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PubMed1985

Hyperphagia in premenstrual tension syndrome.

The relationship between premenstrual tension syndrome and dietary intake was studied in a population of 20 young adult women. Caloric intake was measured during the 10 days preceding and following the menstrual cycle. Those women with more severe symptoms recorded a greater increase in caloric intake. Caloric intake during the premenstrual period also increased with age. It is hypothesized that this caloric intake may be due to increased beta-endorphin levels.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Dietary self-selection and meal patterns of obese and lean Zucker rats.

Following two weeks of baseline measures on laboratory chow, young obese and lean male Zucker rats were given access to separate macronutrients for 18 weeks. First, the rats were given access to soybean meal, dextrinized starch, and lard for eight weeks. Daily caloric intake of obese rats was greater on laboratory chow than that of lean rats and remained so following the switch to the self-selection diet. While obese and lean rats consumed similar proportions of each macronutrient over the eight-week period, there were substantial changes in the pattern of intake across weeks. Obese rats decreased daily caloric intake primarily by decreasing lard consumption. In contrast, lean rats maintained daily caloric intake while increasing the proportion of calories from fat. The addition of a 25% sucrose solution (weeks 11-18) produced an elevated daily caloric intake for both obese and lean rats, achieved through an increased carbohydrate intake with a simultaneous decrease in fat intake. A diurnal pattern of intake was maintained for each macronutrient. Compared to controls, rats on the self-selection diet did not show differential growth. Measurement of daily meal patterns for soybean meal, sucrose, and lard during the last four days of the experiment showed that obese rats ate significantly larger meals comprised of all three food components than did lean rats. For both obese and lean rats, one-component meals were primarily sucrose with greater intake during the light period. Lean rats showed a greater tendency to indulge in these between-meal "snacks" than did obese rats. These data suggest that palatability and nutrient source as well as length of exposure are critical determiners of nutrient selection and total daily caloric intake.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

C-reactive protein and dietary nutrients in urban Asian Indian adolescents and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP), a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk, and dietary nutrients is not known. We investigated the relationship between serum CRP levels and dietary nutrients in young Asian Indians residing in a major metropolitan city in north India. METHODS: Dietary nutrient intake values (24-h dietary recall and monthly consumption data) and serum CRP levels were studied in 359 healthy adolescents and young adults (312 male and 47 female) (mean age, 18.0 +/- 2.3 y; range, 14-25 y), after carefully excluding those with history of infections and smoking. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with CRP [raised (>3.0 mg/L)/normal] as the outcome variable and various dietary nutrients and anthropometric variables as covariates. RESULTS: Mean CRP level was 1.3 +/- 2.3 mg/L (range, 0.02-17.5 mg/L). Raised CRP levels (>3 mg/L) were noted in 9% study subjects (8.6% males and 12.8% females). After adjustment for other covariates, saturated fat emerged as the single most important nutrient contributing to increase in serum CRP levels. The odds of having a raised CRP level in subjects consuming more than 10% energy as saturated dietary fat were twice as compared to subjects having a normal saturated fat intake [Adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 2.0 (0.94-4.1)]. For every one percent decrease in energy intake by saturated fat, CRP level was calculated to decrease by 0.14 mg/L. For decreasing CRP levels to <1.0 mg/L (low risk for cardiovascular disease), Asian Indian adolescents and young adults should ensure saturated fat intake <7% of caloric intake. CONCLUSION: We suggest that daily saturated fat intake should be limited to <7% of caloric intake in urban adolescents and young adult Asian Indians to decrease their future cardiovascular risk.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Food intake of very obese persons: quantitative and qualitative aspects.

To document the caloric intake of very obese persons and investigate the food choices and dietary composition that maintain severe obesity, we studied the self-selected food intake required to maintain stable weight in two groups of very obese subjects: 11 inpatients with a mean weight 181% above desirable body weight and 35 outpatients with a mean weight 125% above desirable body weight. Qualitative and quantitative food intake were evaluated using records obtained on the hospital metabolic ward for the inpatients and using self-recorded food records for the outpatients. Absolute caloric intake in both groups was greater in proportion to the degree of obesity (deviation from desirable body weight); caloric intake per unit of lean body mass (kilocalories per gram urinary creatinine) was constant regardless of the degree of obesity and was essentially the same as that of normal nonobese persons. Food records indicated that the obese subjects maintained their high caloric intake by consuming mostly foods of high caloric density, with occasional binge eating. They largely avoided foods of low intrinsic energy density and modified-calorie foods, ie, foods with decreased fat, nonnutritive sweeteners, or fillers. By substituting foods of lower caloric density for usual food choices from the same food group, obese persons could decrease caloric intake by 20% and increase potential for notable weight loss.

Adult↗

PubMed1982

Sucrose polyester and covert caloric dilution.

Total daily caloric intake was measured in 10 obese subjects when sucrose polyester (SPE), a nonabsorbable synthetic fat, covertly replaced conventional fats in a single crossover study consisting of three periods: a period of 7 to 14 days to determine baseline caloric intake and two 20-day study periods. An average of 60 g SPE/day replaced conventional fat in one of the two study periods. During both study periods, 60% of the base line caloric intake was "required intake" at mealtime; an additional 60% of base line caloric intake was allowed as "free choice" foods at a specified snacktime. It was thus possible during both study periods to consume more than 100% of the base line caloric intake. In the SPE study period, 40 g SPE replaced 40 g conventional fat for every 1200 kcal of required intake, resulting in a 30% reduction in mealtime caloric intake. Mean total caloric intake (meal and snack) fell 23% during the SPE period (p less than 0.05), despite an average daily weight loss of 0.18 kg. Snack caloric intake did not increase significantly to compensate for caloric dilution of the meals during the SPE period. These results indicate that the obese may not detect or may not compensate for covert dilution of fat calories with SPE. In addition, during the SPE period, there was a 10% reduction in total plasma cholesterol, a 14% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a 10% reduction in triglyceride concentration. Thus, fat replacement with SPE may benefit weight reduction regimens in obese subjects by facilitating decreased caloric intake and by improving the circulating lipoprotein profile as well.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Dietary and nutritional factors and pancreatic cancer: a case-control study based on direct interviews.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between diet and pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the role of diet and nutrition as risk factors for pancreatic cancer, using data obtained from direct interviews only, rather than data from less reliable interviews with next of kin. We evaluated whether dietary factors could explain the higher incidence of pancreatic cancer experienced by black Americans compared with white Americans. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in Atlanta (GA), Detroit (MI), and 10 New Jersey counties from August 1986 through April 1989. Reliable dietary histories were obtained for 436 patients and 2003 general-population control subjects aged 30-79 years. RESULTS: Obesity was associated with a statistically significant 50%-60% increased risk of pancreatic cancer that was consistent by sex and race. Although the magnitude of risk associated with obesity was identical in blacks and whites, a higher percentage of blacks were obese than were whites (women: 38% versus 16%; men: 27% versus 22%). A statistically significant positive trend in risk was observed with increasing caloric intake, with subjects in the highest quartile of caloric intake experiencing a 70% higher risk than those in the lowest quartile. A statistically significant interaction between body mass index (weight in kg/height in m2 for men and weight in kg/height in m1.5 for women) and total caloric intake was observed that was consistent by sex and race. Subjects in the highest quartile of both body mass index and caloric intake had a statistically significant 180% higher risk than those in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and appears to contribute to the higher risk of this disease among blacks than among whites in the United States, particularly among women. Furthermore, the interaction between body mass index and caloric intake suggests the importance of energy balance in pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

[Evaluation of dietary vitamin intake in Burgundy (France)].

The daily intake of vitamin B1, B2, B6, PP, C, A, D and E was investigated in 297 adult subjects, undergoing a check-up examination in a Health Center in Burgundy, by the 7-day self-recorded prospective protocol, to determine the prevalence of vitamin deficiency risks in an area of a West European Country. The daily vitamin intake was lower than the French Recommended Dietary Allowances: RDA (CNERNA, 1981). The intake was between 50 and 80% of RDA for vitamin B1 in 58%, B2 in 24%, B6 in 59%, PP in 43%, C in 21%, A in 8%, D in 0.6%, E in 53% of the female population and for B1 in 40%, B2 in 18.5%, B6 in 59%, PP in 46%, C in 27%, A in 11%, D in 7% and E in 47% of the male population. The daily vitamin intake was less than half of RDA vor vitamin B1 in 11%, B2 in 0.6%, B6 in 33%, PP in 6.3%, C in 4.5%, A in 0.6%, D in 98%, E in 36% in the females and for B1 in 3%, B6 in 8.5%, PP in 3.5%, C in 5%, A in 0.7%, D in 91% and E in 9% in the males. The use of a probability analysis for estimating vitamin deficiencies showed intakes below their own requirement in 37.8% for B1, 18% for B2, 58.6% for B6, 46% for PP, 29% for C, 8.3% for A, 98% for D and 43.4% for E in the males and 62.5% for B1, 20.9% for B2, 86% for B6, 46% for PP, 24% for C, 9.2% for A, 98% for D and 59.7% for E in the females. Significant correlations were found between the daily vitamin intake and the caloric intake for B1 (r = 0.64), B2 (r = 0.46), B6 (r = 0.64) and PP (r = 0.62). The significantly lower caloric intake in females than in males explains a higher proportion of vitamin deficiencies for B1, B2, B6 and PP in this population. The consumption of green vegetables and fresh fruit, and, consequently, vitamin C intake, was higher in females. Although it was not possible to determine to what extent the vitamin intake deficiency contributes to an impaired biochemical vitamin status, the dietary data of this study supply sufficient information to demonstrate high prevalences of deficient vitamin status in France, particularly for B1, B6 and E.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

Nutrient intake in critically ill patients: too many or too few calories?

We studied the relationship of caloric needs and total caloric intake in a series of 61 critically ill patients in an intensive care unit. All patients were receiving only central parenteral nutrition. On the basis of the ratio of total caloric intake to resting energy expenditure (REE), the nonprotein respiratory quotient (npRQ), and, when appropriate, Lusk's table for analysis of the oxidation of mixtures of carbohydrate and fat, the patients could be categorized into three groups. The group with inadequate caloric intake had a ratio of total calories to REE of less than 1.0. The group with net lipolysis had a ratio of caloric intake to REE of 1.0 or more and npRQ values of less than 1.0. The group with net lipogenesis had a ratio of caloric intake to REE of 1.0 or more and either npRQ values or equivalent npRQ values of 1.0 or more. Equivalent npRQ values in patients who were receiving amino acids, dextrose, and lipids were determined by using Lusk's table and the percentage of total caloric intake as fat.

Basal Metabolism↗

PubMed1988

Changes in macronutrient selection as a function of dietary tryptophan.

It has been hypothesized that the serotonergic system is involved in the regulation of carbohydrate and/or protein intake. Tests of this hypothesis using added dietary tryptophan and diets varying in the ratio of carbohydrate/protein resulted in depressed intakes of high carbohydrate/low protein diets, elevated intakes of low carbohydrate/high protein diets, and a reduction of total caloric intake. The present studies gave rats increased options for adjusting to added tryptophan by providing them with separate sources of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. The results showed the expected decrease in carbohydrate intake, but also increases in fat intake and, to a lesser extent, protein intake. Total caloric intake was conserved. Hypothalamic concentrations of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid indicated increased activity of the serotonergic system. These results lend support to serotonin's involvement in nutrient selection, in that carbohydrate consumption decreased in response to tryptophan loading, but indicate that other nutrients may also be affected. Given the option of altering fat intake, the animals maintained a constant caloric intake despite the reduction of carbohydrate consumption.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Energy and nutrient intake of elderly hospitalized patients in a steady metabolic status versus catabolic status.

Protein undernutrition enhances frailty and aggravates intercurrent diseases generally observed in elderly patients. Undernutrition results from insufficient food intake and catabolic status. Daily nutrient intakes were explored for hospitalized geriatric patients. Nutrient intake (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and calcium) was determined in randomly selected geriatric patients (n=49) over five consecutive days by weighting food in the plate before and after meals. For each geriatric patient, catabolic status and risk factors of undernutrition were considered. Results were compared between patients in a steady status or catabolic status. In steady status patients, protein, lipid and carbohydrate intake but not calcium intake, met recommended dietary allowances (total caloric intake:1535 +/- 370 Cal/day ; protein:1+/- 0.4 g/kg/day ; carbohydrates:55 +/- 7.7 % ; lipids: 30 +/- 6.3 % ; calcium:918 +/- 341 mg/day) . Patients in catabolic status (cardiopulmonary deficiency , neurologic disease , inflammatory process) had lower total caloric intake, lower protein intake and dramatically lower calcium intake (total caloric intake : 1375 +/- 500 Cal/day ; protein :0.9 +/- 0.4 g/kg/day ; carbohydrates : 54 +/- 8.3 % ; lipids : 31 +/-6.2 % ; calcium : 866 +/- 379 mg/day). Nutrient intake was lower in elderly patients hospitalized in short stay care units, perhaps due to failure to recognize suitable nutrient requirements. Protein-caloric undernutrition should be diagnosed early during hospitalization in order to allow appropriate dietary supplementation. However the incidence of protein undernutrition among elderly patients as a cause or a consequence of adverse pathophysiological processes remains a cause of debate.

Aged↗

PubMed1985

Effects of a short-term exercise program on caloric consumption.

The present study investigated the effects of a short-term exercise program on caloric intake. Thirty-three women were randomly assigned to either a high-intensity exercise group (80% maximum heart rate), low-intensity exercise group (55% maximum heart rate), or waiting list control group. Exercisers were required to ride ergometer bicycles three times per week for 7 weeks, expending 200 kilocalories of energy per exercise session. All participants recorded food intake during specified weeks before, during, and following the exercise program. Results showed no significant caloric intake differences among the three groups, but a trend toward reduction in food intake with increased exercise intensity was found. Interestingly, comparisons between caloric intake on exercise and nonexercise days revealed that both exercise groups consumed significantly less on exercise days. Additionally, the control group evidenced a larger caloric intake level than did the two exercise groups on exercise days. These results suggest that exercisers do not compensate for energy expenditure by increasing caloric intake and that choosing between low- and high-intensity exercise does not differentially alter caloric intake. Nevertheless, maximization of negative energy balance or weight loss may be best achieved by exercise programs of high frequency and intensity.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2004

Chronic stress promotes palatable feeding, which reduces signs of stress: feedforward and feedback effects of chronic stress.

We suggested a new model of the effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) exerted during chronic stress, in which GCs directly stimulate activities in the brain while indirectly inhibiting activity in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through their metabolic shifts in energy stores in the periphery. This study is an initial test of our model. In a 2 x 2 design, we provided ad lib access to calorically dense lard and sucrose (comfort food) + chow or chow alone, and repeatedly restrained half of the rats in each group for 5 d (3 h/d). We measured caloric intake, body weight, caloric efficiency, ACTH, corticosterone (B), and testosterone during the period of restraint and leptin, insulin, and fat depot weights, as well as hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor mRNA at the end of the period. We hypothesized that chronically restrained rats would exhibit a relative increase in comfort food ingestion and that these rats would have reduced HPA responses to repeated restraint. Although total caloric intake was reduced in both groups of restrained rats, compared with controls, the proportion of comfort food ingested increased in the restrained rats compared with their nonrestrained controls. Moreover, caloric efficiency was rescued in the stressed, comfort food group. Furthermore, ACTH and B responses to the repeated restraint bouts were reduced in the rats with access to comfort food. Corticotropin-releasing factor mRNA was reduced in control rats eating comfort food compared with those eating chow, but there were no differences between the stressed groups. The results of this experiment tend to support our model of chronic effects of stress and GCs, showing a stressor-induced preference for comfort food, and a comfort-food reduction in activity of the HPA axis.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1984

Dietary measures of physical activity.

The relationships between cardiovascular fitness, body fatness, and the number of calories required to maintain stable body weight over a baseline period of three weeks were studied in 21 healthy obese males aged 20-44 years who participated in a controlled feeding experiment at the Division of Epidemiology (formerly the Laboratory of Physiological Hygiene) of the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, in August 1980-June 1981. statistically significant relationships were found between the number of calories actually consumed per kg of body weight (kcal/kg) and body fatness (r = -0.79, p = 0.001), and number of calories consumer per kg of body weight and physical work capacity (VO2 max) (r = 0.76, p = 0.001). Using body fatness quartiles, the caloric intake per kg of body weight and VO2 max decreased progressively as body fatness increased through its four quartiles. These relationships were also seen when reported caloric intake from a three-day food record was used; however, the magnitude was attenuated. On the other hand, caloric intake unadjusted for body weight, whether actual or reported, was unrelated to both body fatness and VO2 max. To determine whether these relationships hold true for less obese subjects, the authors have also analyzed and compared their results with the data from previously reported feeding experiments done at the University of Minnesota. Correlations between body fat indices and actual caloric intake were similar for both studies. Therefore, the authors conclude that in these relatively young, healthy, and sedentary males with a wide range of body fatness and body weight, the observed relationships between caloric intake adjusted for body weight, body fatness and VO2 max reflect habitual physical activity. These data confirm epidemiologic observations of an inverse relationship between caloric intake per kg of body weight and body fatness, and provide a rationale for using caloric intake adjusted for body weight as a measure of long-term habitual physical activity. Thus, these data bolster the interpretation that an inverse relationship between caloric intake per kg of body weight and mortality reflects a positive health effect of long-term physical activity. This index may be particularly useful in large population studies.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on weight, body composition, fat distribution, and food intake in early postmenopausal women: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on body weight and composition, fat distribution, and food intake in women entering the climacteric. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Outpatient menopause clinic at a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three early postmenopausal women (44 to 54 years old) were prospectively studied for 1 year. They consisted of two groups: group A, 34 subjects who initiated continuous estrogen and progestin treatment (daily oral conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg and medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg), and group B, 29 women who refused hormonal therapy and served as controls. The age, menopausal status, initial anthropometric measurements (weight, body mass index [BMI], fat mass, and waist-to-hip girth ratio), and daily food intake (total caloric intake and food composition) were similar in both groups. INTERVENTIONS: Anthropometric measurements were performed before commencement of HRT use and after 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric measurements included BMI, waist-to-hip girth ratio, and body composition (the percentage of body fat and water) estimated by means of infrared interactance. Daily food intake was also recorded. RESULTS: The body weight and fat mass increased significantly in both the treatment (73.22 +/- 2.01 [mean +/- SE] to 75.57 +/- 1.12 kg) and the control group (71.45 +/- 3.11 to 73.51 +/- 1.23 kg). However, a significant shift from gynoid to android fat distribution was observed only in the control group (waist-to-hip ratio shifted from 0.80 +/- 0.01 to 0.85 +/- 0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in the treatment group (0.81 +/- 0.01 to 0.82 +/- 0.01). Caloric and macronutrient intake did not change in either group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that continuous daily estrogen and progestin replacement therapy neither prevents nor increases early postmenopausal weight gain and fat accumulation. However, it does minimize the shift from gynoid to android fat distribution.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Training, diet and physical characteristics of distance runners with low or high concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

We examined possible determinants of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations in 56 male distance runners (aged 20-56 years) by comparing runners whose HDL-C were either above or below the group median of 63 +/- 13 (+/- SD) mg/dl. HDL-C averaged 53 +/- 7 mg/dl for runners below and 73 +/- 11 mg/dl for runners above the median. Neither exercise training (miles run per week, years of running), physical characteristics (height, weight, adiposity), or dietary factors (total daily caloric intake and daily caloric intake from protein, fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, carbohydrate, and alcohol) differed between the two groups (P greater than 0.05, MANOVA). Apo A-I (P less than 0.01) was higher and triglyceride concentrations lower (P = 0.07) in the high HDL-C group. The data were also analyzed by comparing runners in the lowest and highest tertiles for HDL-C values and essentially the same results were obtained. When all runners were combined, neither training, physical characteristics nor dietary intake was significantly related to HDL-C (P greater than 0.05). Total cholesterol and apo A-I were directly related (r = 0.35 and r = 0.66, respectively, P less than 0.01) and triglycerides inversely related (r = -0.31, P less than 0.05) to HDL-C. Plasma post-heparin lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA), hepatic triglyceride lipase activity (HTGLA), and HDL-C subfractions were measured in 22 runners.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Clinical comparison of three methods to determine resting energy expenditure.

An accurate and reliable method of determining resting energy expenditure in the critical care setting is crucial because inadequate caloric intake and excessive caloric intake are both associated with a number of complications. Energy requirements were determined by three different methods in a group of 25 post-cardiac surgery patients in the intensive care unit. Patients were intubated and had a thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter in place. The first method measured resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry. For the second method, the results of blood gases drawn at the same time that indirect calorimetry was measured were used in the Fick equation. In the third method, a registered dietitian assessed each patient by using the Harris-Benedict equation with stress factor modification. Indirect calorimetry was considered the standard with which the other two methods were compared. The results showed that, compared with calorimetry, both the Fick equation and the Harris-Benedict equation underestimated resting energy needs. Statistically, only the difference between the Fick equation method and indirect calorimetry was significant. Clinically, however, both methods seem to have applicability.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Dietary modulation of the anorectic potency of amphetamine.

The effects of intake of an amphetamine solution on food and fluid intakes, body weight (b.wt.) and feed efficiency (FE) were examined in rats fed either a high-carbohydrate (HC) (65% of total calories) or high-fat (HF) (65% of total calories) diet. During a 17-day predrug period, neither caloric intake, fluid intake, b.wt. nor feed efficiency (FE) differed as a function of diet. When given a 0.1 mg/ml amphetamine sulfate (AMPH) solution as their sole source of fluid, rats in both diet groups decreased fluid intake by an equivalent amount. While diet did not influence AMPH intake, it did alter the drug's effects on caloric intake, b.wt. and FE. In both diet groups, rats drinking AMPH decreased caloric intake, b.wt. gain and FE relative to rats which drank water. However, rats fed the HC diet decreased caloric intake less, but lost more weight than rats fed the HF diet. Further, rats fed the HC diet displayed a rapid tolerance to the anorectic effects of AMPH, with no tolerance to the drug's effect on b.wt. In contrast, rats fed the HF diet suppressed caloric intake throughout the drug period, but weighed more than rats fed the HC diet. Thus, when drinking the AMPH solution, FE of rats fed the HC diet was significantly lower than that of rats fed the HF diet. When the drug was removed, rats eating the HC diet failed to alter caloric intake and b.wt. In contrast, rats fed the HF diet increased caloric intake and gained weight. These data indicate that dietary factors must be considered when evaluating the anorectic actions of psychopharmacological agents.

Amphetamine↗

PubMed2005

Early detection of protein energy malnutrition in Sharkia Governorate.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the nutritional status of children, aged 6 to 36 months, in Sharkia Governorate aiming for early detection of malnourished cases. METHODS: the present study was carried out on 1000 children aged 6 to 36 months, selected by a multistage random sample from 6 villages in two districts in Sharkia Governorate. Data were gathered by an interview questionnaire to the child's mother or care giver at their homes. Anthropometric measurements as height, weight, mid-arm, head circumference and skin fold thickness were assessed. Body mass index was calculated. Dietary evaluation was done by a 24 hours recall for amounts and frequencies of food and was transferred to their recommended daily allowance (RDA). The studied children were classified into three groups according to their weight for age percentiles, underweight children, borderline malnourished children and normal weight children. Serum hemoglobin, pre-albumin and albumin were assessed for a randomly selected number of the studied group. RESULTS: the study showed that all anthropometric measurements were lower than normal in underweight and borderline subjects. The prevalence rates of wasting, stunting and underweight were 15%, 24.4% and 15.4% in the studied infants in Sharkia Governorate, respectively. The study revealed that nutrient intake of the study subjects was lower than the RDA for the energy intake from carbohydrates, vitamin D, and iron, while it was higher than the RDA for the energy intake from lipids and vitamin A and equal to the lower level of the normal range of RDA for the energy intake from proteins. Most of the protein intake was of plant origin. Caloric intake was less than RDA in underweight and border line children, but more than RDA in normal children (86%, 90% and 102%). The ratios of caloric intake to the required calories according to weight were 90%, 98% and 108% in the three groups respectively. Chronic cough and chronic and recurrent diarrhea were more complained by underweight and borderline children. Underweight children were more infested with oxyurius and entamoeba histolitica than the other 2 groups. Serum hemoglobin, albumin and plasma pre-albumin levels were within normal range with significantly lower values in underweight and borderline infants compared to normal children. By multiple linear regression analysis, the most important factors affecting BMI were carbohydrate, lipid and caloric intake, serum albumin, plasma pre-albumin, vitamin A and D intake and protein intake. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of wasting ,stunting and underweight among infants and children of the studied sample in Sharkia governorate explained by the low socioeconomic status, unbalanced diet. Early changes of protein energy malnutrition were detected, in spite of the fact that serum hemoglobin, albumin and plasma pre-albumin levels were within normal range, they were significantly lower in underweight and borderline infants compared to normal children.

Adult↗