to be a useful tool in the prevention and treatment of hidden hunger.

The association between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health-related quality of life among adolescents / Associação entre comportamentos de estilo de vida saudável e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde entre adolescentes

Abstract Objective: The aim of this research was to examine the association between body mass index, physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and health-related quality of life in a sample of Spanish adolescents. Method: The study involved 456 adolescents aged between 11 and 14 years. They completed questionnaires on the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED), physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children [PAQ-C]), and quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27). Body mass index was calculated. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to determine whether health-related quality of life could be predicted by the measured variables. The variables were analyzed in a stepwise manner, with Mediterranean diet entered in the first step, body mass index in the second, and physical activity in the third. Results: Mediterranean diet accounted for 4.6% of the variance in adolescent's health-related quality of life, with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet predicting higher health-related quality of life-scores. Body mass index accounted for a further 4.1% of the variance, with a higher body mass index predicting lower health-related quality of life scores. Finally, physical activity explained an additional 11.3% of the variance, with a higher level of physical activity being associated with higher health-related quality of life scores. Together, these variables explained 20% of the variance in the adolescents' health-related quality of life. Conclusions: Physical activity, body mass index, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet are important components to consider when targeting improvements in the health-related quality of life of adolescents, with physical activity representing the component with the greatest influence.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi examinar a associação entre o índice de massa corporal, a atividade física, a adesão à dieta mediterrânea e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em uma mostra de adolescentes espanhóis. Método: O estudo envolveu 456 adolescentes entre 11 e 14 anos. Eles preencheram questionários sobre a dieta mediterrânea (Kidmed), atividade física (Questionário de Atividade Física para Crianças mais velhas, PAQ-C) e qualidade de vida (Kidscreen-27). Foi calculado o índice de massa corporal. Análises de regressão linear hierárquica foram usadas para determinar se a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde pode ser prevista pelas variáveis medidas. As variáveis foram introduzidas de forma gradual com a dieta mediterrânea na primeira etapa, índice de massa corporal na segunda etapa e atividade física na terceira. Resultados: A dieta mediterrânea representou 4,6% da variância na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos adolescentes e uma maior adesão à dieta mediterrânea foi preditiva de maiores escores de qualidade de vida relacionados à saúde. O índice de massa corporal representou um adicional de 4,1% de variância e um maior índice de massa corporal foi preditivo de menores escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Por fim, a atividade física representou um adicional de 11,3% da variância e um maior nível de atividade física foi associado a maiores escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Juntas, essas variáveis representam 20% da variância na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos adolescentes. Conclusões: A atividade física, o índice de massa corporal e a adesão à dieta mediterrânea são importantes componentes para considerar ao visar melhorias na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos adolescentes, a atividade física é o componente com maior influência.

Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with lifestyle, physical fitness, and mental wellness among 10-y-olds in Chile.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) within a population of children from Santiago, Chile. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between MD adherence, body composition, physical fitness, self-esteem, and other lifestyle factors. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study of a sample of children (N = 515; 10.6 ± 0.5 y) was conducted. Weight, body mass index, skinfolds, and waist circumference were measured. Physical fitness was determined using aspects of the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity health fitness test battery for children. Adherence to the MD was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents questionnaire. Self-esteem was evaluated using the Rosenberg scale and the Five-Factor Self-Concept Questionnaire measured self-concept. Participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and also were asked to report the number of hours per day they spent watching various screen-based devices. RESULTS: All findings were significant at the level P < 0.001. Adherence to an MD was consistently and negatively associated with percentage body fat (r = -0.302) and subscapular skinfold thickness (r = -0.329). Positive associations were found with PAQ-C (r = 0.277), self-esteem (r = 0.301) and self-concept (r = 0.234), and for physical fitness, especially for explosive power of the legs (r = 0.355). Positive correlations with handgrip strength were found in boys (r = 0.323), whereas negative correlations with screen time were found in girls (r = -0.511). CONCLUSION: Given its relation to a healthier body composition, physical fitness, healthier lifestyle behaviors, and mental wellness, the MD should be promoted amongst youngsters.

The association between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health-related quality of life among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to examine the association between body mass index, physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and health-related quality of life in a sample of Spanish adolescents. METHOD: The study involved 456 adolescents aged between 11 and 14 years. They completed questionnaires on the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED), physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children [PAQ-C]), and quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27). Body mass index was calculated. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to determine whether health-related quality of life could be predicted by the measured variables. The variables were analyzed in a stepwise manner, with Mediterranean diet entered in the first step, body mass index in the second, and physical activity in the third. RESULTS: Mediterranean diet accounted for 4.6% of the variance in adolescent's health-related quality of life, with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet predicting higher health-related quality of life-scores. Body mass index accounted for a further 4.1% of the variance, with a higher body mass index predicting lower health-related quality of life scores. Finally, physical activity explained an additional 11.3% of the variance, with a higher level of physical activity being associated with higher health-related quality of life scores. Together, these variables explained 20% of the variance in the adolescents' health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity, body mass index, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet are important components to consider when targeting improvements in the health-related quality of life of adolescents, with physical activity representing the component with the greatest influence.

[Not Available]. / Relación entre condición física, actividad física y diferentes parámetros antropométricos en escolares de Santiago (Chile).

Introducción: la sociedad actual está experimentando reducciones significativas en los niveles de actividad física, y estos niveles de sedentarismo están asociados a un aumento de la obesidad. Objetivo: describir y analizar las relaciones entre composición corporal, realización de actividad física y condición física, además de describir los índices de sobrepeso/obesidad de una muestra de escolares de la provincia de Santiago (Chile). Material y métodos: se diseñó un estudio transversal con una muestra representativa de 515 alumnos (10,6 ± 0,5). Se determinaron diferentes índices antropométricos (IMC y porcentaje graso), así como la actividad física y la condición física (capacidad aeróbica y fuerza muscular máxima en tren superior e inferior). Resultados: alrededor del 55% de la muestra estudiada presentó problemas de sobrepeso/obesidad. Los valores de volumen de oxígeno máximo (VO 2 máx) y fuerza del tren superior fueron estadísticamente superiores en el grupo de los niños que en el de las niñas. Los alumnos clasificados como obesos presentaron unos niveles superiores de porcentaje graso, así como unos niveles inferiores de actividad física y de condición física que el grupo con normopeso. Se encontró una correlación negativa entre las puntuaciones del PAQ-C (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children) y los parámetros antropométricos, así como entre los parámetros antropométricos y los valores obtenidos en todas las pruebas de condición física. Conclusión: ante los alarmantes niveles de sobrepeso y obesidad infantil detectados en Santiago parece de importante relevancia crear planes de intervención centrados en la mejora de la condición física; los grupos con problemas de sobrepeso y obesidad y los grupos de sexo femeninos donde se debería hacer una mayor incidencia.

[Not Available]. / Doble carga de malnutrición en escolares urbanos y rurales de Guatemala.

Introducción: Guatemala ha estado experimentando una transición en sus estilos de vida. Mientras que la desnutrición crónica sigue siendo prevalente, se ha experimentado un aumento sustancial de los casos de obesidad. Objetivo: proporcionar información actualizada sobre las nuevas tendencias en cuanto al estado nutricional en Guatemala. Métodos: se diseñó un estudio transversal con una muestra de 392 niños y adolescentes (5-18 años) seleccionados de manera aleatoria. El muestreo fue estratificado según su ubicación geográfica (rural y urbana), sexo y edad. Resultados: alrededor del 62% de la muestra urbana presentó problemas de sobrepeso y un 13,8 de obesidad. Entre los participantes urbanos, la prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad fue mayor en el grupo de 11-14 años. El grupo urbano presentó una mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad que el grupo rural para todos los grupos de edad (excepto en el grupo de 15-18 años que presentó unos índices de obesidad ligeramente más elevados en el grupo rural). Se observó una mayor prevalencia de retraso en el crecimiento en el grupo rural, excepto para el grupo de edad de 15-18 años. La prevalencia de bajo peso fue significativamente mayor en el grupo rural (25% vs. 1,2%) así como la prevalencia del delgadez, excepto para el grupo de edad de 5-10 años. Conclusión: la alta prevalencia de bajo peso y la de sobrepeso/obesidad coexisten en los niños y adolescentes en Guatemala.

A pilot duplicate diet study on manganese, selenium and chromium intakes in institutionalised children and adolescents from Guatemala.

Hidden hunger occurs in the presence of an otherwise nutritionally or energetically appropriate diet that is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. Guatemala has the highest rate of child malnutrition in Latin America and the prevalence of hidden hunger is high. The aim of this study was to determine the Mn, Se and Cr dietary intakes in Guatemalan institutionalised children (4-14 years), a population group at high risk of mineral deficiency. For this purpose, the contents of Mn, Se and Cr were analysed in a duplicate diet (for 7 consecutive days) by electrothermal atomisation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry following acid digestion. Mn, Se and Cr intakes from the duplicate diets were in the range of 1·3-2·31 mg/d, 58·7-69·6 µg/d and 6·32-27·57 µg/d, respectively. Mn and Cr values were below current recommended daily intakes. A cereal- and legumes-based diet is habitually consumed by this population. Local vegetables, fruits and nutritional supplements are included daily, but the consumption of fish, meat, eggs and dairy products is very infrequent or negligible. Mean daily energy intake from the 7-d diet was 8418·2 kJ (2012 kcal), with a macronutrient energy distribution of carbohydrates 69·4 %, proteins 12·3 % and fats 18·3 %. Correlations between Mn, Se and Cr intakes and energy and other nutrient intakes were also evaluated. The present findings will help establish new nutritional strategies for this and similar population groups.

[Influence of body composition and acceptance of physical education classes on self-esteem of children aged 14-16 years from Alicante, Spain]. / influencia de la composición corporal y la aceptación por las clases de educación física sobre la autoestima de niños de 14-16 años de Alicante, España.

INTRODUCTION: Self-esteem seems to be an important predictor of depressive symptoms in adolescents, especially in females. Some authors suggest that there is a relationship between adolescents with overweight or obesity and lower self-esteem. In addition, sports participation has been associated with a higher self-esteem. OBJECTIVES: To analyses the relationships between BMI, gender, acceptance for physical education classes and self-esteem in a representative sample of 14-16 years students of the Alicante city. METHODS: Research was conducted with a representative sample of 1,150 students (15.1 ± 0.8 years) of the Alicante city. Data included their socio-demographic background, anthropometric measurements, self-esteem and acceptance for physical education classes. RESULTS: There is a positive correlation between acceptance for physical education classes and self-esteem (r= .319) and there is a negative correlation between this acceptance and gender (r= -.289), lower scores were shown in a female group. There is a negative correlation between self-esteem and BMI (r= -.083) and gender (r= -.308), lower self-esteem were shown in a female group. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to plan actions aimed as reinforcing and increasing self-esteem during the adolescent period, focusing on the group of girls and the group of young adults with overweight and obesity problems and especially in the girl group.

Introducción: La autoestima parece ser un importante predictor de síntomas depresivos entre los jóvenes, y sobre todo en el género femenino. Algunos autores sugieren que la existencia de sobrepeso y/o obesidad en jóvenes se relaciona con una menor autoestima así como la participación deportiva se ha asociado con unos valores más altos de la misma. Objetivos: Analizar las relaciones existentes entre el índice de masa corporal, sexo, aceptación a las clases de Educación Física y autoestima en una muestra representativa de escolares de 3º y 4º de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria de la ciudad de Alicante. Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo sobre una muestra representativa compuesta por 1.150 alumnos escolarizados en la ciudad de Alicante. Se obtuvieron datos sociodemográficos, antropométricos, valores de autoestima y de aceptación por las clases de educación física. Resultados: Existe una correlación positiva entre la aceptación a las clases de educación física y el autoestima (r= ,319) y una correlación negativa entre esta y el sexo de los alumnos (r= -,289), siendo el grupo femenino el que muestra unas menores puntuaciones. Existe una correlación negativa entre el autoestima y los valores de índice de masa corporal (r= -,083), y el sexo (r= -,308), siendo el grupo femenino el que muestra unos valores menores de autoestima. Conclusiones: En vista de los resultados se hace necesario planificar actuaciones encaminadas a reforzar y aumentar la autoestima durante la adolescencia, centrándose en los grupos de riesgo formados por los jóvenes con sobrepeso/obesidad y sobre por el grupo de las chicas.