• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.571-579
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to investigate the effect of a 12-wk intervention with behavioral modification on clinical characteristics and dietary intakes of young and otherwise healthy obese and to identify factors for successful weight loss. The goal was to lose 0.5 kg per week by reducing 300-500 kcal/day and by increasing physical activities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty four obese subjects (BMI > 25) and 19 normal weight subjects (BMI 18.5-23) finished the 12-week intervention. Obese subjects participated in 5 group educations and 6 individual counseling sessions. Normal weight subjects attended 6 individual counseling sessions for evaluations of dietary intake and exercise pattern. Anthropometric and clinical characteristics and 3-day dietary records were evaluated at baseline and week12. RESULTS: Weight and serum triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations in obese group decreased significantly with intervention. Intakes of energy, fat, and cholesterol decreased significantly in the obese. Active participation, realistic weight loss goal setting, and weight gain after high school graduation not during childhood were identified as key factors for successful weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week intervention with behavioral modification resulted in reduced energy and fat intakes and led to significant weight loss and improvements of clinical characteristics in the obese. The finding that those who became obese during childhood lost less weight indicates the importance of 'early' intervention.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2007

The study objectives were to increase both the stage of readiness to eat fruit and vegetables as well as the intakes of women who participated in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) for families with limited incomes. The intervention was to enhance the currently used curriculum, Eating Right Is Basic III (ERIB3), with stage-specific processes based on the Trans-Theoretical Model of readiness to change. Trained EFNEP community workers taught the enhanced curriculum to 90 mothers in the experimental county and to 53 mothers in the control county. Pre- and post-intervention measures included stages of readiness to eat fruit and vegetables and to intake as assessed by 24-hour dietary recalls and staging questions. Most women recruited into EFNEP were in Action and Preparation Stages (53.5%). Fruit and vegetable intakes showed a linear trend along with the Stage of Change for fruit and vegetable. After intervention, some combination of the ERIB3 and the fruit and vegetables-enhanced ERIB3 resulted in a reported 1/2 servings/day increase in fruits and vegetables in both the control and the experimental counties, although changes were not significant. EFNEP women also moved along the Stage of Change Continuum for fruits and vegetables in both counties. The percentage of people who ate 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables was significant, however, only in the experimental group. We encourage health professionals to apply lessons learned from this intervention and to continue to pursue theoretically based interventions to change dietary behaviors.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.214-217
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• 2004

Dietary intervention and simvastatin is beneficial in the prevention cardiovascular diseases by lowering plasma lipid levels. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with coronary artery disease and its risk factors and is reversed by dietary intervention. It has been suggested that hyperlipidemia contributes to the development of atherosclerosis by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression via intimal thickening. Statins treatment has been found to decrease iNOS expression and atherogenensis in animal models. We hypothesized that dietary intervention and simvastatin therapy could decrease plasma nitric oxide in hypercholesterolemic patients, which would suggest the opportunity for modulation of iNOS expression through the use of statins in a clinical situation. We measured the plasma levels of nitrite and nitrate (NOx) in 19 hyperlipidemia patients. The subjects were under dietary intervention following simvastatin therapy for 12 weeks. As a result, the plasma level of NOx, stable metabolites of nitric oxide (NO), saw a two-fold elevation in hyperlipidemic patients as compared to normal levels. Although 12 weeks of dietary intervention did not lower NOx levels, subsequent 12-week simvastatin (10 mg/day) treatment, along with dietary intervention, lowered NOx levels significantly. This NOx reduction, induced by simvastatin therapy, positively correlated with lowered coronary risk factors (r=0.40, p=0.02). It indicated that simvastatin therapy decreases plasma NOx levels by, perhaps, decreasing iNOS expression or activity leading to the attenuation of the development of neointima.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.309-318
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• 2021

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Data regarding the effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) on sleep status are limited. This study aimed to test whether γ-PGA and vitamin B₆ (VitB6) supplements improve sleep duration and quality. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A factorial randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study included 47 adults (25 men and 22 women) who were free of chronic disease. Stratified randomized allocation considered age and gender for three interventions, group A (supplementation with γ-PGA 600 mg; n = 16), group B (supplementation with VitB6 100 mg; n = 14), and group C (dual supplementation of both γ-PGA 600 mg and VitB6 100 mg; n = 17). Participants underwent a 1-mon intervention period, followed by a 1-mon washout period, and then a second 1-mon intervention period. Differences (mean ± SD) in nighttime sleep status before and after supplementation were compared between the placebo and intervention groups using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Significant changes in sleep duration (0.27 ± 0.98 h, P < 0.05) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score (-0.52 ± 1.58, P < 0.05) indicating improved sleep status were observed in the intervention compared with the placebo of group C while no significant changes were observed in groups A and B. No statistical significance was detected between the intervention and the placebo; however, there was a greater increase in the group C intervention (4.59 ± 38.5 ng/mL) in serum serotonin concentrations than the groups A and B interventions. No side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these findings, the dual supplementation of γ-PGA and VitB6 may be effective as functional food components to improve nighttime sleep status.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.5165-5172
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• 2016

Background: Stomach cancer is one of the five most common cancers in Iran. This study examined the effectiveness of a mobile telephone short-message service (SMS) based-education intervention using Health Belief Model (HBM) variables in improving dietary behavior in terms of stomach cancer prevention among a sample of Iranian female college students. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 124 female college students in the dormitories of Yazd University, Yazd, Iran were randomly selected and assigned to either the intervention (n=62) or the control group (n=62). Information (data) regarding HBM variables and dietary behavior related to stomach cancer prevention was collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. Forty eight messages were designed and sent to the participants' phones in the intervention group during the 48-day intervention period. Two groups were followed-up one month after the intervention delivered via SMS. Results: There were significant differences in HBM variables (except for the perceived severity) and the preventive dietary behaviors for stomach cancer in the intervention group compared to the comparison group following the education intervention delivered via SMS. Conclusions: SMS-delivered nutrition education intervention can be a practical strategy to improve dietary behavior related to stomach cancer prevention.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.206-214
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the NutriPlus+ Program and to observe how the improved statuses were maintained after the program's termination. The subjects were infants and their parents, who have participated in the NutriPlus+ Program conducted by South Healthcare Center in Po-hang for longer than six months, during the period 2007 - 2010. The survey was conducted with questionnaires, and scores were tabulated from each question. After the intervention of the program, scores representing degrees of nutrition knowledge and nutrition attitude increased. The rate of nutritional risk by anthropometric measurement decreased, and the prevalence rate of anemia was significantly decreased as well. The number of subjects lacking any nutrients, except for iron and vitamin C, decreased, which indicates that the NutriPlus+ Program was effective. After enough time had passed after the intervention's completion; however, the scores of nutrition knowledge and nutrition attitude decreased. The number of subjects with low height and weight (proportional to their age) relatively decreased, and the prevalence rate of anemia increased slightly. The number of subjects lacking in energy and calcium consumption increased as well, which indicates that the effect of the NutriPlus+ Program was not maintained after the program's termination.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.127-139
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• 2007

This research was peformed to investigate the anthropometric data, blood profiles, and nutrient intakes of elderly persons living in a rural area. The subjects were 67 undernourished people who participated in follow-up nutrition intervention programs for9 weeks. Anthropometric data showed that the mean heights and weights in the management group were 157.6 cm and 59.1 kg, respectively, for the males and 152.6 cm and 51.0 kg, respectively, for the females. The mean BMIs of the management group were 23.8 kg/m$^2$ in the males and 22.4 kg/m$^2$ in the females. The total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and albumin levels of the subjects were 181.7-191.4mg/dL, 48.3-53.0mg/dL, and 3.85-4.00g/dL, respectively. Energy, ash, P, Na, vitamin B$_1$, vitamin B$_2$, vitamin B$_6$, and niacin increased significantly after intervention for the management group. The mINQ, however, did not significantly increase after intervention. Also after intervention, there was no significant difference in mINQ between the management group and the comparison group. MAR (14) in the management group was significantly increased from 0.62${\pm}$0.2 before intervention to 0.68${\pm}$0.2 after intervention (p=0.022), and it was significantly different between the management group and the comparison group (p=0.017). MAR (8) in the management group was not significantly different (p=0.915) before and after intervention. However, MAR (8) between the management group and the comparison group did show a significant difference (p=0.031). MAR (3) in the management group was significantly increased from 0.48${\pm}$0.2 before intervention to 0.55${\pm}$0.2 after intervention (p=0.045), however, MAR (3) was not significantly different between the management group and the comparison group (p=0.093). For the probability of nutrient insufficiency, in the management group the probability of nutrient values below the EAR (except for Fe) decreased after intervention compared to before intervention. On the other hand, the probabilities of values above the RI, or EAR${\sim}$RI, were increased

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.79-88
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• 2011

Background : Evidence-based guidelines are now used for enteral nutrition(EN) in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients who mostly depend on EN. This study compared and analyzed the nutritive conditions of patients before and after they underwent guideline based nutritional interventions in order to determine whether using these guidelines improved their calorie supply. Methods : Data on the patients' nutritional requirements, maximum calorie supply through EN, serum albumin level, and total lymphocyte count were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.1.3. All the statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of P<0.05. Result : The maximum calorie supply through EN was $923.1{\pm}359.7$ kcal before the intervention and $1254.4{\pm}196.3$ kcal after the intervention; this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The ratio of nutritional requirements to maximum calorie supply through EN was $55.5{\pm}22.4%$ and $74.2{\pm}13.9%$ before and after the intervention, respectively; this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). This indicates a 19% increase in the ratio after the nutritional intervention. The serum albumin level also significantly increased from $2.7{\pm}0.6g/dL$ before the intervention to $3.2{\pm}0.4g/dL$ after the intervention(P<0.05). The total lymphocyte count slightly increased from $1267.7{\pm}728.2cells/mm^3$ before the intervention to $1801.9{\pm}1211.5cells/mm^3$ after the intervention; this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion : The results showed that using the evidence-based feeding guidelines for interventions increased the calorie supply and improved the patients' nutritive conditions from moderate malnutrition to mild malnutrition.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.537-548
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: South Korea has been conducting the Sodium Reduction Restaurant Project since 2015 to reduce sodium contents in restaurant menus. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the sodium content of menus as determined by the Daegu Sodium Reduction Restaurant Project between 2015 and 2019. MATERIALS/METHODS: Intervention was aimed at reducing the sodium contents of over 10% of menu items in participating restaurants. On-site inspections and evaluations were conducted using a checklist, and reductions in sodium contents were determined by analyzing the salinities and sodium contents of menus after intervention. RESULTS: Post-intervention salinities and sodium contents were significantly lower than baseline values in 2016 (P < 0.001), 2017 (P < 0.001), 2018 (P < 0.001), and 2019 (P < 0.001). However, sodium contents and salinities differences before and after intervention were not significant in 2015. Sodium contents of more than 20% of menu items offered by restaurants that participated in the Sodium Reduction Restaurant Project for 2 yrs starting in 2016 declined by 28.9%. On the other hand, the sodium reduction rate achieved by restaurants that participated for 4 yrs from 2015 reached 55.4%. The percentage of restaurants that participated in the project increased annually, though some failed to be designated as Sodium Reduction Restaurants because they did not meet sodium reduction rate requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Positive correlations were found between duration of participation in the project and sodium reduction and designation rates. Sustainable long-term support at the national level is required to expand the project to other regions.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.150-157
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall effects of a tailored Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) nutritional intervention program which included omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, on dietary self-efficacy, dietary knowledge, and dietary behaviors in Korean elderly women with abdominal obesity. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the program on metabolic syndrome parameters including the antioxidant capacities in these subjects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted for 8 weeks. The experimental group (n = 21) received a weekly tailored nutritional program for 8 weeks and the control group (n = 18) received only one educational session. The clinical survey was conducted before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: After the intervention, dietary self-efficacy (P = 0.023), frequency of fruit intake (P = 0.019), and dietary fiber intake (P = 0.044) were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The oxidative stress (P < 0.001) was lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Moreover, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P = 0.023) had significantly decreased in the experimental group but not in the control group after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention program including omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had a positive effect on dietary self-efficacy, dietary behaviors, and oxidative stress among aged women with abdominal obesity.