• 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.20 no.3
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• pp.197-207
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the sources of vitamin D (duration of exposure to sunlight, intake of major food sources for vitamin D or vitamin D supplements) on the serum 25-(OH) $D_3$ levels, and the physical growth of a child. Methods: Subjects were 296 children aged 1 to 5 years who visited S hospital located in Changwon City. Survey data collection was carried out by direct interview method, and the biochemical data were collected using hospital records. Results: The study subjects were divided into three groups according to their levels of serum 25-(OH) $D_3$ (deficient, relatively insufficient, sufficient) and their percentage were 48.3%, 44.3% and 7.4% respectively. The average concentration of serum 25-(OH) $D_3$ was $20.41{\pm}6.55ng/mL$, which was relatively insufficient. The average duration of exposure to sunlight was $58.86{\pm}49.18minutes/day$. A total score of vitamin D major food sources was 46.71 points (full marks 153), and the most frequently consumed food items were milk, eggs, and cheese. Thirty-four percent of the subjects took vitamin D supplements and their dose were $11.96{\mu}g/day$. Three vitamin D sources in sufficient group were higher than deficient or relatively insufficient group significantly. Intake of vitamin D supplements showed positive relation (+) and high explanation power ($R^2=0.288$) on serum 25-(OH) $D_3$ concentration, but intake of vitamin D major food sources (+) and the duration of exposure to sunlight (+) had a low explanation power ($R^2=0.068$). The relations between serum 25-(OH) $D_3$ concentration and physical growth (height and weight) were shown as negative (-), and their explanation powers were low as 7.3% and 5.9% respectively. Conclusions: This study results can be useful when discussing the intake standard of vitamin D and the effective intake method for children. In addition, it will be helpful to build the children's nutrition policy and to plan the nutrition education program to improve the vitamin D status in children.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.366-377
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• 1991

A retrospective cohort study of low- income households was carried out on 679 mother-infant pairs to see the effect of weaning practices on growth between March, 1987 and January, 1988 in one rural area, one small city, and one big city, by measuring weight and height of children and intervewing mothers. The sample children showed a linear growth retardation from around 7 or 8 month based on WAZ and HAZ using the Korea Growth Standard. After adjusting both for birth-weight/length and morbidity effect, the ANCOVA test showed that :1) infants who were given supplements were not greater than those of not given. 2) infants who were eating supplements more frequently did not show a larger WAZ or HAZ than those of not eating or sometimes eating them. 3) The caloric intake rates of those of higher food frequencies were not greater than those of lower food frequencies. The context of nutrition education about weaning practices has to be changed stressing not only the early introduction of supplements but also the adequate amount of food intake to secure the rapid growth at this critical age.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.117-125
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• 2010

We surveyed 821 children (ages 12-15 y) in Daejeon city and Cunngcheong province, Korea for their use of vitamin mineral supplements (VMS), either over-the-counter drugs and/or health functional foods (HFF). We also considered the significant variables of VMS use, including demographic characteristics, health-related variables, eating habits and nutritional beliefs of VMS by subjects. The frequency of VMS use was 24.8% and, in comparison to counterparts, it was higher in subjects attending middle school (p<0.001), in those living in a large city (p<0.001), in those with a high monthly family income (p<0.05), and in those with high concerns about school performance by parents (p<0.01). Selfhealth concerns by subjects (p<0.05) and concerns about health of offspring by parents (p<0.01) were higher in users than in nonusers. Eating habits of subjects did not affect the use of VMS. Users had a more positive view concerning the potential health benefits of VMS than did nonusers (p<0.05). Most users took VMS when they were healthy (78.9%) and expected 'disease prevention and health maintenance' (44.6%). However, most users did not feel any special effects from VMS use (58.8%), and they got their information on VMS through family and relatives (53.9%). Users of VMS preferred vitamin C supplements (44.2%) and Ca-supplements (56.9%). Therefore, the results show that VMS use is widely spread among the subjects, and that use of VMS is influenced by multiple variables and subjective criteria. Therefore, practical guidelines on VMS use for children's health and growth should be given through nutritional education.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.386-395
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• 2011

The purpose of this research was to study food behaviors and nutrient intakes according to body mass index(BMI) and body image recognition in 211 female university students in Incheon. The majority of the surveyed subjects were in the normal range for BMI. Most of these female university students preferred a thin body type and were not satisfied with their body shapes. Most also controlled their body weight for appearance by exercising and limiting food intake. The obese group often ate processed foods(p<0.01) and ate out(p<0.05). The underweight group and normal-weight group took vitamins and supplements more frequently(p<0.001). Those students who recognized their body image as a 'fat shape' had good appetites(p<0.05) and those who recognized themselves as 'normal shape' considered food formulations ate every meal (p<0.05) and consumed vitamins and other supplements frequently(p<0.01). The mean calorie intake of all students was about 80% of the recommend amount, so there was a risk of lack of various nutrients. The 'fat' students by body image recognition had lower calorie intakes in order to reduce body weight. In all the groups, there was a lack of vitamins $B_1$ and $B_2$, as well as the minerals Ca and Fe. Therefore, education on correct body image recognition and training on proper weight control are deemed necessary. In addition, education and counseling on nutrition that are tailored to individual status are needed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.1732-1737
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• 2002

This study was conducted to examine the effect of Leucaena leucocephala-Morus alba-Azadirachta indica (2:1:1) based leaf meal mixture as nitrogen source to partially replace (50%) soybean meal in conventional supplements on the performance of goats. Twelve non-descript female goats were divided into two equal groups in a completely randomized design to receive either the leaf meal mixture based supplement (LMAM) or soybean meal incorporated concentrate (SBM) and wheat straw for ad libitum intake for a two month period. The goats given LMAM and SBM concentrate had similar dry matter intake ($50.2{\pm}1.67g/kg\;W^{0.75}$) and nutrient digestibility. Nitrogen intake and its faecal and urinary excretion were similar irrespective of diets. The balance of nitrogen was positive and comparable ($1.63{\pm}0.08g/d$) in both dietary treatments. The plane of nutrition on both diets was comparable and the digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrients values of the composite diets offered did not differ significantly between the dietary supplements. The serum concentration of enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were statistically similar in both the groups, while haemoglobin and serum urea levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher in LMAM and SBM treatments, respectively. It was concluded that the leaf meal mixture of Leucaena leucocephala-Morus alba-Azadirachta indica could be used as a vegetable protein supplement to wheat straw based diet of goats.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.280-288
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• 1995

Because yeast is rich in vitamins, nucleotides and essential amino acids, it has been used as a nutrient and dietary supplements. Particularly yeast extract functions as a seasoning, flavor enhancer in meats. In this study, naturally occurring insoluble components during yeast extract process by autolysis were microanalyses by using SEM, XRD, HPLC, GC, FT-lR and DSC. On the basis of useful datas, authors have characterized the analytical points for the purpose of improving products in the preparation of yeast extract.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.364-371
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to estimate usage of vitamin and mineral supplements as over-the-counter (VM-OTC) drugs as well as examine factors associated with VM-OTC usage in Korean adolescents. A total of 1,407 adolescents attending middle or high school in all parts of country were included in the analysis. Prevalence of VM-OTC usage was 56.1%, and it was higher as monthly income, father's education level, and socioeconomic status of family increased (p<0.001). VM-OTC intake was higher in middle school students than in high school students as well as in rural areas or small & mediumsized city residents than big city residents (p<0.01). Subjects mainly received information on VM-OTC mainly from 'family and relatives' (46.6%), whereas only 20.3% received information from experts. Subjects took VM-OTC 'when they are healthy' (49.1%), 'when they feel sick' (17.7%), 'when they are on a diet' (17.3%), and 'when they are stressful' (15.9%). The effectiveness of taking VM-OTC were mainly 'fatigue recovery' (35.0%), 'health improvement' (30.6%), and 'nutritional status improvement' (13.2%). The most frequently used VM-OTC was vitamin C (49.1%), multi-vitamins (18.6%), multi vitamins & minerals (13.2%), and calcium (9.2%). Among VM-OTC users, only 21.9% replied that they usually check the nutrition facts when they buy products, 62.4% follow the recommended dosage, and 9.7% fully understand the nutrition labels of the products. According to logistic regression analysis, the most influential factor affecting VM-OTC use was parents' and siblings' VM-OTC consumption (p<0.001). In addition, school type (middle or high school) (p<0.01), residence (p<0.05), self-concerns about health (p<0.05), father's education level (p<0.05), and socioeconomic status of family (p<0.05) all influenced VM-OTC use. These results show that VM-OTC use is widespread among adolescents, few users actually check and fully understand the nutrition labels when they purchase VM-OTC, and they are highly dependent on unprofessional advice and information. Therefore, it is necessary to educate adolescents to help them select proper VM-OTC and read nutrition labels.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2011

The elderly is a target group for health functional foods (HFFs). We surveyed 825 Korean elderly (71.4- years-of-age) for HFF use and significant variables for HFF use including demographic characteristics, health related variables, and nutritional beliefs. The prevalence of HFF use was 48.7%, and among all types of HFF, red ginseng products were eaten most frequently, followed by ginseng products, nutritional supplements, and mushroom products. The mean age of users of HFFs was lower than nonusers (p<.01). HFFs were eaten more frequently by subjects from families living with a spouse or unmarried children (p<.01) and those with higher levels of monthly pocket money (p<.001). HFFs were also eaten more frequently by subjects or their spouses with a higher education level (p<.001). The social activity participation ratio (p<.01) of subjects and the HFF usage ratio by the spouse (p<.001) were higher in users of HFF than in nonusers. Dietary assessment scores were not different between the two groups, and users had a more positive view concerning the potential health benefits of HFFs than did nonusers (p<.001). Most users of HFF ate HFFs "when they were healthy" (52.2%) and experienced some effect through HFF use (45.8%). Most users of HFFs received information on HFFs through their families or relatives (38.1%) and most purchased HFFs at the pharmacy or oriental medicine clinic (44.8%). HFF users preferred multivitamin- and Ca-supplements most among the vitamin and mineral supplements belonged to HFFs. The above results show that HFF use is widely spread among subjects, and that use of HFF is influenced by various factors. Thus, practical guidelines for HFF use should be provided for the elderly through elderly focused-nutrition education based upon significant variables and consumption behaviors for their HFF use of present study.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.213-222
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• 1996

The most abundant long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in brain lipids is docosahexaenoic acid(C22 : 6 N-3, DHA). It is incorporated into nerve tissues mostly in utero and during the first year of life. DHA in brain is derived from either pre-formed DHA in human milk or by infant hepatic synthesis from linolenic acid in milk. This study was designed to investigate the effects of DHA supplementation on fatty acid profiles in maternal plasma lipid and breast milk. Twenty lactating women participated in the study. Seven women took 3g of fish oil per day and vitamin E for 28 days starting from the day of giving birth. Five women consumed 1.5g of fish oil as well as tivamin E, and the rest took vitamin E supplements for the same period of time. Dietary questionnaires and 3 consecutive 24-h recalls were collected to evaluate theri nutritional status and food habits. Finding that DHA intake from fish was not significantly different among three experimental groups, the partcipants were instructed to continue eating their usual home diets. Milk samples were taken on the day of giving birth, as well as the 7th, 14th and 28th day being the supplement phase, and finally 2 weeks after the cessating of DHA supplements. The amounts of the fish oil supplements produced significant dose-dependent increased in the DHA content of milk and plasma, but to a lesser degree. Base-line for 28 days raised the level to 2.05$\pm$0.43% and 1.5g/day supplement produced DHA levels of 1.02$\pm$0.19%. The results of this study indicated that relatively small amount of dietary DHA supplementation significantly elevats DHA content in milk. This would clearly elevate the infant's DHA intake which in turn may have implications for the infant's brain development.