• 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.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.196-206
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• 2021

The main purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the consumption of red ginseng-based 'SSR' for 30 days and the reduction in human fatigue, blood component changes, and immune cell activity in 35 human subjects. 'SSR' is composed of zinc oxide, folic acid, and D-α-tocopherol with red ginseng as the main component. According to the protocol criteria of the study, 35 subjects who understood the purpose of the study and signed an informed consent form were selected. The fatigue survey was conducted through a questionnaire, and after taking 'SSR', a decreased tendency of physical, mental, and neurosensory fatigue was observed. In hematological analysis, no significant changes were observed in the levels of WBC, RBC, and hemoglobin; however, AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) levels were statistically significantly decreased. In immunological analysis, it was observed that the proliferative effect of T cells (CD3+CD4+) was greater than that of NK cells (CD16+CD56+). The collected data were subjected to t-test analysis using the SPSS 25.0 statistical program. The result from this study proposes that 'SSR' can be used as a functional food material as it reduces human fatigue and enhances immune function.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.282-296
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• 2013

The study classified 83 obese adults by constitution and had them follow a strict diet according to their constitution in order to see if the Yin-Yang method would be effective on the metabolic syndrome, which is one of the main causes of death in Korea. Overall, the application of both Yin and Yang methods improved the following factors: weight, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, neutral fats and total cholesterol. In particular, the Yin constitution group of men showed more improvements than the Yang constitution group. Furthermore, waist circumference and the prevalence rate of systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, total cholesterol and metabolic syndrome were decreased noticeably. Total energy intake was increased in both men and women after the constitutional diet, along with the increase of nutrient intake, such as dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, among others. Among various nutrients, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and iron intake were increased noticeably after the constitutional diet. In addition, subjects' intake of all nutrients, except for magnesium, satisfied the nutrition intake standards. Further, the nutrients adequacy ratio (NAR) and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) improved for both men and women. The intake of potatoes, starch, greens and mushrooms increased noticeably, whereas the intake of meat, dairy, drinks and alcohol decreased after the constitutional diet. For the Yin constitution, the intake of Yin foods noticeably decreased, where as the intake of Yang foods decreased for the Yang constitution. In conclusion, the constitutional diet effectively improves the metabolic syndrome. Among many nutrients, the intake of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C and E, potassium and magnesium is positively associated with the improvement of metabolic syndrome biomarkers.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.719-728
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• 2012

This study focused on the yearly-dietary habits, nutrition status, and health of female students residing in Seoul. A number of classes were assess based on their dietary behaviors in oder to attempt to determine differences in their attitudes to nutrition, according to age. The students of class 2011 (sophomore) ate meals more regularly than the female students of the 2008 class (p<0.05). It was found that sophomore female students of class 2008 consumed higher than average nutrient intake. Sophomore female students of the 2011 class consumed lower than average vitamin $B_2$, C, Ca, and Fe intakes. Folic acid in take was lower than average in both groups. Phosphorus and sodium intakes in both groups were excessive (p<0.05). When surveyed, sophomore female students of the 2008 class believed that the most important thing for health was exercise, whereas students of class 2011 believed that nutrient intake was the most important factor (p<0.05). Female students of the 2008 class exercised 1~2 times a week generally, whereas students of class 2011 exercised three times (43.2%) (p<0.05). Therefore, it is necessary to study changes in dietary habits and health status according to the age of students, and develop specific nutrition education programs for female students.

• 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.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.123-135
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program using dietary consult and physical exercise conducted by public health center in Chuncheon city for obese adults. This study used a pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 58 out of 90 obese adults with body mass index (BMI) greater than $25kg/m^2$ who completed all education sessions for 8 weeks. Data on dietary habits, dietary behaviors, nutritional knowledge, anthropometric parameters and biochemical indices and daily nutrient intakes assessed by a 24-hour recall were collected before and after the intervention program., in order to evaluate program effectiveness. After the intervention, there were positive changes in exercise status and dietary habits and nutrition knowledge accuracy. Especially, the answer of 'I drink a cup of milk every day' were significantly improved (p<0.001), and the answer of 'I don't overeat', which is a dietary attitude question was significantly improved (p<0.05). Dietary intakes of most of nutrients were not significantly different between pre-test and post-test. But calcium (p<0.05), potassium (p<0.05), vitamin A (p<0.01), vitamin E (p<0.05), and folic acid (p<0.05) were significantly increased in the female group after the intervention. Weight (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.01), blood pressure (p<0.001), were significantly decreased after program, but changes of skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass were not significant. Resting heart rate (p<0.01), flexibility (p<0.001), whole body reaction (p<0.05), grip strength (p<0.01) and balance (p<0.01) showed positive changes after the intervention. Blood glucose level in serum was significantly decreased (p<0.001). These results indicated that dietary education and exercise program was effective not only for weight reduction but also for the improvement of physical fitness in obese adults.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.284-298
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• 2007

This study was performed by a comparative analysis of nutritional knowledge, dietary attitudes and nutrient intakes of dietitians and non-dietitians. The subjects of this study were 103 dietitians and 166 non-dietitians working in the Chonnam area. The general characteristics, nutrition knowledge and dietary attitudes of the subjects were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, and nutrient intakes were examined using 24-hour recall method. The results were as follows: Dietitian group ($15.17{\pm}3.88$) scored significantly (p<0.0001) higher than non-dietitian group ($13.34{\pm}3.31$) in nutrition knowledge. Dietitian group ($69.58{\pm}10.67$) scored significantly higher on dietary attitudes than the non-dietitian group ($63.97{\pm}11.18$). The correlation between nutritional knowledge scores and dietary attitudes scores were statistically significance on job, age ($20{\sim}39$), education level (below university), marital status and work experience ($2{\sim}5$, above 10). The dietitian group was significantly higher than the non-dietitians in body weight and BMI of anthropometric data. The prevalence of obesity was 5.8% from the dietitian group and 6.6% from the non-dietitian group when judged by BMI and therefore obesity rate was significaltly (p<0.001) different between the two groups. In case of the dietitian group, the average intake of vitamin A, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_6$, niacin, vitamin E, phosphorous, zinc were above the Korean RDA whereas the average intake of vitamin C, calcium, iron, folic acid were below the Korean RDA. The average intake of most nutrients, except vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_6$, phosphorus, were below the Korean RDA in the non-dietitian group. Therefore the non-dietitian group needs nutrition education in order to improve their nutritional status.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.33-37
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• 2021

Background: Children with cleft lip and/or palate can be undernourished due to feeding difficulties after birth. A vicious cycle ensues where malnutrition and low body weight precludes the child from having the corrective surgery, in the absence of which the child fails to gain weight. This study aimed to identify the proportion of malnutrition, including the deficiency of major micronutrients, namely iron, folate and vitamin B12, in children with cleft lip and/or palate and thus help in finding out what nutritional interventions can improve the scenario for these children. Methods: All children less than 5 years with cleft lip and/or cleft palate attending our institute were included. On their first visit, following were recorded: demographic data, assessment of malnutrition, investigations: complete blood count and peripheral blood film examination; serum albumin, ferritin, iron, folate, and vitamin B12 levels. Results: Eighty-one children with cleft lip and/or palate were included. Mean age was 25.37±21.49 months (range, 3-60 months). In 53% of children suffered from moderate to severe wasting, according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Iron deficiency state was found in 91.6% of children. In 35.80% of children had vitamin B12 deficiency and 23.45% had folate deficiency. No correlation was found between iron deficiency and the type of deformity. Conclusion: Iron deficiency state is almost universally present in children with cleft lip and palate. Thus, iron and folic acid supplementation should be given at first contact to improve iron reserve and hematological parameters for optimum and safe surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.227-246
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• 2022

This study was conducted on the nutritional status of 1,805 patients with allergic diseases (atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma) aged 19 to 64 years according to their state of depression, based on the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to diagnose depression. Subjects with a score of 10 or more were categorized into the depression group (n=152) and the rest into the non-depression group (n=1,653). The results of this study were as follows: The proportion of women (75.7%) was higher than that of men (24.3%) in the depressed group (P<0.01). In terms of energy intake per 1,000 kcal, both men and women in the depressed group showed a lower energy intake than the non-depressed group and this intake was less than the estimated energy requirement (EER). The nutrient intakes of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and vitamin C were below the estimated average requirement (EAR). Also, the intakes of fiber and potassium were less than the adequate intake (AI) (P<0.001). In the lifestyle parameters, the ratio of eating alone at lunch was 54.1%:33.1%, indicating that more than half of the depression group ate alone. In conclusion, it was observed that the nutritional status of allergic disease patients was imbalanced. The nutritional imbalance was due to insufficient energy intake and inadequate intake of nutrients, which was below the average requirements of vitamins and minerals and this was more evident in the depression group than in the non-depression group.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.135-148
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In times of disaster, simplified and minimized nutritional standards are necessary for a quick response to provide nutritious relief food. This study aimed to develop nutrient-based nutritional standards for foodservice at shelters during disasters in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). SUBJECTS/METHODS: The standards were developed in 2 phases. First, nutrients to be included in the standards were selected. Initial candidates were selected considering 3 aspects: preceding standards, insufficient intake during disasters, and inadequate intake among South Koreans. Final selection was made by excluding nutrients for 3 reasons: nutrients for which there is no deficiency concern in South Korea, nutrients whose intake data were not available, or nutrients whose values presented by Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans are difficult to achieve based on the current diet among South Koreans. Second, the reference values of energy and the selected nutrients were calculated. The reference values for the entire population who were 1-year-old and over were calculated by multiplying the estimated energy requirements or the recommended nutrient intake and the proportion of each age and sex group. Respective reference values were also calculated for 4 different age groups (1-5, 6-11, 12-64, and ≥ 65-year-old). RESULTS: The standards for the entire population were 2,000 kcal for energy, 55 g for protein, 650 ㎍ retinol activity equivalents for vitamin A, 95 mg for vitamin C, 1.1 mg for thiamin, 1.3 mg for riboflavin, 14 mg niacin equivalents for niacin, 350 ㎍ dietary folate equivalents for folic acid, 750 mg for calcium, and 11 mg for iron. Four additional standards corresponding to each age group were developed. CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional standards during disasters were developed for South Korea, including energy and 9 nutrients with reference values for the entire population and 4 different age groups. The standards will contribute to maintaining the health of disaster evacuees in South Korea.