Current
Nutrition & Food Science
ISSN: 1573-4013
Current Nutrition & Food
Science
Volume 2, Number 3, August 2006
Contents
Role of Dietary Xenobiotics-Gene Interactions in
Carcinogenesis: Protective Effects of Nutritional Factors
Pp. 205-214
Donato F. Romagnolo, Stephanie C. Degner, Michael Q. Kemp,
Jennifer K. Hockings and Ornella Selmin
[Abstract]
The Role of Physical Activity in the Development
and Prevention of Over-weight and Obesity in Childhood
Pp. 215-219
Christine Graf, Hans-Georg Predel, Walter Tokarski and
Sigrid Dordel
[Abstract]
Fructose Consumption, Lipid Metabolism and the Metabolic
Syndrome Pp. 221-229
Kim-Anne Lê and Luc Tappy
[Abstract]
Monitoring and Surveillance of Obesity in the United
States Pp. 231-242
BMI = weight (kilograms.)/height (meters squared)
Anthony P. Polednak
[Abstract]
The Interaction of Dietary Fibres with the Colon
Pp. 243-264
Iain A. Brownlee, Peter W. Dettmar, Vicki Strugala and
Jeff P. Pearson
[Abstract]
Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Disease
Pp. 265-273
Julie Goulet, Annie Lapointe, Simone Lemieux and Benoît
Lamarche
[Abstract]
Parental Feeding Style and Eating Attitudes: Influences
on Children’s Eating Behavior Pp. 275-295
Suzanne E. Mazzeo, Karen S. Mitchell, Clarice K. Gerke
and Cynthia M. Bulik
[Abstract]
Chitosan as a Dietary Supplement for Weight Loss:
A Review Pp. 297-311
Harry G. Preuss and Gilbert R. Kaats
[Abstract]
Book Review Pp. 313
[Abstract]
Abstracts
[Back to top]
Role of Dietary Xenobiotics-Gene Interactions in Carcinogenesis:
Protective Effects of Nutritional Factors
Donato F. Romagnolo, Stephanie C. Degner, Michael Q. Kemp,
Jennifer K. Hockings and Ornella Selmin
In this paper, we discuss how interactions between dietary
xenobiotics and nutrients influence cancer risk by modulating
overlapping biochemical pathways leading to repression of
tumor suppressor genes, activation of tumor promoters, or
both. Epidemiologic studies in humans suggested that diet
is an important vehicle of exposure to various xenobiotics,
including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins,
and chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHs). The activation of the
aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway by PAHs and dioxins
stimulates the expression of several genes including cytochrome
P450s, which metabolize PAHs to highly mutagenic compounds
that cause fixation of mutations in the p53 gene and repress
the expression of the tumor suppressor gene, BRCA-1. Conversely,
PAHs and dioxins have been shown to activate the expression
of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), whose protein product participates
in the production of reactive PAH-metabolites and synthesis
of proinflammatory prostaglandins (PGs). The carcinogenicity
of CHs has been attributed to their ability to activate the
expression of oncogenes including c-myc, and fatty acid activation
of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α
(PPARα).
Dietary components that may protect against the activation
of the AhR pathway include flavonoids, which comprise a large
family of dietary phenolic phytochemicals found in fruits
and vegetables. Nutrients such as dietary fatty acids may
differentially influence the risk of cancer by inducing (linoleic
and arachidonic acid) or repressing (conjugated linoleic acid
(CLA); n-3PUFA) the expression of COX-2. Finally, we present
original findings produced in our laboratory documenting the
protective effects of natural (genestein) and synthetic (α-naphthoflavone)
flavonoids against PAH-induced changes in gene expression.
[Back to top]
The Role of Physical Activity in the Development
and Prevention of Over-weight and Obesity in Childhood
Christine Graf, Hans-Georg Predel, Walter Tokarski and
Sigrid Dordel
The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is
increasing rapidly. In Germany, between 10 – 20% of
children are overweight or obese. Besides, a possible genetic
predisposition and excessive energy intake, decreased physical
activity and a sedentary lifestyle have been implicated as
risk factors. Data about children’s activity and its
correlation with obesity are sparse and also inconsistent,
as different measurement criteria are used. Some authors found
differences between the fitness of obese and non-obese children,
while others did not. Several studies described worse results
in motor abilities with overweight children compared to their
normal weight counterparts, especially in coordination and
endurance performance.
There is a general agreement that obese children prefer sedentary
habits, mainly audio-visual media like television and PC.
The incidence of obesity increases with a daily television
consumption of more than five hours.
But to what extent, with what intensity, and which sports/exercise
techniques are suitable and necessary for preventive measures
is not precisely known. As a result, recommendations for daily
routine and physical activities as well as minimal requirements
can hardly be formulated.
This paper presents the current aspects of the role of physical
activity in the development and prevention of overweight and
obesity during childhood.
[Back to top]
Fructose Consumption, Lipid Metabolism and the Metabolic
Syndrome
Kim-Anne Lê and Luc Tappy
Fructose consumption per capita has increased markedly over
the past decades and is thought to be related with the increased
incidence of obesity and metabolic disorders worldwide. Fructose
metabolism is mainly hepatic, for its first step at least,
and does not require insulin. It was therefore initially thought
to be of potential benefit in the dietary management of patients
with impaired glucose homeostasis. Long term fructose administration,
however, led to the development of hypertriglyceridemia in
humans. In addition, it was associated with the development
of impaired glucose homeostasis and high blood pressure in
rodents.
Stimulation of de novo lipogenesis is a major effect of dietary
fructose. Recent evidence indicates that hepatic de novo lipogenesis
may be directly linked to intrahepatic fat accumulation and
hepatic insulin resistance. Furthermore, hyperlipidemia secondary
to enhanced hepatic de novo lipogenesis may possibly lead
to lipid accumulation in muscle and muscle lipotoxicity, thus
resulting in impaired muscle glucose metabolism. This article
reviews the present state of knowledge regarding the effects
of fructose on whole body lipid metabolism and its possible
relationship with the metabolic syndrome.
[Back to top]
Monitoring and Surveillance of Obesity in the United
States
BMI = weight (kilograms.)/height (meters squared)
Anthony P. Polednak
This review describes data sources for assessing the prevalence
of overweight and obesity in the entire U.S. population, and
some examples of surveillance in specific subpopulations (i.e.,
schoolchildren, military, and athletes). On the basis of body
mass index (ratio of weight in kg to height in m2)
of 30 or higher from body measurement, which is more accurate
than self-reported data, the prevalence of obesity among U.S.
adults increased markedly in recent decades. Obesity prevalence
has differed little by race-ethnicity among males but is higher
in minority vs. white females. For waist circumference, a
measure of abdominal obesity associated with various chronic
diseases, the temporal increases in prevalence among U.S.
adults are also striking. Obesity prevalence is higher in
certain states and metropolitan areas in the South. Population
surveillance of risk factors (e.g., diet, physical activity,
and neighborhood characteristics) may be useful in interpreting
temporal and geographic variation in obesity and obesity-related
medical conditions.
[Back to top]
The Interaction of Dietary Fibres with the Colon
Iain A. Brownlee, Peter W. Dettmar, Vicki Strugala and
Jeff P. Pearson
The term dietary fibre describes a wide range of highly divergent
(mainly polysaccharide) compounds that escape digestion before
the colon. Fibre is often regarded as a neutral dietary compound,
not interacting with the gut and only offering dietary “benefit”
by the consequent absence of calorific macronutrients, or
by bulking out luminal content.
Although the above benefits are apparent, a number of other
physiological effects of dietary fibres in the colon have
previously been described. This review outlines these previous
observations in terms of the effect of various fibre types
on (i) colonic luminal contents (including the resident microflora
(ii) the first line of colonic protection, the mucus barrier
(iii) the underlying colonic mucosa (iv) the colonic musculature
and (v) colonic neurohumoural release, and the subsequent
effect on control of gut motility and satiety. This review
will further highlight the divergent physiological effects
of various fibre types, and their potential health benefits.
[Back to top]
Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Disease
Julie Goulet, Annie Lapointe, Simone Lemieux and Benoît
Lamarche
In the early 60s, data from the Seven Countries Study demonstrated
that diet was a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease
(CVD). Several epidemiological studies have since then provided
further support to this concept by demonstrating that adherence
to a Mediterranean food pattern was associated with a reduction
in total and CVD mortality. The mechanisms underlying the
cardioprotective effects of the Mediterranean diet (MEDdiet)
remain unclear. Our objective was to provide an overview of
how a Mediterranean food pattern modulates traditional and
non-traditional risk factors for CVD. Data reviewed herein
indicated that the MEDdiet may beneficially alter total cholesterol,
LDL-C and TG levels, although this has not been a consistent
finding. However, the impact of the MEDdiet on non-traditional
risk factors such as a lower plasma apolipoprotein B concentrations,
a lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6
levels, and a better endothelial function appears to be more
consistent. In conclusion, adherence to a MEDdiet has been
almost unequivocally associated with a decrease in mortality
and this may be largely attributable to the more consistent
impact of this food pattern on non-traditional risk factors
for CVD rather than on traditional risk factors.
[Back to top]
Parental Feeding Style and Eating Attitudes: Influences
on Children’s Eating Behavior
Suzanne E. Mazzeo, Karen S. Mitchell, Clarice K. Gerke
and Cynthia M. Bulik
Within the past three decades, the percentage of children
who are overweight or at risk for overweight has more than
doubled. Pediatric overweight negatively affects physical
and psychological well-being, and overweight children are
at high risk of becoming obese adults. Several parental variables
are associated with childhood eating and weight problems,
including genetics, feeding style, and role modeling of eating
behaviors and attitudes.
Parental restriction appears to be associated with unhealthy
eating behaviors in children, particularly Caucasian girls.
However, it is unknown whether parental restriction of access
to highly palatable foods causes disinhibited eating and overweight
in children, or if parents restrict in response to children’s
overeating. Additionally, parental disinhibition seems to
impact children’s eating behaviors negatively. Further,
disinhibition appears to be strongly influenced by genetic
factors; certain individuals may be predisposed to eat in
response to environmental cues.
In sum, many questions about parental factors associated with
children’s eating behaviors remain. In addition to summarizing
the literature, this review highlights areas where further
investigation is needed. Finally, we provide preliminary suggestions
for practitioners and others working with parents concerned
about their children’s eating and weight, and highlight
the need for intervention at multiple levels.
[Back to top]
Chitosan as a Dietary Supplement for Weight Loss:
A Review
Harry G. Preuss and Gilbert R. Kaats
Obesity is a serious health problem not only in the United
States but also throughout the world. It is generally recognized
that complications of the overweight state and obesity are
responsible for thousands of deaths each year, because excess
fat accumulation is associated with heart disease, stroke,
and diabetes that significantly reduce life expectancy. Many
have come to realize that most individuals, especially when
elderly, require aids to prevent or overcome obesity and maintain
a reasonable body fat mass. A restricted caloric diet and
regular exercise remain the cornerstones of prevention and
therapy; however, the average overweight individual cannot
sustain the necessary therapeutic disciplines and needs safe,
complementary means to supplement diet and exercise. Up to
this point, drugs are not the answer due to safety concerns,
leading many to seek safer, natural alternatives. Recently,
oral intake of chitosan, a soluble fiber with reputed special
properties, has become one possible solution to the problem.
This review examines chitosan as an aid in the battle against
fat accumulation.
[Back to top]
Book Review
MARKETING NUTRITION
Soy, Functional Foods, Biotechnology, and Obesity
By Brian Wansink
Published by University of Illinois Press, Urbana and
Chicago, 2005. 206 pages. ISBN 0-252-02942-9
The book contains 14 chapters, distributed into 5 parts, that
range in length from approximately 10 to 12 pages. The introductory
chapter is addressing a general perspective of the book, its
organization and main goals, giving also some misguided perspectives
on marketing nutrition of four hypothetical people: a dietitian,
a government administrator, a marketing manager, and a researcher.
Part 1 deals with the secrets about food and people. It starts
looking at the gap between what people know and what they
do, emphasizing the importance of nutritional knowledge. It
follows with some curious materials (declassified Department
of Defence documents) and finishes illustrating that the tastes
of consumers are very suggestible. For instance, the author
states that descriptive names for foods make people taste
what they believe they will taste.
Part 2 describes the tools for targeting. The first two chapters
examine techniques useful to identify the taste preferences
among a number of market segments. It examines the importance
of profiling as a method to better understand who the perfect
consumers are and also a kind of mental mapping to understand
why consumers act as they do. This part is finished with the
influence of cooking for consumers to make a selection of
nutritional foods and targeting.
Part 3 is focused on the health of nations. This part addresses
the five main drivers of food consumption, why the 5-a-day
programs often fail in the objective, the need for marketers
to continue evaluating benefits and risks of biotechnology
and, finally, the way how population responds to an uncertain
risk, taking the BSE crisis in Europe as a case study.
Part 4 covers labelling that actually works. These chapters
discuss the influence of the information (i.e.- health benefits)
and how it is communicated. It shows how nutrition information
may be wrongly communicated creating confusion among consumers.
This part finishes describing the ways of presenting information
on labels on the packages to communicate a health benefit.
Part 5 is mainly focused on marketing nutrition, which is
just the title of the book. This part gives specific descriptions,
with some case studies, on how countries can be profiled,
which cultures will be likely to adopt a specific food or
the strength of ethnic identity. It finishes providing some
key themes and best practices for the incorporation of functional
foods into the diets. The conclusion gives some final lessons
for marketing nutrition.
The book is well written and very comprehensive making the
reader to spend an enjoyable time. The book is extremely practical,
reflecting the large and valuable experience of the author,
and helpful in understanding the lessons from the past on
both marketing failures and successes. The author has applied
these experiences in several food contexts like soya, beef,
biotechnology, obesity and the 5-a-day program, giving tools
and insights to bring people to healthful and nutritious foods
while also enjoying food more. Readers lacking a strong scientific
background must not fear because they will find the book easy
to comprehend.
The book should be of interest to professionals of marketing
at food companies and public health policy makers as well
as those dietitians, nutritionists and researchers interested
to learn about consumer behaviour and the reasons behind different
attitudes.
Prof. Fidel Toldrá, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief
Instituto de Agroquímica y
Tecnología de Alimentos (CSIC)
Valencia
Spain
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