• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.511-523
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• 2013

This research involved a survey on the dietary patterns of children and adolescents living in group homes, to find out their wrong eating habits and to devise measures for correcting their problems. The BMIs of the subject children and adolescents in group homes were measured, and the result showed that although many of them appeared to have normal weights, about 42.2% were actually underweight. Most of them had meals regularly, three times a day at fixed times. However, half of them frequently skipped breakfast because of the lack of time in the morning. In addition, more than half of them had the habit of having imbalanced diets, especially with low vegetable intake. The score for their satisfaction toward meals at group homes were highest (3.97) with the taste of food, while it was relatively lower (3.61) with the variety of food than with the other items. The average score for their snack intake was 3.47, showing that the majority of them had the habit of eating snacks, while the largest portion (26.0%) of them preferred bread and cookies. According to the result of the analysis on their food intake, overall calorie intake was about 82~96% of estimated energy requirements, while that of the male subjects aged 12 or older was about 82% of the standard energy requirements. Their overall intake of calcium and potassium was lower than recommended nutrition intake, but sodium intake was higher than 3 times recommended intake. Especially, in addition to calcium and potassium, the male subjects aged 15 or older showed low intake of dietary fiber, iron, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C and folate also; whereas the female subjects aged 15 or older showed low intake of iron, zinc, riboflavin and folate also. Taken together, it was concluded that government level of dietary life-related support and management would be necessary for the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents in group homes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.801-810
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• 2003

Chronic alcoholism is considered a common cause of malnutrition. Especially, micronutrient deficiency may playa critical role in the incidence of alcoholic liver diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of folate deficiency and ethanol consumption on cholesterol metabolism and the antioxidative system in rats. Plasma concentration of total cholesterol was increased by ethanol administration in folate-fed rats. HDL-cholesterol tended to be higher in the folate-fed group, but it was not significant. The plasma and hepatic levels of malondialdehyde were increased after chronic ethanol feeding, but dietary folate depressed the plasma malondialdehyde content of rats. Ethanol or folate feeding did not significantly change alcohol dehydrogenase activity. But folate feeding increased catalase activity in ethanol-fed rats. There was no significant change in superoxide dismutase activity among the experimental groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity tended to decrease by chronic ethanol feeding, but dietary folate did not affectthe glutathione peroxidase activity of chronic ethanol-fed rats. Glutathionine-S-transferase activity was not affected by ethanol feeding or folate deficiency. The plasma and hepatic levels of retinol decreased after chronic ethanol feeding. The hepatic level of retinol significantly decreased in ethanol-fed rats by folate deficiency. The plasma level of $\alpha$-tocopherol tended to be low in the folate deficient group with ethanol feeding, but there was no difference among the experimental groups in the hepatic level of $\alpha$-tocopherol. These results demonstrate that chronic ethanol consumption changes the plasma cholesterol metabolism and antioxidative system of rats, and optimal folate feeding in ethanol-fed rats exerts protective effects to some extent.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.615-622
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• 2005

Folate and Vitamin $B_{12}$ are essential nutrients important during pregnancy. This study was conducted to evaluate the folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ nutritional status of Korean pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between maternal­umbilical cord serum folate and vitamin B12 levels and pregnancy outcomes. Dietary intakes of the pregnant women were estimated by 24 hour-recall (3 times). Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels in maternal blood and umbilical cord of 27 pregnant women at 1'st-, 2'nd-, 3'rd-trimester and delivery were measured by RIA (radioimmuno assay), respectively. Means of folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ intake were $283.53\pm58.01{\mu}g/day\;and\; 2.99\pm1.32mg/day$, respectively. Maternal mean serum folate levels of the trimester and delivery were $9.75\pm3.60ng/ml,\;10.46\pm4.63ng/ml,\;10.71\pm4.14ng/ml\;and\;15.05\pm7.04ng/ml$. Those maternal levels were significantly lower than that of umbilical cord blood $(23.99\pm9.42ng/ml)$. Serum vitamin $B_{12}$ levels of maternal trimester and delivery were $479.07\pm137.56 pg/ml,\;310.96\pm137.56pg/ml,\;308.22\pm74.65pg/ml,\;and\;295.67\pm93.36pg/ml$, which were significantly lower than those of umbilical cord blood $(500.13\pm185.60ng/ml)$. This finding indicates that the uptake of folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ in the fetus may be due to an active placental transport mechanism. Maternal serum level correlated positively with those of umbilical cord blood, showing that folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ concentration of umbilical cord blood might be affected by maternal status. There was no significant correlation between the serum folate levels in maternal-umbilical cord blood and the pregnancy outcomes. However, maternal vitamin $B_{12}$ level at l'st trimester was significant positive correlation between the gestational age except for birth weight and weight gain.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the production of folate, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and antimicrobial activity exhibited by Lactobacillus plantarum G72 for potential dietary application in pregnant women. L. plantarum G72 has been reported to possess characteristic activities and functionality including β-galactosidase activity and antioxidant activities. L. plantarum G72 showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Salmonella typhimurium P99, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Staphylococcus aureus KCCM 11335) using a modified method, and formation of the largest inhibition zone was observed against S. aureus KCCM 11335 (12.0-17.0 mm). The adherence of four food-borne pathogenic bacteria to HT-29 cells was inhibited by L. plantarum G72 (0.13 to 0.92 log CFU/ml). The most considerable inhibition of adherence to HT-29 cells was observed by using L. plantarum G72 against S. typhimurim P99. Additionally, folate production by L. plantarum G72 was 50.1 ng/ml, and L. plantarum G72 produced relatively more lactic acid (11,176.73 mg/kg) than acetic, propionic, or butyric acids. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that L. plantarum G72 may serve as a multifunctional food additive in the health industry.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6249-6256
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• 2013

One-carbon metabolism plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Meta-analyses have suggested protective associations of folate and vitamin $B_6$ intakes with colorectal cancer primarily based on studies in Caucasians, and genetic polymorphisms pertaining to the folate metabolism have been a matter of interest. Less investigated are the roles of methionine synthase (MTR) and thymidylate synthetase (TS) polymorphisms in colorectal carcinogenesis. In a study of 816 cases and 815 community controls in Japan, we investigated associations of dietary intakes of folate, methionine, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin $B_6$, and vitamin $B_{12}$ with colorectal cancer risk. The associations with MTR 2756A>G, MTRR 66A>G, and TSER repeat polymorphism were examined in 685 cases and 778 controls. Methionine and vitamin $B_{12}$ intakes were inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk, but the associations were totally confounded by dietary calcium and n-3 fatty acids. The other nutrients showed no association with the risk even without adjustment for calcium and n-3 fatty acids. The TSER 2R allele was dose-dependently associated with an increased risk. The MTR and MTRR polymorphisms were unrelated to colorectal cancer risk. There was no measurable gene-gene or gene-nutrient interaction, but increased risk associated with the TSER 2R allele seemed to be confined to individuals with high folate status. This study does not support protective associations for folate and vitamin $B_6$. The TSER 2R allele may confer an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The role of the TSER polymorphism in colorectal carcinogenesis may differ by ethnicity.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.516-523
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine relationships between dietary habits and intakes of antioxidants and B vitamins and the risk of ischemic stroke, and to compare dietary factors according to the presence of cerebral artery atherosclerosis and stroke subtypes. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 147 patients and 144 control subjects were recruited consecutively in the metropolitan area of Seoul, Korea. Sixty participants each in the case and control groups were included in analyses after 1:1 frequency matching. In addition, 117 acute ischemic stroke patients were classified into subtypes according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) guidelines. Dietary intake was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire composed of 111 food items and plasma lipid and homocysteine levels were analyzed. RESULTS: When compared with control subjects, stroke patients had unfavorable dietary behaviors and lower intakes of fruits ($73.1{\pm}83.2g$ vs. $230.9{\pm}202.1g$, P < 0.001), vegetables ($221.1{\pm}209.0g$ vs. $561.7{\pm}306.6g$, P < 0.001), and antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, $B_6$, ${\beta}$-carotene, and folate. The intakes of fruits, vegetables, vitamin C, and folate were inversely associated with the risk of ischemic stroke after adjusting for confounding factors. Intakes of vegetables, vitamins C, $B_6$, $B_{12}$, and folate per 1,000 kcal were lower in ischemic stroke with cerebral atherosclerosis than in those without. Overall vitamin $B_{12}$ intake per 1,000 kcal differed according to the TOAST classification (P = 0.004), but no differences among groups existed based on the post-hoc test. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with control subjects, ischemic stroke patients, particularly those with cerebral atherosclerosis, had unfavorable dietary intake, which may have contributed to the development of ischemic stroke. These results indicate that proper dietary recommendations are important for the prevention of ischemic stroke.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.762-769
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• 2001

Recently developed TRAP assay(Total Radical-trapping Antioxidant Potential) is a new technique which enable effectively the measurement of total antioxidant status in the plasma. Researches using TRAP method have rarely been reported in Korea. Therefore, we investigated effects of various life-style and dietary factors on plasma TRAP level in Korean adult population. The subjects consisted of 161 health adult male(n=105) and female (n=56) aged 19-57. A self-administered questionnaire ascertained life-style factors including smoking habits, alcohol use, physical activity. Dietary factors were analyzed by 24 hour recall method. TRAP was determined spectrophotometrically in plasma at 734nm. Mean plasma TRAP concentrations were slightly higher in males (1.35$\pm$0.02mM) and females(1.30$\pm$0.02mM) without significance. There were significant correlations between plasma TRAP levels and life-style factors including exercise and smoking Plasma TRAP levels were affected more by exercise than by smoking. Moderate amount exerciser(exercise time $\geq$30min/day) had significantly higher level of plasma TRAP levels in male smokers(1.33$\pm$0.03mM) were significantly lower than those in male nonsmokers(1.39$\pm$0.01mM, p<0.05), but the difference was not seen in female subjects. Intakes of vitamin C(r=0.288, p=0.007) or folate (r=0.258, p=0.016) were positively correlated with plasma TRAP levels in nonsmokers, but those relations were not seen in smokers. Dietary factors such as vegetables (r=0.288, p=0.007)or folate (r=0.258, p=0.016) were positively correlated with plasma TRAP levels in nonsmokers, but those relations were not seen in smokers. Dietary factors such as vegetables (r=0.277, p=0.009) and legumes(r=0.263, p=0.013) consumption were positively related to plasma TRAP concentrations also in nonsmokers only. Regular green tea drinkers showed significantly greater level of plasma TRAP than the non green tea drinkers(1.36$\pm$0.01mM vs 1.30$\pm$0.03mM, p<0.05). These results suggest that the regular exercise($\geq$30min daily), nonsmoking, and consumption of vegetables, legumes and green tea would contribute to improving plasma TRAP levels in Korean adults.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 1999

This study investigated the differences in dietary intake, age, body mass index(BMI), marital status and education of 1,585 Korean healthy males among current smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. Dietary intake was determined by a food frequency questionnaire at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. A bioelectric impedance analyzer measured height, body weight and BMI. This study identified 50% of the study group as current smokers and 30% as ex-smokers and 20% as non-smokers. The mean body mass index was 23.7kg/㎡ and did not differ significantly among the three groups. THe current smokers were younger(44.9 years old) and contained a lower percentage(58.5%) of college graduate than that of ex-smokers or non-smokers. The percentage of non-consumers of meat, eggs, beans and bean products was higher in non-smokers than that of ex-smokers or current smokers. Smoking was to a significant degree positively related to the amount of coffee and alcoholic beverages consumed and negatively related to the amount of milk and milk products and fruits consumed. The intake of eggs, milk and milk products, fruit, coffee, sweets, fats and oils were significantly different among the three groups. after adjusting for age, education level, marital status, and alcohol consumption. There was a strong positive relationship between smoking intensity and the intake of coffee and alcoholic beverages(p<0.0005), and an inverse relationship between smoking intensity and fruit, milk and milk product intake(p<0.005). The current smokers were characterized by a higher intake of total energy and cholesterol, and a lower intake of dietary fibers, ${\beta}$-carotine and folate than those of non-smokers or ex-smokers. The nutrient intake of ex-smokers was moderate and highest in ${\beta}$-carotine and folate, which suggested that ex-smokers were trying to change their life style.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.831-845
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• 2009

Hypertension and obesity are important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Korea. Therefore, we assessed the association between dietary pattern and obesity in hypertensive patients to formulate health promotion strategies for the older population. Dietary information was collected from hypertensive patients visiting community health education and information center by using 24 hour recall method. The 2005 DRIs for Koreans was used to evaluate the dietary adequacy. When subjects were categorized by body mass index (BMI) as normal, overweight and obese, no significant difference in energy intake was found among groups. Dietary intakes of folate, and vitamin C in obese hypertensive patients were significantly lower than in normal weight patients (p < 0.05). When we compare the nutritional status by waist circumferences, dietary intakes of zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, vitamin C and folate were significantly lower in the obese group. Vegetable intake was significantly lower in the obese group according to BMI as well as waist circumference. Energy intake from carbohydrate was significantly higher in obese hypertensive patients (p < 0.05). Obese hypertensive patients had a higher risk of nutritional inadequacy compared to normal weight patients. Our results indicated the need for developing interventions that encourage greater consumption of vegetables while cutting down salt intake with wise selection of staple foods, for obese hypertensive patients.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.397-405
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• 2009

A trienzyme extraction method (use of ${\alpha}$-amylase, protease and folate conjugase) for food folate assay has been used to release folate from the food matrix. In order to reduce the incubation time with three enzymes, folate values were compared between two incubation protocols; separate incubation (SI, incubated with ${\alpha}$-amylase and conjugase separately for 2 hours after protease treatment) and combined incubation (CI, incubated with ${\alpha}$-amylase and conjugase together for 2 hours after protease treatment) using 88 food items from 12 kinds of fast foods and processed foods. We found that folate values by CI were comparable to or higher than those by SI, indicating that CI might be a better extraction procedure to shorten the entire incubation time. We measured folate contents in 49 fast foods and 26 processed foods by microbiological assay after CI. Mean folate contents of one serving of various burgers ranged from 43.1 to 62.0 ${\mu}g$. One serving of French fries, pizza, sandwich and triangled kimbab contained a mean of 53.3, 28.4, 47.4, and 25.7 ${\mu}g$ of folate, respectively. Folate contents of non-alcoholic beverages were very low, ranging from 1.0 to 5.2 ${\mu}g$/100 g. Some of our values were comparable to the values in the folate database published in Korean Nutrition Society, however, some of the published values were 140 times higher than the measured values in this study. Folate values measured by the more recent modifications here can be used to update Korean folate database to accurately estimate dietary folate intake.