• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.630-641
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• 2022

Purpose: In this study, we assessed the intake of nutrients and food groups and analyzed the nutrition quotient of obese children in South Korea. The hypothesis was that dietary quality and nutrient intake are related to the body mass index (BMI) of obese children. Methods: The participants included 48 children (20 boys and 28 girls). Based on the guidelines for the age-for-body mass index provided by the Korean National Growth Charts for children and adolescents, the participants were divided into 3 groups: overweight, BMI ≥ 85th percentile; obese, BMI ≥ 95th percentile; severely obese, BMI ≥ 99th percentile. Results: The energy distribution showed that the carbohydrate ratio was significantly higher in the overweight group (p < 0.01), whereas the fat ratio was significantly higher in the obese and severely obese groups (p < 0.05). Thus, in the overweight and obese groups, the percent body fat was negatively associated with the carbohydrate ratio (p < 0.05) but was positively associated with the fat ratio (p < 0.05). The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) data revealed that the intake levels of protein, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₁₂, and sodium were higher in all groups. Intakes of fiber, calcium, potassium, and magnesium were insufficient in all groups, and the DRI percent for protein was significantly higher in the obese and severely obese groups than in the overweight group. No significant differences were obtained in food group patterns or Nutrition Quotient (NQ) scores among the 3 groups. According to the evaluation results by food record and NQ, a significant difference was obtained in the dietary quality of obese children. Conclusion: We conclude that a higher intake of fat enhances weight gain. Based on the study results, we propose that the guidelines should consider the energy distribution of carbohydrate and fat intake to prevent and control obesity among Korean children.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2007

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the contributions of macronutrients to the total energy intakes and Body Mass Indices (BMI, $kg/m^2$) of Korean women. Methods : We used dietary records data from 115 healthy Korean women, ages 20 and over, who completed four 3-day dietary records between February 2003 and March 2004. For the calculation of nutrients we used a dietary assessment program developed by the Korean Nutritional Society. Macronutrient intakes were estimated by averaging individual total daily intakes in four 3-day dietary records. Subjects were categorized into three Body Mass Index (BMI) groups : underweight (BMI < 20), normal (20 $\leq$ BMI < 25), and overweight (BMI $\geq$ 25) group. Results : The total energy intakes were not different among the three BMI groups. Similarly, other macronutrient intakes such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vegetable protein, animal protein, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were not different. From the multivariate nutrient density model, substituting polyunsaturated fatty acid for carbohydrate was positively associated with BMI in women aged 20 to 49 ($\beta=2.31$, p<0.01). In women aged 50 and over, substituting animal protein for carbohydrate was positively associated with BMI ($\beta=0.549$, p=0.04). Conclusions : No single macronutrient was associated with BMI when all subjects were combined. However, when stratified by age, polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in younger women, and animal protein intake in older women, were positively associated with BMI. In the future, we recommend a larger study to confirm these results.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.995-1008
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• 1997

This study was performed to investigate the change in taste perception during aging and its effects on dietary intake in Korean elderly. The subjects were female aged 65 through 90 in the Anyang area, and college women were included as a comparison group . Dietary intake of the elderly(n=155) and young subjects (n=38) was measured by a 3 day diet record. The taste threshold and 'just right' concentrations(JRC) for sweet and salty tastes were assessed by sensory evaluation . Sucrose solution (0.0.,0.4,0.6,0.8,1.0, 1.2%) and salt solution(0, 0.02, 0.03,0.06,0.09,0.12,0.15%) were used to establish thresholds. for JRC assessment, four suprathreshold sucrose concentrations of 5, 8, 11 and 14% in orange-pineapple flavored juice and salt concentrations of 0.20, 0.34, 0.50and 0.75% in beef stock were prepared. Mean intakes of energy, protein , vitamin A, thiamin , riboflavin, niacin ,calcium and iron of the elderly were below the Korean Recommended Dietary allowances. The elderly showed higher taste thresholds than young subjects of both sweet and salty tastes consumed less calories. Needs to bespecified. The older subjects having high threshold or JRCs for sweet and salty tastes consumed fewer calories from protein and fat. Pearson correlation coefficients was between JRC for sweet and salty tastes 0.54(p<0.01). The correlation coefficients between tastes threshold and nutrient intakes were very low for both age groups. Unlike the college women, in the elderly the JRC of sweet taste of the orange-pineapple juice were negatively correlated with intakes of energy, protein, fats, thiamin , riboflavin , niacin ,vitamin C , iron and consumption of meat and egg food groups (p<0.01). In summation age-related alterations in sweet and salty taste perception were observed in the elderly and dietary intakes of the elderly see to be influenced by these taste perception changes.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.166-174
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• 1999

We examined the obesity levels and dietary habits of 323 college students taking the course 'Health and Diet' as a part of their nutritional education. The average percentages of body fat, BMI and RBW for subjects in this study were 16.7%, $21.5kg/m^2$ and -1.2% in male students and 27.3%, $21.2kg/m^2$ and 1.0% in female students, respectively. BMI and RBW indicated fewer cases of obesity among female students than BIA did. The average intake of energy by subjects was lower than the RDA of energy. In particular, the average intakes of calcium, iron, and vitamin A by female students were much lower than the RDA of energy. In particular, the average intakes of calcium, iron, and vitamin A by female students were much lower than the RDAs of each of those nutrients. The percent RDAs of nutrient intakes of energy, protein, thiamin, and riboflavin were lower in under weight students than in students of normal and over-weight. Female students were found to skip meals and consume sweet foods more frequently than male students. The obesity levels of students related to the number of meals eaten per day as well as the frequency of consuming sweet foods. Although, it was not possible to determine statistically, the levels obesity also seemed to correspond to the speed at which meals were eaten as well as the frequency of eating salty foods. These results suggest that in order to assess obesity properly, more research that focuses on subjects' gender should be conducted. In addition, nutritional education should emphasize the importance of intakes of energy and phosphorus for male students, and the danger of iron and calcium deficiencies for female students. We should also educate students about dietary habits which contribute to obesity such as overeating and the intake of sweet foods.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2003

Several self-administered dietary assessment questionnaires have recently been developed, validated, and used in nutritional epidemiological and clinical studies in Japan. This article describes recent evidence on development and validation of them. After extensive search of published articles both in English and Japanese languages, we identified 25 articles on 13 questionnaires of which validation studies have existed. Number of foods/menus assessed varied from 31 to 169 according to questionnaires. Eleven questionnaires were food frequency type, either with fixed portion size or semiquantitative, and two diet history types. All the 13 questionnaires were validated against intakes assessed with dietary record or 24-hour recall, and only two with biomarkers. Number of subjects used in the studies was between 23 and 350. All the studies used adult subjects. In the studies with dietary record or recall, the correlation coefficient for or orgy intake was between 0.22 and 0.65 (median = 0.44). Median correlation coefficient for nutrients was between 0.21 and 0.61. In the studies with biomarkers, serum marine-origin n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenes, and urinary potassium seemed useful biomarkers. In conclusion, recent progress of this field in Japan is remarkable. But more research is needed for validation studies with biomarkers, and the development and validation of questionnaires for children and elderly subjects. (J Community Nutrition 5(2) : 83∼92,2003)

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.229-234
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• 2010

Recently, we found and analyzed vitamin $B_{12}$ in some Korean traditional plant foods which had not reported, yet. This study was to investigate vitamin $B_{12}$ intake and its dietary sources and the vitamin $B_{12}$ status in the very old elderly Koreans. We measured serum vitamin $B_{12}$ level and estimated the amounts of vitamin $B_{12}$ intake from different dietary sources in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and over who had consumed a relatively low animal traditional diet for the whole life. The average age of the subjects (n = 127) was 98.0 years (85-108 years). The assessment on energy and nutrient intake involved a one-day 24-hour recall, and serum vitamin $B_{12}$ concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Overall diet pattern was not different between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians, except centenarians were taking more dairy product. The average ratio of plant food to animal food consumption was 87.5:12.5 in weight. The average vitamin $B_{12}$ intake of our subjects was 3.2 ${\mu}g$, and 52.7% of subjects consumed under estimated average requirement, 2.0 ${\mu}g$/day. On dietary source, 67.3% of dietary vitamin $B_{12}$ was from meat, eggs and fishes and 30.6% was from plant foods, such as soybean-fermented foods, seaweeds, and kimchi. The average serum vitamin $B_{12}$ concentration was 450.5 pg/mL, and low serum vitamin $B_{12}$ (< 200 pg/mL) was found in 9.6% of subjects. Dietary vitamin $B_{12}$ intake was significantly lower in subjects with low serum vitamin $B_{12}$ (0.79 ${\mu}g$/day) than those with normal serum vitamin $B_{12}$ (3.47 ${\mu}g$/day). There were no significant difference in vitamin $B_{12}$ intake and its dietary sources and serum vitamin $B_{12}$ level between the 85-99 yr- old group and centenarians. In conclusion, several plant-origin foods including seaweed, soybean-fermented foods, and kimchi, may contribute significantly to good vitamin $B_{12}$ status in very old elderly Koreans.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.229-239
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate and examine the relationship between dietary habits, food intake patterns, and depression in Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Korean Version was used to determine whether a participant was depressed or not. The dietary habits were assessed by the Min-Dietary Assessment (MDA) method, and food intake data were collected by the 24-hour recall method on two non-consecutive days, at least 7 days apart, and the average of the two days was used to estimate the usual dietary intake. The total MDA scores of the Depression Group was significantly lower than that of the No-Depression Group ($31.5{\pm}6.4$ vs $33.4{\pm}6.0$, p = 0.027). The intake of cereals/potatoes/sugar products, milk and milk products, plant protein, and calcium for the Depression Group were significantly lower compared to the No-Depression Group. The Depression Group had a significantly higher percentage of energy intakes from protein as well as the consumption of fish and shellfish compared to the No-Depression Group. There was a significant inverse relationship between milk and milk products consumption and the prevalence of depression [OR (95% CI) for the highest tertile compared to the lowest: 0.390 (0.177-0.857); p for trend = 0.016]. There were also significant positive relationships between the prevalence of depression and the consumption of the following: fish and shellfish [OR (95% CI) for the highest tertile compared to the lowest: 2.319 (1.128-4.770); p for trend = 0.009], animal protein (p for trend = 0.049), and the percentage of energy intakes from protein [OR (95% CI) for the highest tertile compared with the lowest: 2.546(1.156-5.609); p for trend = 0.025]. Further studies are needed in order to investigate whether the intake of protein and of animal protein is indeed associated with depression in PCOS patients in Korea and the possible mechanisms thereof. The results of our study can be applicable for the development of effective nutrition counseling and education programs regarding PCOS patients with depression as part of their successful treatment regimen.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.786-796
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• 2008

This study examined the influence of the nutrient intake status, dietary habit, and academic stress of elementary school children on their academic achievement. Two-hundred and twenty-four fifth-graders in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggido were surveyed. The study included the 24 hr-recall, anthropometric measurement, assessment of stress level and academic achievement. The subjects were normal in height, weight and Rohrer index, but higher percentage of underweight was seen in girls and vice versa in boys. The overall nutrient intake and dietary habits were fairly good, but Ca and folate intake was less than 75% KDRIs and dietary habits of boys were inferior. Academic stress level of all the subjects was not high. In terms of academic performance and its relations with nutrient intake, the more the amount of nutrient intake, the higher the academic performance. Especially, it was true for the energy, protein, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-6 fatty acid intakes (p < 0.05). The overall academic performance was higher for those who eating-out less frequently. Children with higher comprehensive dietary habit scores have shown better academic performance (p < 0.05). Less stress implied to those shown higher academic achievement while those with relatively poor academic performance showed high stress level since their grade did not improve as much as they anticipated. In conclusion, the academic achievement was higher for those who have a better nutritional status, better dietary habits, and lower stress levels. Therefore, it is critical for nutritionists, parents, and teachers to improve the nutritional status and dietary habits as well as to help them manage their stress levels, which will eventually contribute to an enhanced academic performance.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.176-187
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• 2001

This research was conducted to evaluate the general dietary quality(the balance and diversity of food intake, nutrient intake and adequacy) of 12 to 36-month-old toddler, through examining their actual food intake. It was conducted for 664(male-357, female-307) healthy toddler who were outpatients from Mar. to Aug., 1999 at university hospitals and private hospitals in Seoul and kyunggi province. The anthropometric parameters were measured. The 24-hr recall method were utilized to analyze the nutrient intake by months, based on the classification of The Korea Child Gorwth Standard. As for the subjects of this research, we found that the younger the age, the more frequent the pattern of intake of only 3 kinds of food groups. The results are that 1) the group with 1 point of the DDS(Dietary Diversity Score) mostly took only foods from the milk group, 2) the group with 2 points only took foods from the grain and milk group, 3) the group with 3 points did not take foods from the fruit and vegetable group, and 4) the group with 4 points took just about all kinds of food groups except for the vegetable group. This means that most of them were not taking various kinds of food even after the age of 12 months, and that they took more than twice the recommended amount of foods from the milk group until the age of 20 months. Thus, one could find a tendency of dependance on the milk group for food intake. Food intake for the vegetable group was severely under the recommended allowance, regardless of the age. The intake of iron was less than two thirds of the recommended allowance, except for the group of 12 to 14-month-olds who had been fed with infant formula. The Nutrient Adequacy Ratio(NAR) of major nutrients(protein, calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B$_1$, vitamin B$_2$, niacin, vitamin C) and the Mean Adequacy Ratio(MAR, shows the general quality of dietary intake) was 0.86$\pm$0.12, but the NAR of iron was 0.62$\pm$0.27, which was extremely low compared to those of other nutrients. Therefore, concerning the subjects of this research, the MAR value alone does not provide enough ground to conclude that the subjects dietary quality is satisfactory. (Korean J Nutrition 34(2) : 176-187, 2001)

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.46-56
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• 1999

A deep understanding of the dietary patterns and nutrient intake is important for assessment of possilbe nutritional risk and for establishing nutrition improvement strategies. This study was conducted toexamine the dietary characteristics of a nutritionally poor elderly group compared to the middle-and highly-nourished group. Elderly participant was recruited from local elderly centers in Suwon city in 1998. Trained dietitians interviewed 119 elderly(35 males, 84 females) aged 60 years and over for collecting dietary data(24-hour recall) and related variables. Male and female subjects were grouped into high, middle, and low according to the mean nutrient adequancy ratio(MAR) tertiles. An analysisof the percentage of RDA(Recommended Daily Allowances of Korea) for each of the 10 nutrients showed that the male low-MAR group consumed below the RDA in all kinds of nutrients, and the female low-MAR group consumed nutrients below the RDA except vitamin C. An evaluation of nutrient density by Index of Nutritonal Quality(INQ) also showed a similar tendency. Thus, the INQ level of the male low-MAR group was significantly lower than the middle-or high-MAR group, especially in protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and phosphorus(p<0.05). Moreover, INQ level of female low-MAR group was significantly lower than that of the high group(p<0.05) in all nutrients. The female low-MAR group's daily food intake were also lower than those of the high-MARgroup in gains, fish, fruits, oil and beverages. The energy distribution from carbohydrates, fats and proteins showed that the male low-MAR group had significantly higher carbohydrate and lower fat proportions compared to each gender high-MAR group, respectively. The male and female low-MAR group had low scores about eating all side dishes. These findings indicate that a moderate increase of the meat/egg/fishes intake was needed by the male low-MAR group for improving nutrition adequacy, and an overall increase of the food quantity and quality was desired for the female low-MAR group. These data could be used for planning a community elderly nutrition program and establishing strategies for tailored guidelines for the individuals.