• 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.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.160-172
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• 2003

This study was performed to investigate the dietary characteristics and related factors of the elderly female living alone. The subjects were 70 single living elderly female residing in Bucheon city and receiving benefits from the government based social welfare programs. Seventy nine percent of the subjects had self reported monthly income less than 200,000 (won) and forty one percent of the subjects were paying more than 100,000 (won) for food expense. The number of side dishes for a meal was two or three (35.71 ％) or one or two (31.40％)； fifty seven percent of the subjects ate reheated left-over for lunch and 70.0％ for dinner. The proportion of the single living elderly at high nutrition risk ($\geq$ 6 as evaluated with Nutrition Risk Index Score) was 77.1 ％. Cereals and their products contributed most to the macronutrients like energy, protein and carbohydrates and vitamin B. In contrast vegetables and their products contributed most to the fiber, minerals (Ca and Fe) and vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C). The mean total score of depression was 8.59${\pm}$2.69 (full score: 12) meaning that the extent of depression was serious.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2002

To assess the dietary fiber intake of preschool children in Busan and to evaluate the relationship between of the intake of dietary fiber and nutrient intake. Nutrient intake using 24 hour recall, and total dietary fiber (TDF) intake based on tables of TDF of common Korean floods developed by the modified Prosky Method, were estimated for 176 preschool children. The mean daily intakes of TDF, and TDF after adjusting energy intake, were 10.20 g and 7.69 g/1,000 kcal, respectively. The mean daily intakes of TDF for children aged 1-3 and 4-6 years were 9.20 g and 11.08 g, respectively. The range of TDF intake was 1.86 to 22.16 g. The major sources of TDF were cereals (31.0%), vegetables (18.9%) and fruits (11.9%). The TDF intake showed positive correlations with nutrient adequacy ratios (NAR) of iron and Vitamin $B_1$, (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). The TDF intake per 1,000 kcal showed negative correlations with the NARs of protein, calcium, phosphate, iron, Vitamin A, vitamin $B_1$, Vitamin $B_2$, and niacin (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and with the mean adequacy ratio (MAR, p < 0.001). When children were stratified into quartiles ($Q_1-Q_4$) on the basis of their fiber intake per 1,000 kcal, their NARs for calcium, phosphate, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin $B_1, Vitamin $B_2$ and niacin (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), and their MAR (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the children with higher fiber intake per 1,000 kcal (the upper quartile). The NARs fur calcium (0.63), iron (0.60), Vitamin A (0.66), Vitamin $B_2$(0.74), niacin (0.64), Vitamin C (0.65) and the MAR (0.74) were lower than 0.75 in the children with fiber intakes of more than 9.25 g per 1,000 local (0,), the highest fiber intake per 1,000 kcal. Based on these results, the mean TDF intake of children was higher than the age (yr)+5g , the minimum recommended level for American children. Meals with a fiber intake of more than 9.25 g per 1,000 local ($Q_4$) could cause a decreased nutritional status for minerals and vitamins. The result of this study could contribute to the establishment of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for dietary fiber for Korean Preschool children.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.265-277
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• 2011

This study was conducted to improve the nutritional status of high school girls via lunch menu intervention. Surveys were carried out twice to evaluate basal status and status after lunch menu intervention. In the first survey nutrient intakes of 24-hour and school lunch were each estimated by 24-hour recall dietary survey and self-recording, respectively. Calcium intake was the lowest among nutrients, and stir-frying was the most preferred cooking method. Five dishes of school lunch menus which were included in the first survey were replaced with recipes containing foods with higher calcium level; anchovy stir-fried with red pepper paste, anchovy stir-fried with almond, pork stir-fried with shredded kelp, crab meat soup, and tteokbokki with cheese. In the second survey calcium intake from school lunch was significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 45.5% to 50.2% of one thirds of recommended intake (RI) after calcium enriched lunch menu intervention. Intakes of vitamin A and E were also significantly increased, whereas those of energy, thiamin, and vitamin C were decreased. Index of nutritional quality values of nutrients of 24-hour intakes (except thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin C) is increased by intervention; however, those of calcium, folic acid, iron are still very low. Even though this study shows a possibility of improving nutrient intakes of students through school lunch menu intervention, lunch intervention by itself is not enough action to improve nutritional status of micronutrient for adolescents.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4627-4634
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• 2013

Chemoprotection refers to the use of specific natural or synthetic chemical agents to suppress or prevent the progression to cancer. The purpose of this study is to assess the protective effect of aspirin, vitamin C or zinc in a dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) colon carcinoma model in rats and to investigate the effect of these supplements on changes associated with colonic zinc status. Rats were randomly divided into three groups, group 1 (aspirin), group 2 (vitamin C) and group 3 (zinc), each being subdivided into two groups and given subcutaneous injection of DMH (30 mg/kg body wt) twice a week for 3 months and sacrificed at 4 months (A-precancer model) and 6 months (B-cancer model). Groups 1, 2, 3 were simultaneously given aspirin, vitamin C, or zinc supplement respectively from the beginning till the end of the study. It was observed that 87.5% of rats co-treated with aspirin or vitamin C showed normal colonic histology, along with a significant decrease in colonic tissue zinc at both time points. Rats co-treated with zinc showed 100% reduction in tumor incidence with no significant change in colonic tissue zinc. Plasma zinc, colonic CuZnSOD (copper-zinc superoxide dismutase) and alkaline phosphatase activity showed no significant changes in all 3 cotreated groups. These results suggest that aspirin, vitamin C or zinc given separately, exert a chemoprotective effect against chemically induced DMH colonic preneoplastic progression and colonic carcinogenesis in rats. The inhibitory effects are associated with maintaining the colonic tissue zinc levels and zinc enzymes at near normal without significant changes.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.140-149
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• 2011

This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of obesity of 212 women (age 45-60 years) in Seoul and the Kyunggi area through analysis of BMI and the dietary life factors related to obesity using a survey on dietary habits, dietary assessment, and nutrient intake. The height of the underweight group was taller than normal. The height of the obese group was equal to that of the normal group, but the weight was 8.5 kg greater than the normal group. Women in the underweight group consumed meals irregularly, and only 33.4% ate breakfast. Additionally, the rate of overeating was low in the underweight group, and milk, dairy products (yogurt, etc.), fruit, and fruit juice were consumed more than once a day. It was found that 62.1% of the women in the obese group never ate out, and the rate of eating one serving of fruit, drinking one cup of fruit juice, and eating various kinds of foods was high. The average point of women's dietary life was $21.9{\pm}2.9$, and 12.7% of all women responded that their dietary life was good. However, in the obese group, only 6.9% of the women reported that their dietary life was good. Evaluation of snacking habits revealed that the underweight group consumed a high level of carbonated drinks and ice cream, whereas for in the obese group, 24.1% of the women consumed milk and its products and 5.6% regularly consumed fast and fried foods. Evaluation of nutrient intake revealed that the consumption of energy, protein, vitamin A, vitamin $B_1$, $B_2$, $B_6$, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin E was high in all of the groups, but the intake of folic acid in the underweight group was lower than the required level. Overall, 24.1% of the women in the obese group were found to have metabolic diseases, mostly hypertension (43%). In conclusion, a balanced diet to avoid excessive nutrient intake is needed to prevent obesity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.260-272
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• 2010

This study examined how the participation rates contribute to subjects' outcomes after a nutrition education (once/week) and exercise (3 times/week) intervention program for 12 weeks in 44 obese female subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups: high-participator (HP) or low-participator (LP) groups according to their participation levels based on the median visit value (30 visits out of a total of 48 visits). Daily nutrient intakes assessed by a 24-hour recall, body composition, blood lipid profiles and physical fitness were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. After the intervention, weight, BMI, percent body fat, and the waist-hip ratio were significantly decreased in the HP group. In addition, the HP group had a greater rates of changes in weight (HP group: -6.6% and LP group: -3.1%, p < 0.01), BMI (-7.0% and -3.2%, p < 0.01), percent body fat (-7.8% and -4.2%, p < 0.05), and waist-hip ratio (-3.1% and -0.4%, p < 0.01) compared to the LP group. Energy-adjusted protein, fiber, potassium, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_6$, and vitamin C were significantly increased in the HP group. The HP group showed a significant increase in HDLcholesterol and a decrease in blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and atherogenic index (AI). While the muscle endurance, muscle strength, power, agility and flexibility were significantly increased in the HP group, agility and balance were improved in the LP group. In addition, dietary behavior score was significantly increased and stress score decreased in the HP group compared to the LP group. High participation rates were correlated with the improvement of the nutrient density (protein, fiber, potassium, Vitamin $B_1$, Vitamin $B_2$, Vitamin $B_6$ and folate), anthropometric parameters (body weight, BMI and percent body fat), serum lipid profiles (HDL-cholesterol, Triglyceride, and AI) and physical fitness (muscle endurance) adjusted for age, menopausal status, alcohol drinking, nutritional supplement use and baseline BMI. Our results suggest that high participation in nutrition education and exercise program was effective not only for weight reduction but also for the improvement of physical fitness in obese women.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.372-386
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• 2000

This study was conducted to assess anthropemrtric, health status, nutritional status, and their correlations in 120 female college students in Kyunggido area. The questionnaires on general living habits, food habits and energy expenditure were used, and nutrient intakes were estimated by Convenience Method. Anthropometric measurement, blood pressure, hemoglobin(Hb), hematocrit(Hct) were also determined. The mean values for BMI, RBW, and blood pressure of the subjects were 20.4$\pm$2.4, 92.9$\pm$16.0% and 108.9/69.6mmHg, respectively. Estimation of body fat from two sites of skinfolds thickness(20.6$\pm$6.0%) and four sites of skinfolds thickness(20.1 $\pm$8.6%) was similar, but different from BIA method(23.9$\pm$3.9%). The subjects of 36.9% considered themselves healthy, and 15.4% of them considered themselves not healthy. The mean values for Hb and Hct were 13.4$\pm$ 1.6g/dl, and 41.5$\pm$0.4%, respectively. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency assessed by Hb and Hct were found to be 19.8% and 6.3%, accordingly. The mean energy intake of subjects was 1,841 kcal. The proportion of energy derived from carbohydrates, protein and fat was 64.9%, 14.7%, and 20.4%, respectively As nutrient intake was compared to RDA for Koreans, intakes of energy, calcium, iron, and vitamin A fell short of recommendations. Intakes of energy, fat, iron, vitamin B$_2$, and niacin were positively correlated with total energy expenditure. These results suggest that appropriate reference data are important to maintain the health of female college students.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to provide a reference range for plasma homocysteine and to explore the relation between plasma homocysteine and nutritional indexes in a Korean college women. Thirty women were selected from college students in Seoul area With mean age of 22.4y. Dietary intakes of Vitamins B$_{6}$, B$_{12}$, folate were estimated from a 3 day food diary method and plasma homocysteine concentration was mearsured as well as the levels of blood vitamins. The results obtained are as follows. Mean daily intake of energy, vitamin B$_{6}$, B$_{12}$, and folate were 1731.9kcal, 0.9mg, 2.2mg and 139.8$\mu\textrm{g}$ respectively. Mean plasma homocysteine concentration was 12.4$\mu$mol/l with a range between 6.7 and 17.8$\mu$mol/l and the mean concentrations of plasma vitamin B$_{6}$(PLP), serum vitamin $_{12}$, Serum folate and RBC folate were 77.5nmol/l, 267.4pmol/l, 17.1 nmol/l and 736.5nmol/l arid 736.5nmol/l respectively. we found a negative correlation between plasma homocysteine concentration and dietary vitamins, and blood levels of vitamin although it was not significant.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.290-302
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• 2005

The nutrients intake and health-related habits of nonagenarian subjects in Korean representative longevity belts of Damyang, Gokseong, Kurye, Sunchang were evaluated for the purpose of providing the information on the desirable food selection and dietary pattern of elderly population. A survey was conducted with 91 subjects (26 males and 65 females) and their food intakes were measured by the combination of one meal weighing and 24-hr recall, and their general background information was collected by visit. The mean age of the subjects was 93.6 $\pm$ 2.2 (male) and 97.6 $\pm$ 4.6 (female) The average smoking rate was $20.9\%$, the rate of regular drinking was $26.4\%$. The average energy intake was 1,284.9 kcal comprising $77.1\%$ of RDA for elder people over 75. The energy ratio of carbohydrate, protein and fat were 66.5 : 18.2 : 15.3. The average intake of protein, calcium, iron and zinc were $107.4\%,\;59.9\%,\;106.3\%$ and $60\%$ of RDA respectively. The lower intake of vitamins as low as $70\%$ was found except vitamin $B_6$ and niacin. The majority of the subjects consumed rice as staple diet and mostly consumed white plain rice rather than mixed grain rice. The animal and plant food intakes were 88.4 : 11.6 in males and those of females were 83.0 : 17.0 showing a tendency of plant-based meals. Nutrients that showed NAR over 0.7 were protein, iron, vitamin $B_6$, niacin and phosphate, but those with INQ over 1. Nutrient with INQ below 0.7 was only vitamin E. Even though their nutritional quantity did not appear to be enough, but their nutritional quality was relatively high. The adding dairy products, nuts and fruits for the purpose of proving sufficient vitamin and minerals can achieve the optimal nutritional intake patterns. Further research on RDA of this age population should be followed.