• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.265-277
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• 2011

This study was conducted to improve the nutritional status of high school girls via lunch menu intervention. Surveys were carried out twice to evaluate basal status and status after lunch menu intervention. In the first survey nutrient intakes of 24-hour and school lunch were each estimated by 24-hour recall dietary survey and self-recording, respectively. Calcium intake was the lowest among nutrients, and stir-frying was the most preferred cooking method. Five dishes of school lunch menus which were included in the first survey were replaced with recipes containing foods with higher calcium level; anchovy stir-fried with red pepper paste, anchovy stir-fried with almond, pork stir-fried with shredded kelp, crab meat soup, and tteokbokki with cheese. In the second survey calcium intake from school lunch was significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 45.5% to 50.2% of one thirds of recommended intake (RI) after calcium enriched lunch menu intervention. Intakes of vitamin A and E were also significantly increased, whereas those of energy, thiamin, and vitamin C were decreased. Index of nutritional quality values of nutrients of 24-hour intakes (except thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin C) is increased by intervention; however, those of calcium, folic acid, iron are still very low. Even though this study shows a possibility of improving nutrient intakes of students through school lunch menu intervention, lunch intervention by itself is not enough action to improve nutritional status of micronutrient for adolescents.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.161-166
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Energy production and the rebuilding and repair of muscle tissue by physical activity require folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ as a cofactor. Thus, this study investigated the effects of regular moderate exercise training and durations of acute aerobic exercise on plasma folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ concentrations in moderate exercise trained rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Fifty rats underwent non-exercise training (NT, n = 25) and regular exercise training (ET, n = 25) for 5 weeks. The ET group performed moderate exercise on a treadmill for 30 min/day, 5 days/week. At the end of week 5, each group was subdivided into 4 groups: non-exercise and 3 exercise groups. The non-exercise group (E0) was sacrificed without exercising and the 3 exercise groups were sacrificed immediately after exercising on a treadmill for 0.5 h (E0.5), 1 h (E1), and 2 h (E2). Blood samples were collected and plasma folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ were analyzed. RESULTS: After exercise training, plasma folate level was significantly lower and vitamin $B_{12}$ concentration was significantly higher in the ET group compared with the NT group (P < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between plasma folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ concentrations. In both the NT and ET groups, plasma folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ were not significantly changed by increasing duration of aerobic exercise. Plasma folate concentration of E0.5 was significantly lower in the ET group compared with that in the NT group. Significantly higher vitamin $B_{12}$ concentrations were observed in the E0 and E0.5 groups of the ET group compared to those of the NT group. CONCLUSION: Regular moderate exercise training decreased plasma folate and increased plasma vitamin $B_{12}$ levels. However, no significant changes in plasma folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ concentrations were observed by increasing duration of acute aerobic exercise.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.307-314
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• 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a body weight control program with supplementation of sea tangle (20 g/day) on 22 female college students. The contents of the program for 8 weeks contained diet therapy, exercise and behavioral modification through nutrition education. Body composition, dietary habit scores, serum lipid profiles, daily nutrient intakes and the quality of life were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the program. Average age of subjects and height were 20.8 years and 161.9 cm, respectively. After 8 weeks, there were significant reductions in body weight, body fat mass, percent body fat, waist-hip ratio and BMI. The dietary habit score such as a balanced diet, regularity of mealtime, overeating, eating while watching TV or using the computer and eating salty food were increased significantly. Serum lipid levels such as total cholesterol level, LDL-cholesterol level and triglyceride level were decreased but not significantly. There were decreases in intake of energy, protein and fat and increases in intakes of dietary fiber, folic acid, calcium and potassium from the beginning to the end of the program. There were significant improvements on subcomponents of quality of life; physical functioning, general-health and vitality. The limitation of this study was the fact that there was no control group, but an overall evaluation suggests the 8-week body weight control program consisting of diet therapy, exercise and behavioral modification with supplementation of sea tangle would be helpful to improve the body composition, dietary habits, daily nutrient intakes and quality of life in Korean female college students.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to assess folate intake, and serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations, and investigate the association between folate status and health-related behaviors among Korean college students. A total of 169 students, aged between 18 and 27 years, participated in this study. Dietary intake data were collected by trained interviewers using a 24-hour recall method for three non-consecutive days in 2009. Information on health-related behaviors was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Serum and RBC folate concentrations were measured by microbiological assay. The average intakes of folate were $456{\mu}gDFE$ and $347{\mu}gDFE$ in male and female students, respectively. While the average serum folate concentration was significantly lower in male students (8.9 ng/mL) compared to female students (12.5 ng/mL), RBC concentrations were not significantly different between male (398.6 ng/mL) and female students (405.3 ng/mL). In male students, low serum folate concentrations were associated with total folate intake less than the Estimated Average Requirement, non-use of folic acid supplements, smoking, alcohol drinking at least once a week and low physical activity. In female students, low serum folate concentrations were associated with smoking and alcohol drinking at least two drinks at a time and BMI ${\geq}25$. Alcohol drinking and low physical activity were also associated with low RBC folate concentrations in both male and female students. In order to improve folate nutritional status of college students, the practice of desirable health-related behaviors, such as non-smoking, moderate alcohol drinking, regular physical activity, and maintenance of healthy BMI should be encouraged along with consumption of folate-rich foods and supplements.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.393-402
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and to compare the dietary behaviors, nutrient intake and physical activities of specialized game high school students. Total of 163 subjects participated and their weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and bone status by a quantitative ultrasound method were measured. The subjects were surveyed by a self-administered questionnaire about general characteristics, dietary behaviors and physical activities. Nutrient intakes of the subjects were assessed by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The subjects were divided into four groups on their obesity level by BMI. The prevalence of underweight, normal, overweight and obese group was 6%, 58%, 16%, and 20% respectively. BMI was negatively correlated with bone mineral density (p < 0.01) and positively correlated with WHR (p < 0.01). The dietary guideline compliance score for "Enjoy Korean rice food style" was 2.63, followed by "Prepare food sanitarily"2.48, "Do not skip breakfast"2.29, "Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy products daily"2.25, "Drink water instead of beverage"2.10, "Choose less fried foods"2.09 and "Maintain healthy weight"1.91. The exercise frequency of walking was not significantly different between groups; however, heavy exercise frequency was significantly lower in underweight group than the other groups (p < 0.05). The energy intake was 2153 kcal, which was 81.2% of the Estimate Energy Requirement, and the intake of calcium and vitamin $B_2$ was 66.7% and 77.8% of KDRIs. Particularly, the intake of iron, vitamin A and vitamin C was about 59.4%, 52.2% and 55.4% of KDRIs and INQ was 0.71, 0.63 and 0.65 respectively, and intake of folic acid fell behind 39.1% of KDRIs and INQ was 0.46. Our study suggests that the systematic and continuous nutrition education will have to be provided at schools to improve dietary and health behaviors and prevent chronic metabolic disease for students of specialized game high school.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.790-797
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• 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient intakes and the physical activities of mentally retarded persons (MRPs) accommodated in welfare institutions. A total of 194 cases of MRPs (130 males and 64 females) were surveyed through interviews of the 35 caregivers of the institutions during the period from March 2 to 12, 2005. The mean age of the 2nd degree is the highest, and the duration of institution stay of the 2nd degree is the longest. There were no significant differences in height, weight, but there were still significant differences in BMI by the degree of handicap. The MRPs with the 1st degree handicap consumed less nutrients than the MRPs with 2nd or 3rd degree handicaps, except for vitamins C and E. The mean activity factor was $1.737{\pm}0.422$ meaning 'active'. Among the comparative groups, the activity factor of the 2nd handicap degree MRPs was the highest. Note that the percentage of protein is the lowest in the case of the 1st degree handicap. The intake of the folic acid, in particular, was less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) in case of all the MRPs while that of vitamin C, riboflavin and calcium was less than the EAR in case of $65{\sim}80%$ of the MRPs. MRPs with higher activity factors showed higher intakes of most nutrients except vitamin C. MRPs with higher marks in the 'balanced dietary habit' field showed more nutrient intakes. More consumption of vegetables and fruits by the MRPs was recommended. Also, more efficient dietary guidance was recommended for the MRPs.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.773-781
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• 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional and health status of women industrial workers by working fields. One hundred forty eight (105 lead and 43 office) workers were recruited from March 2005 to October 2005. Information on age, education, smoking and drinking status were collected using questionnaire and nutrient intake and diet quality of workers were assessed by average of two-day 24 hr recall method. Biochemical indexes including blood lead level (PbB), indexes for iron status, serum calcium (Ca) and serum lipid profiles were analyzed from fasting venous blood or serum. Results showed that education level of lead workers was lower than that of office workers (p<0.05), but nutrient intake levels were not significantly different by working fields. Overall nutritional status of the subject were good except for calcium, vitamin $B_2$, C and folic acid intakes. PbB of lead workers were significantly higher than that of office workers while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and serum Ca levels were significantly lower in lead workers. MCHC was positively correlated with zinc intake (r=0.166) and serum Ca was positively correlated with vitamin C intake (r=0.179). This study confirms that lead workers need extra care to keep their health and nutritional management especially for the nutrients known to interact with lead. Tailored nutrition education for workers at specific working fields needs to be more focused for the improvement of health status of industrial workers.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.312-323
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• 2013

Variables affecting bone heath of growing children were analyzed among forty nine 10-12 year old elementary students in three rural regions of north west Chungnam area. Information on age of the parents, duration of breast feeding and birth weight were collected from the guardians of the participants and nutrient intake and diet quality were assessed by average of three-day food records of participants with the help of dietitians. Bone health status was measured by calceneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Results showed that anthropometic indexes and nutrient intake levels were not different between boys and girls. However, iron intake was significantly lower in girls than in boys. Girls after menarche showed lower intake levels for thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine and niacin than girls before menarche. z-scores of BMI were lower than -1 and higher than +1 showed shorter breast feeding period than others but the difference was statistically non-significant. Overall, the subjects did not consume enough s of calcium, vitamin C and folic acid. Zinc intake and BMI were the most significant factors affecting BUA by the results of backward elimination in multiple regression models. Phosphorous and beta-carotene intakes showed significant negative relation with BUA. This study showed that children living in the rural area of Chungnam need extra care to keep their health and nutrient intakes especially for the nutrients known to affect growth. Tailored nutrition education needs to be more focused on the improvement of bone health status of children.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.939-948
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• 1998

To investigate the relationship between eating behavior and the prevalence of adolescents drug abuse and smoking, this survey was conducted among 349 male students(mean age ; 16.0 $\pm$0.9yrs) at technical high schools in Kyunggi-Do. It was shown that 58.7% of total subjects were smoking and 11.2% were abusing drugs. Drug abusers weighed Less than non-abusers especially, student smokers were 2.7kg lighter than non-smokers despite the same height. Although parents' education showed no relationship with drug abuse, educational level of student smokers' fathers was significantly lower than that of non-smokers' fathers. Drug abusers and smokers showed significantly higher incidence of runaway from home, absence from school without notice, and parents' divorce than non-abusers and non-smokers. Drugs abused were sleeping pills(n=20), bonds and butane gas(n=9), marijuana(n=3), tranquilizer(n=3), morphine and cocaine(n=2), and pep pills like amphetamine(n=2) 76.9% of the drug abusers had their first experience in junior high school and 81% of the smokers stared smoking as early as in junior high school. Also, 44% of the smokers reported that they smoke daily. The drug abusers tended to have more irregular eating habits than the non-abusers. The smokers showed irregular mealtime, ate either too fast or too slow, and especially, often skipped lunch or dinner. The drug abusers and smokers took little vegetable in their meals and often ate bread or noodles instead of rice for staples. In addition, they preferred taste to nutrition when they had meals. The smokers tended to ingest smaller amount of calcium source such as milk or dinner food and fish with bone although they consume more volume of total foods than the non-smokers. All subjects took less in calorie, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, riboflavin, and folic acid than the Recommended Dietary Allowance Those findings suggest that drug abuse and smoking cause bad eating habits that influence unbalanced nutritional state. Therefore, nutrition education should be provided to the adolescents so that they can recognize the disadvantages of drug and smoking and its relation to dietary relation. (Korean J Nutrition 31(5) : 939-948, 1998)

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.134-140
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• 2009

Adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy is important to fetal and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting birth weight and gestational age and to provide basic data to promote more favorable pregnancy outcomes. Data were collected from 234 pregnant women at two hospitals in Seoul. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and health related habits were obtained using a questionnaire at the hospital visit during the second trimester. Dietary intakes were estimated by 24 hour recall at the hospital visit during the second trimester. Data on pregnancy outcomes, including birth weights and gestational ages, were obtained from hospital records after delivery. Birth weights were divided into a low birth weight group (birth weight<3.1 kg), a normal birth weight group (3.1-3.6 kg) and a high birth weight group (>3.6 kg). Gestational ages were divided into tertiles according to the gestational age of the subjects: group 1 (<38.53 weeks), group 2 (38.53-40.00 weeks) and group 3 (>40.00 weeks). The number of family members was significantly lower in the low birth weight group than in the normal birth weight group (p<0.05). In the low birth weight group, pregnancy weight was significantly lower than in the high birth weight group (p<0.05) Health related habits were not significantly different among any of the groups. Intakes of fiber, phosphorous, iron, vitamin $B_6$ and folic acid were significantly higher in the high birth weight group than the low birth weight group (p<0.05). Gestational age was not significantly affected by nutrient intakes, but birth weight was affected by nutrient intake in the results of this study. Therefore, the adequacy of nutrient intake is important for the improvement of pregnancy outcomes.