Human and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Association Of Micronutrient Inadequacy And Body Mass Index In Young Adults, Taylor Peabody

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background

Micronutrient inadequacy has been found at higher levels in overweight and obese individuals in a broad range of ages relative to healthy weight. Insufficient micronutrient levels can have a negative impact on physical and mental health along with excess weight.

Objective

Due to health consequences related to inadequate micronutrient intake and the understanding that the general population not only fails to meet the majority of micronutrient recommendations, but is also overweight or obese, the objective of this study is to first, determine if young adults in the Northwest Arkansas Region are consuming adequate levels of micronutrients and second, if …

Microbiome Diversity And Differential Abundances Associated With Bmi, Immune Markers, And Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids Before And After Synbiotic Supplementation, John Sterrett, W Andrew Clark, Michelle Chandley

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The gut microbiota and its metabolites – namely short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – interact with the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Microbiota with disrupted composition are highly associated with obesity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and chronic inflammation. Levels of SCFAs in the feces can represent dynamics of the microbiota, and they represent one mechanism by which the microbiota interacts with its host. This study aimed to further our understanding of associations between microbiota bacterial diversity and SCFAs, immune markers, BMI, and GI symptoms and to identify bacteria that are differentially abundant in different BMI groups and with synbiotic supplementation. Data (SCFAs, …

The Effect Of Protein And Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation On Regulation Of Sleep And Mood In Postmenopausal Women, Caroline Baughn

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The older population of the United States is in a period of rapid growth [1]. population of those in the United States aged 65 or older will double to about 72 million in the next 25 year [1]. This population is at increased risk for obesity, chronic diseases, decreased quality of life, and premature death. Therefore, guidelines for healthy aging are desperately needed. In 2015 alone, 67.7% of adults in the United States aged 65 or older reported having two or more chronic conditions [2]. Treatment for those in the older population afflicted by multiple chronic conditions alone accounts for …

The Role Of Higher Protein Diets In The Regulation Of Mood And Sleep In Patients With Metabolic Syndrome, Mckenzie Fellinger

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Metabolic Syndrome is becoming a more prevalent health issue within the United States, currently affecting 22% of adults (Capuron et al., 2008). Several factors contribute to the diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome, including obesity, high levels of triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Metabolic Syndrome puts those who have it at an increased risk for numerous diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (Jennings et al., 2007). Several studies have shown that Metabolic Syndrome plays a negative role in sleep and mood of those with the disease. Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome often have poor sleep …

The Effect Of Breakfast Macronutrient Composition In Children Ages 7-17 Years Old As A Potential Method To Combat Childhood Obesity, Angela M. Tacinelli

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is an ongoing concern. Currently, approximately 20% of children in the United States are obese. While obesity was once regarded merely as excessive adiposity within the body, it is has emerged as a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is multifactorial in nature. Weight gain can result from an energy imbalance in the body due to excess energy intake (calories in) and decreased energy expenditure (calories out). Identifying methods to combat obesity is essential. Nutritional intervention may be a strategy to help …

Efficacy Of Multivitaim-Mineral Supplementation On Health-Related Quality Of Life And Physical Activity In Young Adults, Sarah Pendergraft

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Micronutrients are essential for both physical and mental health. There is a correlation between poor health and mood and micronutrient deficiencies. Young adults age 18-24 are an at-risk, understudied population likely to benefit from multivitamin mineral supplementation. Multivitamin mineral supplementation is a potential way to bridge gaps in micronutrient levels, thus influencing health-related outcomes. Here, we provide the first attempt at influencing health-related quality of life and physical activity with a multivitamin mineral supplement in young adults. Using a supplement formulated without herbal extracts and caffeine, this double-blind study examined the efficacy of a daily multivitamin mineral supplement for 30 …

Zika Virus Induces Apoptosis In Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells, Madison Kraus, Philma Glora Muthuraj, Sathish Kumar Natarajan

UCARE: Research Products

Zika virus is a single-stranded positive sense RNA virus that attracted international attention in 2015 when an epidemic broke out in Brazil. This vector borne virus is transmitted by mosquitos and is especially concerning for pregnant women because the virus can affect the development of the fetus. One known complication is the destruction of infected retinal epithelial cells. The transduction of light is interrupted due to cell death and results in blind spots. Previous research has demonstrated that palmitoleate can reduce the observed levels of apoptosis in ZIKAV infected JEG-3 cells. We have also seen the protection of retinal pigmented …

Breastfeeding Or Formula Feeding: A Mother's Choice, Trista Briggs, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Lydia Bangerter, Casey Coombs

All Current Publications

Deciding how to feed an infant is a decision that should be made by a mother and her family. The benefits of exclusively breastfeeding an infant for the first six months of life are well established (World Health Organization [WHO], 2017); however, it may not always be feasible or a preferred option. For mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, formula feeding is a great option that can support a healthy and thriving infant. This fact sheet will address common questions about breastfeeding and formula feeding to help mothers make an informed decision on how to feed their infant, …

Leptin’S Role In The Obesity Epidemic, Alyssa C. Washeleski

Honors College Theses

Weight loss methods have been around for decades, but yet, individuals still can’t lose weight or keep it off. Researchers have pondered if there is more to being incapable of losing body fat than individuals having a lack of willpower. While the environment plays a critical role in weight regulation, genetics may be just as important.

Research has discovered a hormone called leptin that controls energy expenditure and satiety. Leptin plays a part in many physiological roles, including appetite control, sexual function, immunity, insulin sensitivity, and the metabolism of lipid and bone. Studies done with mice and humans have concluded …

Increasing Patient Adherence To Gestational Weight Gain Goals In Pregnancy, Annie Vining

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The inability to maintain healthy weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to multiple pregnancy-related complications. Nutritional education and support may improve nutrition and vitamin consumption, and recommendations for healthy gestational weight gains have been published. However, pregnant women have reported minimal advice regarding healthy weight gain during pregnancy. A personalized, nutritional counseling program was initiated in a Midwestern, suburban OB-GYN private practice.

Methods: A quality improvement descriptive, correlational design was used. A cohort of pregnant women first trimester through six-weeks postpartum received individual counseling and face-to-face interaction at an office visit each trimester.

Results: Twenty ( …

The Impact Of Anthropometric Measurements On Lactate Levels At Rest And During Exercise, Ashley Kristine Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

49 Pages

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric measures with heart rates (HR) at specific blood lactate concentrations [bLa] during exercise.

Method: Participants and data for this study were collected by an orthopedic rehabilitation center in Central Illinois. Participants underwent lactate testing following METHOD CRA protocol on an upright cycle and an optional DEXA scan. Heart rate values at Prime (2 mmol/L), Anaerobic (4 mmol/L) and Peak (6 mmol//L) blood lactate concentrations were recorded. Data was analyzed using Pearson correlations.

Results: A total of 59 participants were included. Participants ages ranged from 21 …

The Role Of Diet In The Onset Of Depression: A Biochemical Connection Between Nutrition And Mental Health, Katlin Wildeman

Senior Honors Theses

Depression is a major clinical concern, having a complex onset and the presence of multiple, often unidentifiable causes. Depression affects millions of individuals worldwide, with a high prevalence in regions of the world with a Western-style diet as compared to regions with a Mediterranean diet. A Western-style diet consists of foods high in sugar, fat, and processed meats and grains, whereas the Mediterranean diet contains significantly more vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains. The link between diet and mental health disorders has implications for individuals of all ages who are hesitant to turn to medication. In addition to presenting …

Effects Of Acute Dietary Polyphenols And Post-Meal Physical Activity On Postprandial Metabolism In Adults With Features Of The Metabolic Syndrome, Dustin W. Davis, James W. Navalta, Graham R. Mcginnis, Reimund Serafica, Kenneth Izuora, Arpita Basu

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Approximately 22% of U.S. adults and 25% of adults globally have metabolic syndrome (MetS). Key features, such as dysglycemia and dyslipidemia, predict type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature disability, and death. Acute supplementation of dietary polyphenols and post-meal physical activity hold promise in improving postprandial dysmetabolism. To our knowledge, no published review has described the effects of either intervention on postprandial glucose, insulin, lipids, and markers of oxidative damage and inflammation in adults with features of MetS. Thus, we conducted this review of controlled clinical trials that provided dietary polyphenols from oils, fruits, teas, and legumes during a dietary challenge, …

Impact Of Health Promoting Nutrition Intervention Package On Severe Malnutrition Among Under-Five Children In Rural Northern India, Poonam Khanna, Tejinder P. Singh, Rajbir Kaur, Jill Miller, Thakur Mejie, Sonia Minhas, Jyoti Dixit, Manoj Sharma

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

Globally, 17 million children under 5 years of age are affected with severe malnutrition. Severe wasting is a key contributor (12.6%) to child deaths due to nutritional deficiencies and is responsible for several morbid conditions. The purpose of this paper was to assess the impact of nutritional counseling intervention on severe malnutrition among rural under-five children in Northern India. Nine villages in an ongoing project were included in the study to include all the under-five children (N=573) from these villages. Nutritional assessment was performed as per World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards. Based on their z-scores of malnourishment indicators, …

The Effects Of Nutrition Smartphone Applications On Parents’ Grocery Shopping And Meal Planning Behaviors, Lacey Bertram

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this experimental research study was to determine the effects that nutrition smartphone applications, specifically grocery list generation applications, have on parents’ overall grocery shopping experience and meal planning behaviors for their families. The prevalence of adolescent obesity in today’s society has significantly increased to an alarming rate and family mealtimes together have decreased. Family mealtimes together can impact a child’s weight status and future health outcomes. A total of 10 participants investigated and classified the aspects in a nutrition smartphone application that were beneficial to meal planning and grocery shopping. The findings indicated that a nutrition smartphone …

Orthorexia Nervosa In College Students: Eating Disorder History, Gender, And Dieting Behaviors, Katrina Agger, Brittany Moran, Zhiping Yu Phd, Rnd, Ldn

Showcase of Osprey Advancements in Research and Scholarship (SOARS)

Objective: College students are at higher risk for the development of orthorexia nervosa (ON), a term used to describe the pathological obsession with healthy eating. This study aimed to assess how the factors of eating disorder (ED) history, gender, and dieting behaviors affect the ON in this population.

Methods: Students 18 years or older in a southeastern university were invited to take an online survey. Survey questions include Bratman Orthorexia Test (BOT), Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) and participant characteristics.

Results: 411 students (ages 18-65, BMI 15.1-55.5, female 75.2%, white 75.6%, graduate students 16.1%) have completed the survey. Comparing to students …

Food Insecurity As A Continuum: Investigating The Emotional Well-Being Of Parents, Monquie Villamor, Jody Nicholson-Bell, Lauri Wright

Showcase of Osprey Advancements in Research and Scholarship (SOARS)

Household food insecurity is one of the United States’ leading public health concerns that affects millions of families every year. Current literature has mainly focused on the impact of food insecurity on multidimensional outcomes of children (Jyoti et al., 2005; Shankar et al., 2017). However, there is limited research on parents’ experiences and the distinct levels of food insecurity outlined by the USDA. The present study investigates parents’ emotional well-being in association with levels of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programs. It is hypothesized that increased severity of food insecurity will be associated with poorer emotional well-being in …

Relationship Satisfaction & Diet: Exploring The Mechanisms Through Which Intimate Relationships Influence Physical Health, Lindsey Robinson, Dylan Hillock, Dr. Josh Novak

Southeastern Council on Family Relations Conference [2018-2020]

Understanding how intimate relationships influence physical health has been an important topic of focus; however, research remains unclear on the mechanisms through which this influence occurs. The purpose of this study was to examine how relationship satisfaction relates to diet quality, through mental health (depression and anxiety) and diet self-efficacy. Using a dyadic mediation model with a sample of 234 heterosexual couples, researchers found that women's higher relationship satisfaction was associated with better diet through lower depression and higher diet self-efficacy. Results revealed the same association between women's relationship satisfaction and diet through lower anxiety. Interestingly, rather than mediation through …

Use Of A Novel Whole-Body Imaging Approach To Predict Resting Metabolic Rates In Athletes, Nicole Vencil

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Prediction of energy expenditure allows for calculation of appropriate energy requirements, which is especially important for athletes. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the greatest contributor to total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and is typically measured via indirect calorimetry. Indirect calorimetry is not always available, which results in the need for predictive equations. Most predictive equations have been developed with participants resembling the general population and have not been found to be appropriate for athletes, as they may incorrectly predict RMR due to the unique differences of body composition between athletes and the general population. The purpose of the present study …

Social Media Posts' Influence On College Athletes' Protein Knowledge, Kriston T. Love

Theses and Dissertations

This research aimed to examine how Instagram can be used as a means of education for collegiate athletes and their knowledge of protein. More specifically this research aimed to compare the prior knowledge about protein that collegiate athletes have to the knowledge they may have retained after being exposed to posts on Instagram about protein. It also aimed to determine the knowledge of protein collegiate athletes already had and if their sport and year in school influenced their protein knowledge. This study surveyed Division I collegiate athletes on their social media use and knowledge of protein before and after being …

Caloric Restriction Induces Anabolic Resistance To Resistance Exercise, Chaise Murphy, Karsten Koehler

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Purpose Weight loss can result in the loss of muscle mass and bone mineral density. Resistance exercise is commonly prescribed to attenuate these effects. However, the anabolic endocrine response to resistance exercise during caloric restriction has not been characterized. Methods Participants underwent 3-day conditions of caloric restriction (15 kcal kg FFM⁻¹) with post-exercise carbohydrate (CRC) and with post-exercise protein (CRP), and an energy balance control (40 kcal kg FFM⁻¹) with post-exercise carbohydrate (CON). Serial blood draws were taken following five sets of five repetitions of the barbell back squat exercise on day 3 of each condition. …

A Qualitative Study Of The Genesis Of A Community Food Pantry For Students Of Higher Education, Elizabeth Fast

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this case study was to understand the development of a food pantry for students of higher education at a Midwestern university.

Methods: The researchers recruited 11 individuals on the food pantry’s board using a snowball sampling method to participate in a 30-minute interview about the food pantry’s development from conception to implementation. The interviews were transcribed and then qualitatively analyzed by two researchers. The researchers coded interviews separately to identify frequent commonalities between participant responses. The researchers then organized the codes into themes, which were then summarized in the results of this study.

Results: The first …

Protective Role Of Shiitake Mushroom-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles In D-Galactosamine And Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury In Mice, Baolong Liu, Yizhu Lu, Xingyi Chen, Philma Glora Muthuraj, Xingzhi Li, Mahesh Pattabiraman, Janos Zempleni, Stephen D. Kachman, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Jiujiu Yu

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a rare, life-threatening liver disease with a poor prognosis. Administration of D-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers acute liver injury in mice, simulating many clinical features of FHF in humans; therefore, this disease model is often used to investigate potential therapeutic interventions to treat FHF. Recently, suppression of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat related (NLR) family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, was shown to alleviate the severity of GalN/LPS-induced liver damage in mice. Therefore, the goal of this study was to find dietary exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) with therapeutic potential in curbing FHF by …

Healthy Pregnancies And Essential Fats: Focus Group Discussions With Zambian Women On Dietary Need And Acceptability Of A Novel Rusf Containing Fish Oil Dha, Catherine Chunda-Liyoka, Mwansa Ketty Lubeya, Mercy Imakando, Sophia Kisling, Sonoor Majid, Mary Willis, Charles Wood, Chipepo Kankasa, Concetta C. Dirusso

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Nut butter-based Ready to Use Supplemental Foods (RUSF) are an effective way to add nutrients and calories to diets of malnourished and food insecure populations. The RUSF formulations have been further modified to add micronutrients including iron and folic acid needed during pregnancy and lactation. Because docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) enhances fetal development and birth outcomes, it has been suggested that perhaps RUSF formulations for pregnancy should also include this Omega 3 fatty acid. The goal of the present study was to gain an understanding of Zambian women’s knowledge of nutritional needs in pregnancy through structured focus group …

The Effects Of Nutrition Claims On Consumer Purchasing Of Snacks In White Collar And Blue Collar Working Environments, Cecily Rose Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this experimental study was to determine if signage of nutrition claims increased the purchasing of snacks in white collar and blue collar working environments. Additionally, the study also observed if the nutrition claims were more effective in one working class over the other. The prevalence of obesity in employed adults has significantly increased in the last decade. Dietary patterns, including snacking habits, have been found to play a significant role in the decline of working adults’ health. The percentage change formula was utilized as the statistical analysis for this study. This analysis evaluated the changes in the …

The Effects Of Asparagus Racemosus Supplementation Plus 8 Weeks Of Resistance Training On Muscular Strength And Endurance, John Paul V. Anders, Joshua L. Keller, Cory M. Smith, Ethan C. Hill Phd, Terry J. Housh, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Previous studies have demonstrated that ayurvedic ingredients exhibit ergogenic (performance enhancing) properties, however, no previous studies have examined the ergogenic potential of Asparagus racemosus. The purpose of the present study was to examine the ergogenic efficacy of supplementation with 500 mg·d−1 of A. racemosus during bench press training. Eighteen recreationally trained men (mean ± SD; age = 20.4 ± 0.5 yrs; height = 179.7 ± 1.5 cm; weight = 84.7 ± 5.7 kg) were randomly assigned either 500 mg·d−1 of A. racemosus (n = 10) or placebo (n = 8). An overlapping sample of 10 participants were used to determine …

Dietary Quality Is Associated With Better Self-Efficacy And Depression In Patients With Fibromyalgia From A Comparative Effectiveness Trial: A Small Pilot Study, Andrew R. Beauchesne, Lori Lyn Price, Chenchen Wang, Mei Chung

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Background: Diet and exercise have been suggested as potentially beneficial for symptom management of fibromyalgia; however, data on the relationship between diet quality and fibromyalgia symptoms are limited.

Objective: To investigate diet quality and its relationship with 1) fibromyalgia impact, and 2) psychological health in patients with fibromyalgia who participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Tai Chi versus aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled participants from a RCT. Diet quality and fibromyalgia symptoms were assessed using the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), respectively. Retrospective analyses were …

Alpha-Linolenic Acid-Enriched Butter Promotes Fatty Acid Remodeling And Thermogenic Activation In The Brown Adipose Tissue, Mikyoung You, Rong Fan, Judy Kim, Seung-Ho Shin, Soonkyu Chung

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Supplementation with n-3 long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is known to promote thermogenesis via the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Agricultural products that are biofortified with α-linolenic acid (ALA), the precursor of n-3 LC PUFA, have been launched to the market, but their impact on BAT function is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ALA-biofortified butter on lipid metabolism and thermogenic functions in the BAT. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet containing ALA-biofortified butter (n3Bu, 45% calorie from fat) for ten weeks in comparison with the isocaloric high-fat diets prepared from conventional butter or …

Epigenetic Modifications Due To Maternal Diet, Amanda Thaler

Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects

Obesity is a growing exponentially to be a health issue globally. Worldwide the rate of obesity has nearly doubled since 1980, with approximately 200 million adult men and 300 million adult women now being considered obese. We are also seeing growing percentages of woman of reproductive age being considered obese (BMI>30). Maternal obesity is known to increase the likelihood of developing complications during the pregnancy such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. These conditions create the environment for the growing fetus that are more difficult than that of a healthy pregnancy. The Developmental programming hypotheses links the environment of development …

Eb4cast Approach Improves Science Communication With Stakeholders In A College-Based Health Program, Melissa D. Olfert, Makenzie L. Barr, Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Rahel A. Wattick, Wenjun Zhou, Tanya M. Horacek, Anne E. Mathews, Kendra K. Kattlemann, Tandalayo Kidd, Adrienne A. White, Onikia N. Brown, Jesse Stabile Morrell, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Karla P. Shelnutt, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Terezie Tolar-Peterson, Geoffrey W. Greene, Sarah E. Colby

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Communicating scientific results with community partners is often lacking in intervention programs, thus eB4CAST was developed to facilitate impact sharing. This article investigated using the eB4CAST dissemination tool to communicate impact from a campus-based obesity prevention program. Data from Get Fruved RCT university sites collected at baseline were used to generate eB4CAST reports. Experts (n = 13) and RCT sites (n = 15) were asked to provide feedback on eB4CAST reports based on appeal, understanding, and clarity. On all Likert items, participants rated above 7 on each (out of 10). Positive responses from open-ended questions included eB4CAST reports being clear, …