Growing phenomenon, which involves high morbidity and consequently high costs for health systems, obesity has been found also among the pediatric population and is currently considered a public health problem. The aim of this study was to verify if in children in the early preschool age we can see the prevalence of overweight and if introducing complementary feeding as well as the type of food introduced, are associated with this condition in this age group. It is an observational analytic study with children born in 2011-2012 that attended public schools in Taubat6 -SP during 2014. In addition to the weight and height of children, information about the history of feeding and birth were collectedusing a standardized questionnaire.The nutritional status was defined as having overweight children with z-scores for body mass index (zIMC) > 1.We conducted bivariate analysis and then linear regression analysis of multiple variables.The prevalence of overweight was elevated (27.5%). Only birth weight showed significant correlation with respect to zIMC (r = 0.22, p < 0.0001). The multivariable analysis showed no relationship with the various foods, but showed birth weightas a high risk factor, the male and the total duration of breastfeeding as protective factors. As a result, we conclude that the early introduction of new foods is not a risk factor for the development of overweight at the beginning of pre-school age.

Chagas disease is a parasitic infection that affects 17 million people in Latin America. The real influence of nutritional status and food intake effect over the course of the disease to chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy is still unknown. Furthermore, some cardiovascular risk factors might influence the evolution of the disease. A cross-sectional study of a sample of patients with Chagas disease attending the Cardiology Section of the Hospital Centenario of Rosario was carried out in order to characterize their food intake and nutritional status. Data on the general characteristics of the sample was collected; anthropometric measurements were performed and food consumption was investigated using a food frequency questionnaire and a n photographic atlas. One hundred and thirteen patients were enrolled; 70% of men and 90% of women were overweight or obese. In addition 78.9% of women and 27% of men presented a waist-hip ratio according to cardiovascular risk. When analyzing macronutrient intake, it was observed that lipid intake recommendations were exceeded. When the food intake groups were analyzed separately, it was found that men consume more lean beef, cold cuts, pork and alcoholic drinks, while women eat more whole dairy products and sugary drinks. This patients´ urban sample with Chagas disease, he presents a nutritional profile similar to that of the general population, and the food consumption is influenced by life in big cities.

Oxidative stress is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular ciseases (CVD) due to the serious damage caused by reactive oxygen species to biomolecules, thus, adequate intake of vitamins with antioxidant properties could prevent or delay the onset of these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between antioxidant intake, nutritional factors and biochemical markers in a group of healthy individuals in Caracas, Venezuela. The study included 29 participants between 18-40 years of age who underwent three 24-hour dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements [weight, height, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and % body fat (% BF)] according to the International Biology Program (IBP) methodology. Tn addition, the lipid profile and the concentration of 8-isoprostane as a marker of oxidative stress was determined. The participants took one daily capsule of antioxidant vitamins for.30 days. After treatment with antioxidants, no significant changes in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (14DL-C) levels were observed. Meanwhile, the 8-isoprostane recorded a significative correlation between before and after treatment (r=0.374; p<0.05). The decline in 8-isoprostane levels was more evident in those individuals with the highest % BF and WC. These findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation decreases oxidative stress in a short period of time, particularly in higher % BF individuals, and might help prevent CVDs.

This study describes the total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as cytotoxic, alpha-glucosidase inhibition and antiradical/antioxidant potential of extracts obtained from the edible fruits of Cordia boissieri, which is widely distributed throughout northeastern Mexico. Phenolic and flavonoid content were evaluated by means of the Folin-Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetric assay respectively. The antiradical/antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assays. Cytotoxic activity was assessed by means of human cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and HeLa), alpha-glucosidase inhibition was determined by colorimetric assay using p-Nitrophenyl a-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG) as a substrate. Results indicate that extract of C. boissieri fruit has a good antioxidant potential to show a EC₅₀: 137.76 ± 35 ptg/mL and 65 ±2 ltM/g in the DPPH and TEAC assays respectively, inhibitor of the enzyme alpha-glu- cosidase involved in sugar uptake (ICSO: 215.20 ± 35 μg/ mL), cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 (IC50: 310 ± 42 μg/mL) and HeLa (IC₅₀0: 450.4 ±21μgg/mL) cancer cell lines as well as an important phenolic content with 230 t 23 mg/1OOg and 54±11 mg100g g of phenols and flavonoids totals respectively. These results point towards an interesting potential for the fruits of C. boissieri as chemopreventive properties and expand the possibilities.

There is little information about the relationship bet- ween anthropometric indexes and motor function in active and inactive subjects. In that sense, this research aims todetermine the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and motor function score in Chilean subjects with different levels of physical activity. The sample included 63 subjects (20 women), allocated into three groups:physically active group (GFA, n=21), athlete group (GD, n=21) and physically inactive group (GFI, n=21).The variables studied were body composition, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and motor functionality using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). A One-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation test, and a multiple linear regression model were applied, considering P <0.05.The results showed a moderate inverse correlation (-0.52:≤ r :≤ -0.62)between FMS score and sum of skin folds, Z-score fat, fat mass (Kg), BMI in the GFI. Similarly, in the GFA the FMS showed a moderate inverse correlation (-0.54 ≤ r ≤ -0.60) with the sum of skin folds, fat mass .(Kg& %). Changes in the FMS score were mainly explained by the sum of skin fold, Z-score fat, fat mass (kg), percentage of fat mass and WC. In conclusion, anthropometric characteristics are associated with motor function in physically active (GFA) and inactive Chilean subjects, showing an inverse relationship between the FMS score and adiposity parameters of body composition.

The predictive power of the middle arm circumference for early identification of acute malnutrition in preschool and school children hospitalized in two hospitals in Valencia, Carabobo state. Was evaluated 182 children aged 2-10 years were evaluated. Anthropometric nutritional status calculated by: mid-arm circumference for age MAC and weight for height P/T. SPSS version 15.0 and Statistix version 6.0 was used. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value was determined by Bayes Theorem; Kappa index for correspondence; Diagnosis of acute malnutrition and sensitivity by MAC and area under the curve ROC; 95% confidence level. We found 51.1% male, 48.9% female, age 5.2 ± 2.2 years; 71.4% pre-school, school 28.6% (p = 0.000) between ages. When adjusted for sex and age, the CMB was significantly correlated with weight (r = 0.804; p = 0.000) and height (r = 0.510; p = 0.000). Kappa index of 0.720 (p = 0.000) for the comparison between P/T and CMB in the diagnosis of acute malnutrition. Acute malnutrition 28% prevalence for P/T and 34.6% for MAC, with agreement between both indicators. MAC showed good sensitivity and specificity, being more sensitive and specific in pre-school and school male children with acute malnutrition. 14.9 cm of cutoff point for acute malnutrition in preschool, with 85.5% sensitivity; 74.5% specificity; for school 16 cm with 89.2% sensitivity; 80% specificity. MAC showed better predictor of acute malnutrition P/T. It is recommended to set specific cutoffs for age and sex, for the definition and classification of nutritional deficit.

The zinc deficiency affects approximately a third of the world population, principally in the developing countries, the rural areas and in the poorest communities, where this micronutrient deficiency is one of the most prevalent risk factor for nutrientrelated diseases. This paper compiles scientific advances about the key role of the essential trace element zinc in the neurogenesis control, brain function and cognitive development. The aim of this work is to generate in health professionals, interest about the zinc deficiency effects in neuro-intellectual development and its negative impact in the cultural, economic and social development of the countries.

The flavor and aroma of cacao (Theobroma cacao) beans were the main reasons that promoted its domestication and food-use by pre-Columbian peoples of Mesoamerica. Polyphenols and alkaloids are compounds that directly affect the flavor of the cocoa beans and indirectly on the flavor precursors. The alkaloids are associated with bitterness; its concentration is related to the cultivar and its modifying through the processing. Polyphenols molecules are responsible together with other molecules of the astringency (not desirable in chocolate), but also are responsible for antioxidant properties, very desirable by consumers. This review focuses on aspects of the biosynthesis of these important molecules in cocoa beans as well as implications in taste and flavor. The changes of these molecules that occur during processing are also approached.

Ecuador is undergoing a nutrition tran- sition where overweight/obesity coexist with under-nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine nutritional status, physical activity, fruit and vegetables consumption frequency among school-going adolescents in the canton of Paute and further explore if these variables were differential by urban vs. rural residence. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a random sample of students aged 12 to 19 years from the only two public secondary schools in the canton Paute. We determined nutritional status according to the World Health Organization criteria. Demographics, physical activity habits, fruit and vegetable consumption frequency were determined by questionnaires. Of the total of 314 students, 44.9% lived in urban area and 55.1% in rural area. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was significantly higher among students with urban vs. rural residence (28.4% vs. 17.9%; P=.03). The prevalence of stunting was significantly higher among students with rural vs. urban residence (31.8% vs. 16.3%; P=.002). There were no significant differences detected between groups in the frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables. Urban residence was asso- ciated with a greater mean number of minutes of outdoor recreation after school (76.0 minutes vs. 57.1 minutes; P=.02), greater weekly hours of planned physical activity (2.0 hours vs. 1.6 hours; P=.007), and greater daily screen time in front of a television or computer (3.2 hours vs. 2.5 hours; P<.001). Interventions to prevent or reduce overweight/obesity in Paute and other similar areas with students from both urban and rural areas should consider place of residence in their design.

Nutritional iron deficiency anemia is considered the main public health problem of poor less-developed and developing countries. The World Health Organization has estimated that 1.5-2.0 billion persons are anemic. It has been said that close to 1 million deaths are linked to iron deficiency anemia. The groups most vulnerable to this form of anemia are said to be small children and women of reproductive age. Our goal is to show that iron fortification in the water, will control anemia. The method used was a literature review. Methods have been identified to control anemia, but the fortification of water is a more efficient, low cost, reaches the entire population, prevents and treats deficiency anemia. We concluded that the iron fortification of drinking water at home is a simple, effective, and low-priced approach for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia prevalent in poor and developing countries.

Glutamic acid or its ionic form L-glutamate (GLU) is one of the most abundant amino acids in nature and it plays important functions at the cellular and systemic levels. For instance, in the intestine and liver, GLU is a source of energy and is the precursor of key biological molecules. At the central nervous system of mammals, GLU acts as an excitatory neurotrausmitter due to the interaction with specific receptors. In addition, GLU has been related with short- and long-term potentiation, memory and the learning. Furthermore, consumption of GLU or its monosodium salt (monosodium glutamate, MSG) as a food additive is responsible for the umami taste. The consumption of MSG has been considered safe for different agencies responsible for the evaluation of the safe use of food additives, which have establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) "not specified", or classified as Generally Recognized Safe Substance (GRAS). This review focuses on important metabolic aspects of GLU and its role in food tasting and MSG safety.

There are specific formulas of enteral nutrition to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients containing different types of carbohydrates which glycemic response should be investigated. The consumption effect of a formula with carbohydrates with extended release was determined on the glycemic response and postprandial insulin in 21 healthy individuals (11 men and 10 women) from 17 to 25 years old, who consumed in two different time the polymeric enteral formula for diabetics and the reference food (white bread) in a quantity of 50 g of available carbohydrates. The glycemia was measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min and the insulin concentrations in fasting and within 120 min. The area in the glycemic curve was measured being the lowest the formula 11718.20. ± 1112.38 than in white bread 13269.18 ± 1351.05 (P<0.001). The glycemic index (GI) resulted to be intermediate (63.33±5.22) and lower when compared to the GT ranks published for the reference food (80-96). A lower concentration of glycemia occurred after the consumption of the formula, without increments in the insulin requirements; thus, assuming an adequate use in diabetic and a more extended feeling of fullness. This effect and the glycated hemoglobin should be studied after the extended consumption in people with diabetes.

In this work the effect of consumption of tree tomato juice (Cypho-mandra betacea) was evaluated on nutritional and biochemical parameters in 54 volunteers (44 women and 10 men) aged 45 ±8 years-Ecuador. A nutritional and biochemical evaluation was performed in volunteers; then they were invited to drink tree tomato juice (IOOg of fruit in 150 ml of water) daily for 6 weeks. Finished these 6 weeks, volunteers were nutritional and biochemical evaluated again. 67% abdominal obesity was found, decreasing at 53% after drinking the established dosage of juice. 87% of the volunteers before treatment, showed -hypercholesterolemia, 40.7% and 46.3% had hypertriglyceridemia and elevated LDL, respectively and 18.5% glucose concentrations between 98-130 mg/dL. These values decrease significantly in this group after drinking tomato juice. In ge- neral, Total Cholesterol, LDL and glucose concentrations decrease significantly after drinking tree tomato juice in all the voluntaries with or without overweight. There is no change in HDL concentrations. The consumption of tree tomato juice did not affect the activity of alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase enzymes either creatinine, urea and uric acid concentrations, neither blood pressure suggesting that does not affect renal or liver function. These results indicate that consumption of tree tomato juice for six weeks appears to have a lipid-lowering and modulating effect on glucose metabolism, suggesting C betacea as one of the high Andean fruits nutraceutical potential. However, this issue should be investigated in more detail.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of risk behaviors related to eating disorders and body image satisfaction among Brazilian dietitians and undergraduate Nutrition students. The national representative sample was composed of 427 undergraduate students of Nutrition and 318 dietitians. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. Body image satisfaction was assessed by the Body Shape Questionnaire, and attitudes suggestive of an eating disorder (called positive EAT) were assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test. Adjusted Prevalence Ratios were performed by Poisson's regression. More than 50.0% of women were dissatisfied with their body image, but severe dissatisfaction was more prevalent among students (26.7% versus 16.0%). There was no difference in the prevalence of positive EAT test between both groups. Students with positive EAT had more chance of body dissatisfaction (PRadj 1.31; 95%CI 1.03-1.66). Dietitians with positive EAT had 35% more chance of being dissatisfied with their body image (PRadj 1.35; 95%IC 1.01-1.80). Undergraduate Nutrition students and dietitians are likely to develop attitudes suggestive of an eating disorder and being dissatisfied with'their body image. The susceptibility of developing an eating disorder might have a relation with their professional field.

In Mexico, the nutritional status of school age children it is still a public health problem, particularly in the country southeast where malnutrition is alarming. Yucatan state, in Mexico, has one of the highest chronic undernutrition (stunting) and overweight/obesity prevalences. The aim of this study was to describe the growth and nutritional status of a sample of school children (6 - 12 years old) from three rural communities in Yucatan. Between November and December 2014 we obtained height, sitting height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and tricipital skinfold, and calculate leg length, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage of a sample of 144 children (6 - 12 years old) in three communities in Yucatan. The 14% of the total sample showed low height for age and 16% and 21% showed exceeded BMI and WC respectively. These data show the coexistence of both extremes of malnutrition. Significant differences in measures of growth and nutritional status categories were found between communities. Factors such as the production and merchandising of local foods, migration (rural-to-urban, regional and international) as well as differences in infraestructure investment in social support appear to be associated with variaticins in the growth and nutritional stattus of school age children analyzed.

Nocturnal sleep patterns maybe a contributing factor for the epidemic of obesity. Epidemiologic and experimental studies have reported that sleep restriction is an independent risk factor for weight gain and obesity, but has not been explored this association in elderly. The objetive is to determine the association between the sleep durationand obesity in elderly Chilean autonomous.1,706 AM autonomous 59.9% women, of the city of Santiago, of Chile, was applied to each survey dream of Pittsburg and anthropometric evaluation.84.0% of the elderly population sleeps less than recommended. Sleeping less hours than recommended is associated with an increased risk of obesity. (OR=1,49 (IC95% 1.04 - 2.13)) However, without adjusting for tobacco and medicine consumption, this association loses, its significance ((OR=1,50 (IC95% 0,95-2,38)). An association between less sleep hours and an increased risk of obesity in the autonomous elderly is observed.

Phenolic compounds are ubiquitous in plant-based foods. High dietary intake of fruits, vegetables and cereals are related to a decreased rate in chronic diseases. Phenolic compounds are thought to be responsible, at least in part, for those health effects. No-netheless, the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds is not often considered in these studies; thus, a precise mechanism of action of phenolic compounds is not known. In this review, we aim to present a comprehensive knowledge of the potential health promotion effects of polyphenols and the importance of considering the factors that affect their bioavailability on research projects.

The development of beverages with functional properties must consider the preservation of the bioactive or functional properties during storage. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of a functional beverage of tropical fruits and yacon, stored under refrigeration. The beverage, composed by 50% of yacon and 50% of a blended tropical fruits (camu-camu, acerola, cashew-apple, yellow mombin, acai and pineapple), was pasteurized (90 seconds/ 85⁰C) and stored under refrigeration (5⁰C). After processing and on 45 day intervals until the end of storage, were assayed the bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid and total extractable polyphenols), antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, titratable total acidity, pH, color (L*, a* and b*), total sugar content, sucrose, glucose and fructose, and nd the physical and chemical analyzes were limited by decreased total antioxidant activity and their bioactive components. The beverage showed relative physical and chemical quality during storage period, and in the 225 days of storage, the total extractable polyphenols and total antioxidant activity showed a significantly decline, and thus , these parameters were evaluated only until this period. However, the main limitation for the beverage storage was due to. sensory acceptability and microbiological safety, which although in accordance with Brazilian legislation, limited storage period for 90 days.

Sheep milk is the third most consumed milk in Brazil. It is much appreciated for its nutritional status and is important for children that have problems with cow milk. Little information is known about the chemical, physical and microbiological composition of sheep milk from South Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe chemical and microbiological characteristics of sheep milk produced on two rural properties located in southern Brazil (ParanA and Rio Grande do Sul). The chemical composition of sheep milk was 17.32 g/100 g total solids, 5.86 g/100 g total protein, 4.46 g/100 g casein, 1.08 g/100 g whey protein, 7.28 g/100 g fat, 0.93 g/100 g ash, and 3.41 g/100 g lactose. High somatic cell count (1.7x106 cells/mL), total mesophilic bacterias (16.0 x 106 CFU/mL) and psychrotrophics (5.8 x 106 CFU/mL) were observed. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus, enterobacteria and coliforms occurred in 100% of the samples, and 45% of the samples showed growth of Escherichia coli. The sheep milk physical-chemical and microbiology parameters are similar to those presented in the literature for other countries but somatic cell count presented high levels.

The article shows the evolution of the Brazilian Food Composition Database (TBCA-USP), since its creation until its next update. The article characterizes the TBCA-USP database like a public good and highlights the importance of the food composition data compilation as a high cost-effective activity. It reports the social relevance of the information about food composition and the importance of this database in the national context. It also indicates extension and update strategies of the TBCA-USP.