• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.6
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• pp.569-577
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify dietary patterns among Korean elementary school girls based on the change in body mass index (BMI), body fat, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) during 22 months and to explore the characteristics of dietary patterns identified. Girls aged 9-11 years were recruited and 3-day dietary data were collected four times. Subjects with a diet record of 8 or more days and anthropometric data measured at baseline and 22 months later were included (n = 198). Reduced rank regression was utilized to derive dietary patterns using a change in BMI, body fat, and calcaneus BMD and BMC as response variables. Two dietary patterns were identified: the "Egg and Rice" dietary pattern and "Fruit, Nuts, Milk Beverage, Egg, Grain" (FNMBEG) dietary pattern. Subjects who had high score on the FNMBEG pattern consumed various food groups, including fruits, nuts and seeds, and dairy products, whereas subjects in the "Egg and Rice' dietary pattern group did not. Both dietary patterns showed a positive association with change in BMI and body fat. However, subjects who had a higher score on the "Egg and Rice" dietary pattern had less of a BMC increase, whereas subjects who had a higher score on the FMBEG dietary pattern had more increased BMC over 22 months after adjusting for age, body and bone mass, and Tanner stage at baseline. Our results provide evidence that a well-balanced diet contributes to lean body mass growth among young girls.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.230-239
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the dietary patterns (DPs) of women during pregnancy. The present study aimed to identify the DPs of pregnant Malaysian women and their associations with socio-demographic, obstetric, and anthropometric characteristics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 737 participants enrolled in Seremban Cohort Study between 2013 and 2015. Food consumption was assessed using a validated 126-food item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) at four time-points, namely, pre-pregnancy and at each trimester (first, second, and third). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify DPs. RESULTS: Three DPs were identified at each time point and designated DP 1-3 (pre-pregnancy), DP 4-6 (first trimester), DP 7-9 (second trimester) and DP 10-12 (third trimester). DP 1, 4, and 7 appeared to be more prudent diets, characterized by higher intakes of nuts, seeds & legumes, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, eggs, fruits, and milk & dairy products. DP 2, 5, 8, and 11 had greater loadings of condiments & spices, sugar, spreads & creamer, though DP 2 had additional sweet foods, DP 5 and 8 had additional oils & fats, and DP 11 had additional tea & coffee, respectively. DP 3 and 6 were characterized by high protein (poultry, meat, processed, dairy, eggs, and fish), sugars (mainly as beverages and sweet foods), and energy (bread, cereal & cereal products, rice, noodles & pasta) intakes. DP 9 had additional fruits. However, DP 12 had greater loadings of energy foods (bread, cereal & cereal products, rice, noodles & pasta), sugars (mainly as beverages, and sweet foods), and good protein sources (eggs, nuts, seeds & legumes). Malays were more likely to have lower adherence (LA) for DP 1 and 10 than non-Malays. DP 2, 8, and 11 were more prevalent among Malays than non-Malays. Women with a higher education were more likely to have LA for DP 10, and women with a greater waist circumference at first prenatal visit were more likely to show LA for DP 11. CONCLUSIONS: DPs observed in the present study were substantially different from those reported in Western populations. Information concerning associations between ethnicity, waist circumference and education with specific DPs before and throughout pregnancy could facilitate efforts to promote healthy dietary behavior and the overall health and well-being of pregnant women.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.598-607
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• 2006

The following study has been conducted by carrying out the nutrition education program for preschool children and measuring the change in their food preference and nutritional knowledge. The 28 boys and 22 girls with the average height of $117.4{\pm}5.1cm$ and weight $21.8{\pm}3.5kg$ participated in the study. The favorite foods of the children were: meat (51.1%) being the highest, fruits (38.3%), carbohydrates (23.4%), while the least favored food was vegetables (75%). It indicated that 36.2% of the children were having unbalanced diets. The change in food preference after the implementation of the nutrition education program was the significant increase in preference in vegetables and fruits (p<0.01) and proteins such as meat, fish, eggs and beans (p<0.05). The differences in food preference among boys and girls were that the boys showed significant increase in vegetables and fruits (p<0.01) while there was a decrease in the simple sugar groups (p<0.01). Regarding girls, there were significant increases in vegetables and fruits as well as protein groups of meat, fish, eggs and beans (p<0.01). The changes in the nutritional knowledge of the preschool children after the implementation of the nutrition education program were scores for the fruits and vegetables group and carbohydrates group showed a significant increase while the scores for the oil and nuts group had decreased considerably. The average score on nutritional knowledge has significantly increased from 9.07 to 10.17 (p<0.01) and the score on the roles of the nutrients increased from 3.02 to 3.48 (p<0.05). The changes in eating habits of the children after the nutrition education were the answer for the change in eating habits of the children after the nutrition education was 'slight change' 61.4%. Also, the change in food preference was 'slight change' 61.4% and the improvement in nutrition education was 'slightly' 50%. According to the results of this study, it is evident that the change in eating habits and the acquisition of nutritional knowledge is very difficult, thus requiring consistent and prolonged education. Therefore, it seems to be best to include a more systematic and professional nutrition education program in preschool education. Also, the education for the parents should be implemented since the effect of education on children is greater when it is closely connected with the education at home.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.333-341
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• 2020

This study evaluated the perception, consumption behavior, and optional attributes of Korean, Chinese, and U.S. consumers of energy bar products. Data were compared and analyzed by surveying 300 consumers in each country. Significant differences were observed in preference for energy bars according to their nationality, in the order China, the U.S., and Korea. Perception of taste, types and dietary suitability of the products ranked lower for Korean consumers, as compared to consumers of the United States and China. The order dietary fiber, protein, and calcium were the sought-after nutritional requirements of the products. The demand for protein was significantly higher in the U.S. Calcium demand was low in the United States and China, but was very high in Korea, which could be attributed to the low calcium intake of Koreans. Other optional attributes which were closely associated with the purchase and re-purchase decision, included price, taste and delivery period. All three factors were recognized as important options in Korea, whereas awareness of packaging/appearance and brand was not. The taste, nutrients and price in the U.S. ranked high as important optional attributes, while the packaging, external and expiration dates were recognized as low. Unlike Korea and the U.S., important optional attributes for Chinese consumers were determined in the order expiration date, taste, and nutrients, and showed low perception for packaging, appearance, weight, counts, and prices. Evaluating the preference for the main and secondary ingredients, Koreans preferred nuts over grains, Americans preferred dried fruits over nuts, and Chinese preferred nuts and grains; both Korean and American consumers had low preference for dried vegetables. The preference for chocolate was low in Korea and China, whereas preference for jelly was high in China as compared to Korea and the U.S. The intention of purchasing energy bars was significantly lower in Korea than in the U.S. and China. A variety of nutritious functional bars have recently been distributed and sold in Korea, but they are mostly produced in the U.S., which is the largest producer and consumer worldwide. Taken together, results of this study indicate that the demand for nutritional enhancement and preferred materials vary according to the nationality. Hence, it is necessary to develop products that reflect these criteria. Further research is required to analyze the relationship between preference and consumption behavior for each material product developed in the future.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.411-423
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop new meal planning tools for a nutritionally balanced diet. Methods: Based on the food exchange list for diabetes, we adjusted the food group classification system to reflect the suggested nutritional factors for chronic disease prevention and health promotion. We developed a nutritionally balanced dietary profile for adults and compared it with the dietary reference intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) and the food pattern recommended by the Korean Diabetes Association. Results: The newly developed menu planning tools are the LOHAS food exchange table and the LOHAS food pattern. Our recommended daily 1,800 kcal dietary composition for adults is as follows: The carbohydrate food group consists of 4 'whole grains', 3 'refined grains', 2 'sugars', 9 'vegetables', 3 'starchy vegetables', 2 'fruits' and 1 'high sugar fruits'. The protein food group includes 3 'plant protein foods', 3 'animal protein foods (low-fat)', and 1 'animal protein foods (high-fat)'. The fat food group consists of 2 'oils and nuts' and 1 'solid fats'. The total number of calories is estimated at 1,840 kcal and the energy ratio is 62% carbohydrate, 18% protein, 20% fat, 6.8% saturated fat and 13.2% sugars. Using the LOHAS food exchange table, it is possible to estimate values of saturated fat, unsaturated fat, dietary fiber, and sugars besides carbohydrate, protein and fat. It is also possible to compose a dietary design considering carbohydrate, sugars, saturated fat and dietary fiber. The LOHAS food pattern provides benefits for the management of both institutional food services and individual meals, as it can help reduce the levels of saturated fat and sugar intake and help develop healthy meals rich in unsaturated fats and dietary fiber. Conclusions: The LOHAS food exchange table and LOHAS food pattern are expected to be practical tools for designing and evaluating nutritionally balanced diets.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.396-407
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• 2021

Objectives: We examined the common allergenic foods, symptoms and management of food allergies in children attending the facilities registered at Center for Children's Foodservice Management in Gangdong-gu, Korea. Methods: The survey was conducted among the directors or head teachers of 186 children's food service facilities with 7,591 children in 2019. The questionnaire consisted of three parts, including general information about food service facilities, information related to food allergies and allergenic foods and symptoms in individual children. Results: The number of children with food allergy was 271 (3.6%), and the proportion decreased with the increase of age. There were 91 children (33.6%) with a medical certificate, and these children had a significantly higher number of allergenic foods and symptoms than those without a medical certificate. Allergenic food groups included meat, fish, eggs and legumes (59.1%), fruits (12.4%), milk and dairy products (8.9%), cereals (7.8%), vegetables (6.2%), processed foods (3.8%) and oils and sugars (1.9%). Eggs accounted for 22.1%, followed by peanut and tree nuts (18.6%), fruits (12.4%), milk and dairy products (8.9%), shellfish (8.6%), vegetables (6.2%), fish (5.7%), cereals (4.3%) and meat (1.1%). The common allergenic foods were eggs, peanuts, walnuts, kiwi, shrimp, milk, tomatoes, mackerel, blue-green fish, peaches, shellfish (clams and abalone), buckwheat, wheat and soybeans. The most common allergic symptoms were skin and mucous membrane symptoms, such as hives, rash, itching and oral angioedema. Meal management for children with food allergies showed different trends depending on the causative food. Conclusions: The objective diagnosis by an allergist should be done for food allergy management in children's catering facilities. A system for systematic meal management of causative foods should be prepared.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.142-153
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• 2006

This study was planned to investigate the current using status of agricultural products in school food service both produced in Korea and imported from other countries and the dieticians' perception on using those. A total of 723 dieticians of 442 elementary schools and 381 middle high schools were surveyed in July, 2003 to perform the purposes of the study. A high using rate (93.4%) for Korean agricultural products was investigated. As for meat such as pork and chicken except beef and eggs, the using rate of Korean agricultural products was high. Almost 100% of vegetables and fruits, except tropical fruits such as banana, kiwi, orange and pineapple supplied for school food service were also Korean products. As for nuts and edible oil, the rate of using for Korean agricultural products was comparatively lower than those of other food items due to the price gap. Most dieticians rated the quality of the products produced in Korea higher than that of the imported products in the aspects of their freshness, taste, and safety. But they found no difference in the package condition of the products produced in Korea and of those imported from other countries. This result suggests that the package system should be improved for the agricultural products produced in Korea.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the need to develop foods for the elderly based on their food preferences. A one-to-one survey method was used for data collection, and the survey was conducted on 165 elderly people (male: 47, female: 118) attending senior welfare centers in Seoul. The results of this study show that the preferred cooking method was steaming rather than stir-frying. Vegetables (4.24), fruits (4.22), Kimchi (3.87), fish (3.83), tofu (3.81), rice-cakes (3.65), dairy products/eggs (3.47), meat (3.45), noodles (3.44), seafood (3.44), poultry (3.23), bread/cookies (3.10) showed high preferences in order (p<0.05). The respondent's chewing & swallowing degree were "Not uncomfortable chew" 31.5%, "Hard food, and a big food is a little difficult to intake". 37%, "Hard food, and a big food is difficult to intake" 11.5%, "Small food, and soft foods can intake" 11.5%, and "It is difficult to intake solid food" 1.2%. Foods that were difficult to chew were meat 28.3%, seafood 15.2%, vegetables 15.2%, nuts 14.1%, fruits 12.0%, Kimchi 8.7%, and other 6.5%. For respondents, the most important factors affecting choice of elderly foods were flavor (48.5%), hygiene (43.0%), and nutrition (36.4%). The elderly wanted "Ready to eat (RTE)" 53.9%, "Ready to heat (RTH)" 15.8%, "Ready to cook (RTC)" 21.2%, and 'Fresh cut product" 9.1%.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.252-261
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although previous experimental studies reported the health benefits of foods rich in phytochemicals, few epidemiologic studies have investigated the associations between phytochemicals and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to calculate a phytochemical index (PI) and examine its association with metabolic syndrome in the Korean population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data of Korean adults aged ≥ 19 years who participated in the 2008-2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed. The PI was calculated using 24-hour intake recall data regarding whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, and soybeans and soy products. Demographic and lifestyle data were obtained using self-administered questionnaires. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components according to PI quintiles. RESULTS: Overall, 31,319 adults were evaluated. Compared with men, women had a higher median PI level (9.96 vs. 13.63) and significantly higher caloric intake levels from most PI components (P < 0.05), except for soy products. After adjusting for multiple confounding variables, participants in the highest PI quintile had significantly lower prevalences of abdominal obesity (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81-0.99), hyperglycemia (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74-0.94), high blood pressure (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73-0.93), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.94), and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Higher intakes of phytochemical-rich foods are associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic dysregulation and consequently, cardiometabolic diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.381-391
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• 2023

This study was conducted to analyze relationships between depression indices, mini nutritional assessment scores, and nutritional quotients among 80 elderly in Yangpyeong-gun and to identify factors that help prevent depression and malnutrition. Nutrition assessment scores were low in the high-risk group (PHQ-9 score ≥10), and nutritional quotient scores were lower in the high-risk group than in the normal group (PHQ-9 score ≤4). Interestingly, the consumption frequencies of fruits, eggs, and nuts were low in the high-risk group, and subjective health awareness, dental condition, and sleep were poorer. The total PHQ-9 score was correlated with malnutrition, body mass index, calf circumference, weight change, independent daily living, reduced meal amount, water intake, and the need for help when eating. Analysis of correlations between items of the PHQ-9 and nutritional status evaluation indices showed that a self-perceived feeling of depression, low energy, difficulty controlling sleep or appetite, negative thoughts (e.g., failure, disappointment), and difficulty concentrating were negatively correlated with total nutritional status scores. These results show that attention is required when food or water intake decreases and that deviation from normal sleep and appetite cycles flags the need to prepare guidelines to prevent depression.