Nutrition Commons^™

The Relationship Between Intuitive Eating And Body Mass Index And Diet Quality In College Students, Ashley A. Reynolds

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective

The objective of this research was to explore the influence of intuitive eating (IE) on body mass index (BMI) and diet quality (DQ) among college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional convenience sample of college students completed an online survey consisting of the short-Healthy Eating Index (SHEI) and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (23 items). Body mass index was calculated using self-reported height and weight. Descriptive statistics were used to assess group characteristics. A linear regression was used to test if IE scores significantly predicted BMI. An independent t-test was used to compare BMIs of students with IE scores above and below …

To Know The Land With Hands And Minds: Negotiating Agricultural Knowledge In Late-Nineteenth-Century New England And Westphalia, Justus Hillebrand

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ever since the eighteenth century, experts have tried to tell farmers how to farm. The agricultural enlightenment in Europe marked the beginning of a long arc of new experts aiming to change agricultural knowledge and practice. This dissertation analyzes the pivotal period in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century in Germany and the United States when scientists, improvers, and market agents began to develop comprehensive ways to communicate agricultural innovation to farmers. In a functional approach to analyzing the negotiation of agricultural knowledge through its communication in things, words, and practices, this dissertation argues that the process of change …

Adsorptive Surface Modification Of Cellulose Nanocrystals To Stabilize Nutraceuticals Loaded Lipid Carriers For Food Application, Avinash S. Patel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lipid carriers such as emulsions and liposomes have been widely studied as carriers for different nutraceuticals. However, lipid carriers' physicochemical instability results in the leakage of loaded nutraceuticals and the low solubility into the digestion medium, thus reducing the bioaccessibility. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are nano-sized cellulose derivatives obtained after hydrolysis of cellulosic matrices that possess potential applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. However, hydrophilicity, anionic surface potential, and poor re-dispersibility limit CNC’s applications. The primary objectives of this research were 1) to modify CNC via adsorbing polyethylene glycol (PEG) to stabilize liposomes and to study its physiochemical stability at different …

Development Of Valuable And Functional Protein-Based Food Ingredients From Invasive Green Crabs, Bouhee Kang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

European green crabs (Carcinus maenas L.) are an invasive species unintentionally introduced from Europe to the U.S. Their predation and burrowing activities have had detrimental effects on our marine habitats, aquaculture, and commercially important fisheries. Despite the large population of green crabs, they are not commercially utilized in North America as food products. The specific objectives of my research were to: 1) determine functional properties of protein recovered from green crab by isoelectric solubilization and precipitation (ISP) for potential food application, 2) investigate the application of enzymatic hydrolysis for deriving bioactive compounds from green crab proteins and examine the …

Consumer Acceptability Of Gulf Of Maine Sugar Kelp Seaweed In Baked Bread, Laurel Simone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although steady interest in edible seaweed cultivation continues to grow in Maine, research is lacking regarding consumer preferences and purchasing behavior of seaweed-containing products. The purpose of this study was to determine consumer acceptability of seaweed baked bread and provide insights into purchasing behavior to reveal potential consumer groups that are most likely to buy and eat baked products containing seaweed. Consumer preferences were determined by a sensory evaluation test and an online survey.

Sixty-five participants completed the central location test of freshly-baked bread containing seaweed. Participants were required to be at least 18 years of age, willing to eat …

Investigation Of Anti-Inflammatory And Antioxidants Properties Of Phenolic Compounds From Inonotus Obliquus Using Different Extraction Methods, Weaam A.A. Alhallaf

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as Chaga, is a fungal pathogen of birch trees, known to synthesize a range of phenolic compounds with remarkable health benefits. These presumed medicinal properties have generated increased interest in Chaga consumption. Prior research has demonstrated the diverse chemical composition of Chaga sourced from a variety of geographical locations. However, to our knowledge, there is currently no available literature regarding the extraction of bioactive compounds from Chaga grown in the United States. Additionally, the effect of the extraction method on the antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties specifically, has yet to be validated. Therefore, the present study was …

Is Vegan Confectionary Sold In The United Kingdom Safe For Milk Allergy Sufferers?, Faye Harrison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background
Milk allergy is the most common childhood allergy. Reading food labels is important to prevent an allergic reaction. By United Kingdom (UK) law, milk needs to be listed on the food label if it used as an ingredient. Products can be called ‘free from’ milk if manufacturers have undergone rigorous process and testing to ensure it is not contaminated with milk. Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) like ‘may contain milk’ statements are unregulated and can be used at manufacturer’s discretion. Similarly, ‘Vegan’ products are not regulated by law and appear to be on the increase. Objective
The study aimed to …

Effects Of Oats And Distiller’S Dried Grains Fibers On Fortification Of Asian Noodles – Evaluation Of Glycemic Response, Noodle Quality And Nutritional Composition, Kara Konst

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop Asian wheat noodle formulations enriched with oat flour and corn DDG at 10, 20 and 30 % wheat flour replacement levels and to evaluate the effects of this fiber and protein enrichment on the glycemic response of human subjects. We hypothesized that the addition of high-fiber oats and high-fiber, high-protein DDG will have synergistic effects in lowering the glycemic response in human subjects. In this study, steamed instant Asian noodles were prepared with DDG(D) and oats(OF) in combination with all-purpose wheat flour(W) in the following flour blends: (W:D) 90:10, (W:OF) 90:10, (W:D) …

Effect Of Mineral Ions On The Functional Properties Of Starch Films, Aliza Sigdel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Essential minerals are indispensable inorganic micronutrients that modulate vital physiological functions at the molecular level. Their deficiency, though required in small amounts, impairs health significantly. Their supplementation through diet is prudent and carbohydrates standout as favorable choice. Carbohydrates, starches and polysaccharides, exhibit unique chemical structures and functionalities, and interact with mineral ions in several ways. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of mineral ions on the physicochemical properties, tensile strength and in vitro starch digestion of starch-films. Corn starch and potato starch along with Fe2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions have been chosen as model starch …

Development Of Kefir Products Using Aronia Or Elderberries And The Impacts Of Fermentation On The Health-Promoting Characteristics Of Aronia Polyphenols, Xue Du

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes is a global health problem. The consumption of dietary polyphenols may help to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and slow the progression of diabetic complications. Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) and elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis) fruits are rich in polyphenols and exhibit health-promoting properties, but they are underutilized. Aronia and elderberries are rarely consumed raw due to the astringent mouth feel. New food products are needed to increase their consumption. Kefir, a fermented dairy beverage, was chosen to be the matrix for incorporating berries due to: 1) the protein matrix can help …

Flower Visitation In Relation To Pollen And Nectar Nutrition: Implications For Pollinator Habitat And Conservation, Megan E. Leach

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pollination of both wild and crop plants is at a crossroads; honey bee populations are experiencing losses at a higher rate than ever before, and some native bee species are declining in abundance to the point of being listed as endangered species. A few examples of these threats include pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. In response to bee population declines, conservation efforts have been initiated to increase habitat quality for bees by planting pollinator reservoirs or gardens. Plants provide nutrition to bees in the form of pollen and nectar. Several studies have shown links between higher nutritional quality …

The Effect Of Wild Blueberry Anthocyanins And Phenolic Acids On Innate Immunity: The Compliment System, Vasiliki Papakotsi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ingestion of berries containing polyphenols is associated with lower risk of inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. Diet has been shown to modulate the activation of the complement system, a set of over 50 proteins present in the circulation and tissues that reacts in response to damage or microbial encounter and is critical for the maintenance of homeostasis. Imbalanced activation is tightly correlated with inflammation and various pathologies. Wild blueberries are a rich source of anthocyanins and phenolic acids, which can be found in plasma shortly after consumption. Given the involvement of both complement and polyphenols in the modulation of …

Development Of A Bacteriophage-Based Portable Biosensor For The Detection Of Shiga-Toxin Producing Escherichia Coli (Stec) Strains In Food And Environmental Matrices, Irwin A. Quintela

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A fast and reliable on-site foodborne pathogens screening can reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations and economic loss. It can also circumvent conventional laboratory-based tests with minimal sample treatments and shorter turnaround time. Rapid detection of biological hazards has been largely dependent on immunological agents (ie antibodies). Antibodies are expensive to manufacture and experience cross-reactivity, instability with shorter shelf life. Our aim was to improve the screening process of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in food and environmental matrices by developing a novel, inexpensive handheld bacteriophage-based amperometric biosensor that can directly detect live STEC cells.This biosensor development began …

Nutritional And Health Benefits Enhancement Of Wheat-Based Food Products Using Chickpea And Distiller’S Dried Grains, Waleed H.M. Alrayyes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The first objective of this research was to enhance nutritional, rheological, sensory profiles, and shelf life of wheat-based pita bread using chickpea (CP) and food grade distiller’s dried grains (FDDG) as fortification ingredients. CP and FDDG are both high-protein and high-fiber ingredients. Nutritional efficacy was evaluated. Dough rheology and product texture were also analyzed. Chemical, physical, and rheological properties of blends, doughs and finished products were evaluated and the results showed an increase in protein, fat, ash, and total dietary fiber with an increase of FDDG and CP in the wheat-based food formulation. Moisture content was decreased in both flour …

Effects Of Yogurt Fortification With Different Legumes Protein On The Physio-Chemical, Microbiological, And Rheological Properties, Prachi Pahariya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nowadays, yogurt (a nutritious fermented dairy product) is getting popular around all over the world due to beneficial action provided by bacteria present in yogurt culture. Along with that, diet plans, which are high in protein and low in fat, has become appealing for growing healthy conscious population that makes a huge shift toward plantbased protein consumption. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to study the effects of yogurt fortification with extracted protein of different beans (legumes)- pinto and kidney beans on the physio-chemical (Moisture, Fat, Protein, Ash, Total Solids Content (TSC), pH, Titratable Acidity (TA), Water Holding …

Successful Weight Management: Barriers And Facilitators To Maintaining Weight After Weight Loss Via A Meal Replacement Program, Hope D. Kleine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Meal replacement programs (MRPs) facilitate weight loss. Unfortunately, a large percentage of individuals that lose weight through MRP are not successful at maintaining their weight. Weight regain one year following weight loss via meal replacements has been as high as 40-50%, demonstrating a critical need to improve weight maintenance in MRP participants. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify barriers and facilitators of weight maintenance after reaching a goal weight in MRP participants.

Methods: Seven focus groups of ≤8 clients were conducted to discuss barriers and facilitators of weight maintenance prior to reaching a point of …

Improving Extraction Of Allergenic Soy Proteins From Soy Products, Amma Konadu Amponsah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With recent increase in the utilization of soy proteins, there are mounting concerns of the escalation of soy allergies. It is, therefore, important to improve current methods of allergen detection to ensure accurate labeling of foods, produce more reliable and representative results in studies to create hypoallergenic food and establish allergen thresholds. The conditions used to extract proteins from foods are important determinants for appropriate detection and interpretation of the allergenicity of food materials. The extraction of soy proteins for soy allergen detections is conventionally performed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer for an extraction period of at least 2 …

Method Development For Vitamin C Quantification In Two Complex Matrices, Hannah D. Hutt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The following liquid chromatographic (LC) method developments and applied research studies were done using two complex food matrices, potatoes and elderberries, which are common to the state of Maine. Potatoes are Maine’s largest agricultural crop, a staple food in most U.S. households, and are, from an analytical standpoint, considered a complex matrix due to the high starch content that can be difficult to remove without degrading or removing nutrients in the process. Elderberries are an emerging crop in the U.S. because of their antioxidant and anti-viral properties and are found growing wild, throughout Maine. Elderberries are also considered a complex …

The Effect Of Wild Blueberry Consumption On The Inflammatory Response, Oxidative Stress And Dna Damage Associated With Exercise, Taylor K. Bloedon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

At all levels of intensity and duration, exercise is known to cause an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). When derivatives of oxygen occur and exist independently with one or more unpaired electrons they are known as “free radicals” (Halliwell and Gutteridge 2007). Since atoms possess electrons that are usually associated in pairs, free radicals have the potential to act negatively in the body. Reactive oxygen species refer to oxygen-centered radicals as well as nonradical but reactive derivatives of oxygen (Halliwell and Gutteridge 2007). When ROS are created in excess, resulting in the disruption of the pro-oxidant/antioxidant …

Cultural Diabetes, Keri E. Noll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes has become a cultural problem across America, but particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions. For my film, I explored these two areas and compared the food and exercise culture to one of the healthier regions, the West. Having moved from Indiana to Colorado, I used my own personal experiences to analyze why people in the Midwest struggle with diabetes and obesity at such a higher rate than those nearer to the Pacific Ocean. Through a series of interviews with close friends and observational analysis of each state, I came to learn something very important about health: our food …

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Response To Daily Oral Supplementation With 800 Iu Cholecalciferol In Premenopausal Women Living In Maine, Monica Nelson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to measure the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] response to daily supplementation with 800 IU vitamin D3 during winter in premenopausal women living in Maine, and to examine the effects of body composition and hormonal contraceptive use on baseline serum 25(OH)D levels and the response to supplementation. One hundred twelve women (22.2±3.7 years old) received placebo from March 2005 until September 2005 when they were randomized to receive either placebo or 800 IU vitamin D3 through February 2006. Eighty-six women completed the study. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Actual vitamin D3 content …

Dietary Patterns Of Mediterranean Adolescents, Sandra Ellan Brussee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is renowned for its health benefits. However, adherence appears to be lessening in the Mediterranean region as rates of overweight, obesity, and chronic disease are increasing. The adoption of a "western diet" (high amounts of meats, refined grains, snacks, and fast-food products) has been termed the "Nutrition Transition". Adolescents appear to be the most affected; therefore their diets and eating patterns were examined in this study. The objectives were to study food group-based consumption of adolescents, compare average servings with recommendations from the USDA Food Guide Pyramid (FGP) and the MD Pyramid, identify and compare eating …

The Effect Of Dietary Manganese On Arterial Functional Properties, Anastasia Z. Kalea

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dietary manganese affects the structure and integrity of blood vessels, as well as vessel predisposition to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. In this thesis, we studied the role of manganese on the functional properties of rat aorta as defined by the endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell pathways for adrenergic-mediated vasoconstriction and cholinergic-mediated vasodilation. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a manganese deficient (MnD), adequate (MnA-control group) or supplemented (MnS) diet (<1, 10-15 and 45-50ppm Mn respectively). After 14 weeks on the diet the aorta was excised and four aortic rings of three mm length were prepared from each animal. Alterations in vasoconstriction among diet groups were detected by dose-response curves to the ^-adrenergic agonist LPhenylephrine in endothelium-intact and endothelium-disrupted rings. Alterations in endothelium-dependent vasodilation among diet groups were determined by doseresponse curves to Acetylcholine. We studied the mechanism by which dietary manganese affects two different endothelium-dependent vasodilation pathways: the Larginine/ nitric oxide (NO) and the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways. Inhibition of the enzymes for NO synthesis (NOS) with L-NMMA, and of prostanoids (COX I and II) with Mefenamic acid, determination of NOS expression, and in vitro addition of L-Arginine (substrate for NO formation) to vessel rings revealed the effect of manganese on the regulation of endothelium-mediated vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Dose-response curves to sodium nitroprusside provided data for the dietary effect on endotheliumindependent vasodilation. Supplementary dietary manganese increased adrenoreceptor-mediated vascular smooth muscle contraction, which was significantly reduced in the presence of functional endothelium. Absence of dietary manganese increased endothelial cell sensitivity to the (Xi-adrenergic vasoconstrictor agent. Manganese had a small effect on the cGMP-pathway for dilation of vascular smooth muscle but affected vasodilation primarily through an endothelium-mediated pathway, probably by preserving NO bioavailability. Inhibition of vasodilation in Mn deficiency appears to occur through an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor, possibly thromboxane with a concomitant decrease in the synthesis of endothelium-mediated vasodilator prostanoids. Our results demonstrate that dietary manganese influences the contractile machinery of vascular smooth muscle cells and regulates the bioactivity of endothelium-mediated vasodilators to affect agonist-induced signaling pathways that participate in the regulation of vasomotor tone. This suggests possibilities for dietary intervention in blood pressure regulation.

The Effect Of Whole Wild Blueberries On Endothelial Function Of The Sprague-Dawley Rat As Related To Cardiovascular Disease, Cynthia Ann Norton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly fed three different diets (n=8 per group), a control diet (AIN '93) (C), a blueberry diet (B) for 13 weeks and a reverse diet (R)(C for 13 weeks, switched to B for 8 weeks). Aortae were excised, rings were prepared, and two intact and two denuded rings were immersed in tissue baths containing physiological salt solution (PSS) at 37OC, aerated with 95% 0 2 and 5% CO2 (pH 7.4). Following equilibration and pre-conditioning under 1 Sgm preload, cumulative dose response curves were generated with six doses of the a-1 adrenergic receptor agonist L- Phenylephrine …

Evaluating Attitudes Of Obesity And Their Change Processes Among Student Teachers And School Teachers On The World Wide Web Using The Elaboration Likelihood Model, Anne L. Hague

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teachers have an active role in helping to prevent and deter stigmatizing acts toward children labeled as "fat." The objective was to examine attitudes of obesity and their change processes among student teachers and schoolteachers, when exposed to a Web-based educational module promoting size acceptance, using the Elaboration- Likelihood Model (ELM). The ELM is a theoretical approach to message-based persuasion specifying conditions under which attitude change occurs. The theory was used to explain the impact of the module (content included etiological factors of obesity, implications of weight loss efforts, and emotionaVpsychosocia1 effects of obesity), high nutrition credibility of the module …

Antioxidant Assessment In Western Maine Elderly Women Following 30 Days Of Wild Blueberry Consumption, John David Bagnulo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increased fruit and vegetable consumption is the single most protective characteristic of a diet against disease. While the exact mechanism by which this protection is offered remains unclear, the leading theory is centered on the antioxidant content of fruits and vegetables. Recent studies have shown that certain fruits and vegetables have significantly higher antioxidant contents than others. Wild North American blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) have one of the highest antioxidant contents of all h i t s and vegetables tested. This thesis investigates the relationship between the consumption of blueberries and blood antioxidant levels in 24 elderly women. In addition, fruits …

Testing Two Food Frequency Questionnaires And Stage-Based Newsletters With Economically Disadvantaged Young Adults, Beth J. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the most important ways to decrease risk of chronic disease development is to consume ample portions of h i t and vegetables. However, less than one-third of young adults meet "5-A-Day" servings, and variety is limited. Economically disadvantaged young adults may be especially vulnerable and are a hard to reach audience. Many of the Cooperative Extension programs are designed to reach low-income audiences and assist them in making changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and dietary choices for nutritional well-being. The objectives of this study were, in Phase I, to test two food frequency instruments for feasibility of use …

The Use Of Polyphosphates To Maintain Yield And Quality Of Whole Cooked, Cryogenically Frozen Lobster (Homarus Americanus) And The Use Of Sorbitol And Tocopherol To Maintain Quality Of Whole Cooked, Cryogenically Frozen Crab (Cancer Irroratus), Beth Louise Calder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The lobster fishery is valuable to Maine seafood processors, a commodity worth over $160 million dollars in 2001. Jonah and Rock crab are underutilized Maine seafood species, which are incidentally caught with lobster. Maine seafood processors could process this non-essential catch, and lobster into high quality frozen seafood products to increase national and international markets, which may have a significant economic impact. Cryogenic freezing can retain high quality texture and flavor attributes in seafood. Freezing can still cause cellular damage, however minimal. Sodium tripolyphophate (STP) and sorbitol are noted for their cryoprotectant effects, and tocopherol has been found to have …

Validation Of Physical Activity Recording By Adolescent Girls, Alison Camesano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity is recorded in bone mineralization studies because physical activity increases bone mass and decreases the risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of this research was to validate a method of physical activity recording used in a longitudinal bone study of adolescent girls. The physical activity recording method was a combination of a diary and an interview-administered recall. The method was validated against an objective measure of physical activity. Twenty-four adolescent girls between the ages of 9.8 and 14.1 wore Stayhealthy RT3 Research Trackers (tri-axial accelerometers) arid recorded their activity for 24 hours on a diary form. The activity records …

Determination Of Residual Hexazinone In Maine's Soil And Water, L. Brian Perkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hexazinone, a systemic herbicide registered for use on wild blueberries in 1983 is credited with increasing Maine's wild blueberry crop by three-fold over a 10 year period, while also increasing overall fruit quality. Unfortunately, the high water solubility of hexazinone gives it a high leaching potential. This solubility factor is exacerbated by the sandy soils where wild blueberries are commonly propagated. In 1991 a routine screen for pesticides used in blueberry agriculture revealed traces of hexazinone in water samples from property formerly used for blueberry production. This discovery has led to the development of solid phase extraction (SPE) and direct-injection …