• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.141-147
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• 2004

Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in seventy marine organisms (40 species) from the Korean coast. PAHs were present in all the organisms. The level of total PAHs in the organisms varied from 0.45 to 224 ng/g dry weight and the carcinogenic PAHs varied from 0.05 to 49.8 ng/g dry weight. The PAHs residues according to the marine organisms showed a highest content in bivalve species, and followed by crustaceans, cephalopods, fish and gastropods. Human dietary intake of total PAHs through marine organism in Korea was estimated to be 4.12 ng/kg body weight/day and 0.67 ng/kg body weight/day for carcinogenic PAHs. The relative contributions of individual species to the total dietary intake of PAHs were in the order of bivalves $(53.4{\%})$, fish $(21.9{\%})$, crustaceans $(15.3{\%})$, cephalopods $(8.8{\%})$ and gastropods $(0.6{\%})$. Daily dietary intake of $PAH_{TEQ}$ expressed as a TEQ value was estimated to be 0.13 pg TEQ/kg body weight/day, which did not exceed a tolerable daily intake (TDI) proposed by the KFDA and the WHO as well as the UK toxicity committee. Lifetime cancer risk due to ingestion of marine species by the Korean adult was evaluated using the equation estimating exposure of food ingestion. Although approximately $23{\%}$ of cumulative frequency of the sampled marine species exceeded the cancer risk guideline, lifetime cancer risk associated with marine organism consumption was negligible. Results indicate that dietary intake of PAHs through the consumption of the Korean marine organisms seems to be safe for human ingestion with negligible cancer risk.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.623-636
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• 2012

Health Belief Model is a socio-psychological theory of decision making to individual health-related behaviors. This study was aimed to develop an effective education program for hypertension based on health belief model. The main factors of health belief model were investigated by focus group interview (FGI) with 23 hypertensive or prehypertensive subjects aged over fifty years. 'Perceived susceptibility' to hypertension was family history, neglect of health care, preference for salty food, broth of soup and stew. Lifelong medication, complications, and medical costs were reported as 'perceived severity' of hypertension. 'Perceived benefits' of hypertension management were decrease of medicinal dose, reduction of medical costs, and healthy eating habits of the family, while 'perceived barriers' were lack of palatability of low salt diet, convenience-oriented dietary habits, and limited choice of foods when eating out. Subjects mentioned TV health programs, public health center programs, and advice from doctors and family as 'cues to action' of hypertension management. These qualitative information provided basis for developing a nutrition education program for hypertension which could be implemented in the public health center. Eight week program was composed of understanding hypertension, risk factor management (eating habits, weight), low salt diet (principles, cooking), advanced management for healthy diet in 2 sessions, and summary. Each session was designed to alert the susceptibility and severity, to emphasize the benefits, and to reduce the barriers by providing dietary monitoring, practical advice, and action tips.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.338-349
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• 2009

We aimed to evaluate the effect of nutrition education program on nutrition knowledge, dietary behavior, dietary intakes and anthropometric parameters in primary school children. Eighty five 4th grade children (boys = 43, girls = 42) were enrolled in the intervention program for 5 months. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire about nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior two times, at the baseline and after completion of the program. Dietary intake information was collected from participants using a 3-day food record and their anthropometric parameters were measured. Upon completion of the intervention program, both nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior scores were significantly improved in all subjects. Energy intake was increased from 1,571.9 kcal to 1,734.1 kcal with significant improvements in nutrient density for protein, Ca, P, K, vitamin A and niacin. While subjects' height, weight, lean body mass and soft lean mass were significantly increased during the program, significant decreases were observed in the rohrer index, percent body fat, waist-hip ratio and body fat mass. The changes in nutrition knowledge scores were positively correlated with the changes in dietary behavior scores, micronutrient intakes and anthropometric parameters. These results indicate that enhancement of nutrition knowledge through well-planned long-term nutrition education program is effective not only for the improvement of dietary behaviors and dietary intakes but also for the positive changes in anthropometric parameters among primary school children.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.82-88
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• 2013

Cancer is the first leading cause of death in Korea and the second leading cause of death in the USA. There is extensive research into prevention of cancer and the support of oncology patients with diet or dietary supplements. In vitro and in vivo animal studies have indicated that antioxidants, including beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid, can yield anti-cancer effects in addition to providing protection against oxidative damage. Although many observational studies have shown that consuming fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of some cancers, the results of several large-scale human intervention trials testing the benefits of a single or combined higher-dose of individual micronutrients have been inconsistent. Cancer can cause profound metabolic and physiological changes which may affect patients' nutrient requirements. Although the optimal route of nutrient delivery is through diet, cancer patients often suffer symptoms that disrupt their food intake, including anorexia, premature satiety, altered taste and smell, and changes in bowel mobility. In particular, micronutrient deficits can slow postoperative healing, contribute to depression symptoms, and decrease immune competence. Cancer patients are generally motivated to take dietary supplements to improve responses to treatment and quality of life. The Physician's Health Study II (PHS II) randomized controlled trial reported recently that daily multivitamin supplementation significantly, albeit modestly, reduced the risk of total cancer. Although evidence of multivitamin use benefits is limited in cancer patients, taking dietary supplements with constituents in the range of the recommended daily allowance according to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendation is generally considered to be safe.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.329-338
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• 2013

This study is conducted to compare the problems affecting dietary habits and health status between a long-term exercise group and non-exercise group of males older than 50 years. Most subjects of the two groups consider regular exercise to be the most important factor for maintaining health, and recognize hypertension as the number one concern. The most common nutritional supplement among subjects is multiple vitamins, and sleeping time range from 6~8 hours. Breakfast fasting rate was 15.9% among non-exercise group (NEG), where overeating and eating out rates were higher among exercise group (EG) when comparing to NEG. Fasting rates of breakfast, and consumption rates of milk and dairy products, vegetables such as kimchi, and fruits and fruit juices are higher among the EG. Overeating and eating out rates are lower among NEG, whereas eating rates of proteins like meat, fish, eggs, beans, fried foods, high-fat meats carbonated drinks, ice cream, and salt intakes are higher. Rates of health, dietary habits, and nutrient intakes are higher among EG. Energy intakes among the two groups were below the standard level, Vitamin $B_2$ intake is low in EG, and folic acid and calcium intakes were higher in NEG. The exercising group care more about health, eating habits and nutrient intakes, and low smoking rates are being observed. Thus, specific dietary improvement programs for adult men, are required, and it is necessary to consider the practice of nutrition education.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.38-53
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic disorders, and, in recent years, its prevalence in Korea has continuously increased. The change of lifestyle, particularly diet, is critical for the reduction of abdominal obesity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention focused on dietary self-efficacy and behaviors on the improvement of abdominal obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Abdominally obese adults with additional cardiovascular risk factors were recruited through 16 medical facilities in South Korea from the year 2013 to 2014. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an intensive intervention group (IG) that received a multi-component intervention to reduce abdominal obesity, by mainly focusing on dietary attitude and dietary behavior change, and a minimal information intervention group (MG) that received a brief explanation of health status and a simple recommendation for a lifestyle change. The interventions were provided for 6 mon, and health examinations were conducted at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-mon follow-ups. A path analysis was conducted to identify the process governing the changes in abdominal obesity. RESULTS: The IG showed an improvement in self-efficacy for eating control and diet quality at 6-mon follow-up. Abdominal obesity improved in both groups. Waist circumference was observed to be decreased through the path of "improved self-efficacy for eating control in food availability-eating restriction-improved dietary quality" in IG. Most changes in follow-ups were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The intensive program targeting the modification of dietary behavior influenced management of abdominal obesity, and the effect occurred through a step-by-step process of change in attitude and behavior. Generally, improvements were also seen in the MG, which supports the necessity of regular health check-ups and brief consultation. The results can be used for further development and implementation of more successful interventions.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.519-531
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Regional disparities in dietary factors might be related to regional disparities in cardiometabolic health. Therefore, this study investigated the associations of cardiometabolic risk factors and dietary factors with regional types in Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Based on data from the 2007-2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the study included 39,781 adults aged ≥ 19 years who completed the dietary survey and a health examination. Healthy and unhealthy dietary factors (fat, sodium, fruit, and vegetable intakes) were evaluated using 1-day 24-h dietary recall method, as well as the use of nutrition labels with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the participants, 48.7%, 36.0%, and 15.2% lived in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas, respectively. Adults living in urban and rural had higher odds ratios (ORs) for obesity (OR for urban, 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.14; OR for rural, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.24) than adults living in metropolitan areas; these associations were significantly observed in middle-aged adults. Compared to metropolitan residents, rural residents had lower ORs for hypertension in middle-aged (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.96) and metabolic syndrome in older adults (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.91). Regarding urban residents, a lower OR for diabetes in middle-aged adults (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97) and a higher OR for hypertension in older adults (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.39) were observed. Overall rural residents had higher ORs of excessive carbohydrate, low fruit, and high salted-vegetable intakes than metropolitan residents. Low fruit intake was positively associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension, after adjustment for regional type and other confounders in total participants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that cardiometabolic risk and unhealthy dietary factors differ among regional types and age groups within Korea. Nutritional policy and interventions should consider regional types for prevention and management of cardiometabolic risk factors.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.587-596
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine health consciousness and eating habits of workers at Deluxe hotels in Seoul and Gyonggi-do. To determine health levels, this study focused on quality of sleep, current state of health, smoking, drinking, regular exercise, dietary behavior patterns, dietary habits, and food intake patterns. Out of 228 subjects, 145 (63.6%) were males and 83 (36.4%) were females. Majority of workers (86.9%) graduated from university. A majority (57.0%) worked more than 10 years. Average health condition was 'little tired', whereas 18.4% of subjects were 'always tired'. Male percentages for smoking and drinking were higher than those for females. A total of 44.3% of workers ate twice a day. Regular physical activity was high, but regular exercise rate was slightly low. Male average eating speed was faster than that of females and had lower scores for desirable eating habits. Shift workers ate night meals more than non- shift workers. This study shows that workers at Deluxe hotels need to take better care of their health.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is difficult to consistently demonstrate the health effects of soy isoflavones owing to the multitude of factors contributing to their bioavailability. To accurately verify these health effects, dietary isoflavone intake should be measured using a biologically active dose rather than an intake dose. This concept has been expanded to the development of new exposure biomarkers in nutrition research. This review aims to provide an overview of the development of exposure biomarkers and suggest a novel research strategy for identifying the health effects of soy isoflavone intake. MATERIALS/METHODS: We cover recent studies on the health effects of soy isoflavones focusing on isoflavone metabolites as exposure biomarkers. RESULTS: Compared to non-fermented soy foods, fermented soy foods cause an increased concentration of isoflavones in the biofluid immediately following ingestion. The correlation between exposure biomarkers in blood and urine and the food frequency questionnaire was slightly lower than that of corresponding 24-h dietary recalls. Urinary and blood isoflavone levels did not show a consistent association with chronic disease and cancer risk. CONCLUSION: It is crucial to understand the variable bioavailabilities of soy isoflavones, which may affect evaluations of soy isoflavone intake in health and disease. Further studies on the development of valid exposure biomarkers are needed to thoroughly investigate the health effects of isoflavone.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.192-197
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The body composition changes in aging increased the risk of metabolic disorder. Recent dietary studies have increasingly focused on the correlations between dietary patterns and chronic diseases to overcome the limitations of traditional single-nutrient studies because nutrients in food have complex relations that interact. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was conducted to classify a dietary pattern among Korean elderly using cluster analysis and to explore the relationships between dietary patterns and body composition changes in Korean elderly aged 65 years or older. The study subjects (n=1,435) were individuals who participated in the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) in 2011. RESULTS: There were three dietary patterns derived by cluster analysis in this study: 'Traditional Korean' (37.49% of total population), 'Meat and Alcohol' (19.65%) and 'Westernized Korean' (42.86%). The (1) 'Traditional Korean' pattern was characterized by high consumptions of white rice and low protein, low fat, and low milk products, while (2) 'Westernized Korean' pattern ate a Korean-style diet base with various foods such as noodles, bread, eggs and milk, (3) 'Meat and Alcohol' pattern had high consumptions of meat and alcohol. In body composition changes, compared with the 'Traditional Korean' pattern, the 'Meat & alcohol' pattern was associated with a 50% increased risk of having elevated BMI ($kg/m^2$), 'Westernized Korean' pattern was associated with a 74% increased abnormality of ASM/Wt (kg) by logistics analysis. Most of the Korean adult population continues to follow ether a traditional Korean having beneficial effects for successful aging. However, the 'Traditional Korean' pattern showed low protein intake (0.7 g/kg), calcium intake, and vitamin D intake as well as low of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM (kg)) among 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the low ASM, consumption of protein, calcium and vitamin D should be increased for Korean elderly health body composition.