Nutrition Commons^™

Magnesium Deficiency Results In Oxidation And Fragmentation Of Dna, Down Regulation Of Telomerase Activity, And Ceramide Release In Cardiovascular Tissues And Cells: Potential Relationship To Atherogenesis, Cardiovascular Diseases And Aging, Burton M. Altura, Nilank C. Shah, Gatha J. Shah, Jose Luis Perez-Albela, Bella T. Altura

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

The authors discuss the potential relationship between magnesium, cardiovascular diseases, and aging.

Sudden Cardiac Death In Infants, Children And Young Adults: Possible Roles Of Dietary Magnesium Intake And Generation Of Platelet-Activating Factor In Coronary Arteries, Burton M. Altura, Wenyan Li, Aimin Zhang, Tao Zheng, Nilank C. Shah, Gatha J. Shah, Bella T. Altura

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

Magnesium (Mg) is a co-factor for more than 500 enzymes, and is the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium. It is vital in numerous physiological, cellular and biochemical functions and systems necessary for life. Approximately 35 years ago, our laboratory suggested that a progressive, dietary deficiency and/or metabolic induced loss of Mg from the body, beginning early in life, particularly during development of the coronary arteries, could lead to coronary arterial vasospasm, ischemic heart disease, and sudden-cardiac death (SCD). Herein, we review evidence for a brand-new, novel hypothesis which combines knowledge suggesting a combined role for hypomagnesemia and platelet-activating …

Artificial Sweeteners And Weight Gain: Fighting Or Feeding The Obesity Epidemic?, Shanna Frisch

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Our world has developed an obsession with weight control and, as a result, has begun replacing high calorie foods with low-fat and non-caloric substitutes. Artificial sweeteners are a widely used solution to this growing problem. Though the intention when using artificial sweeteners is to lose weight, studies have shown that the opposite sometimes occurs. Researchers attempt to explain this surprising phenomenon with multiple hypotheses. Lack of appetite suppression and reward response may cause individuals to search for more food and to consume more calories. Artificial sweeteners can also have negative affects on biological mechanisms such as resting metabolic rate, as …

Regulation Of Brown And White Adipocyte Transcriptome By The Transcriptional Coactivator Nt-Pgc-1Α, Jihyun Kim, Vivian E. Fernand, Tara M. Henagan, Jeho Shin, Peter Huypens, Susan Newman, Thomas W. Gettys, Ji Suk Chang

Department of Nutrition Science Faculty Publications

The β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) signaling pathway is a major component of adaptive thermogenesis in brown and white adipose tissue during cold acclimation. The β3-AR signaling highly induces the expression of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α and its splice variant N-terminal (NT)-PGC-1α, which in turn activate the transcription program of adaptive thermogenesis by co-activating a number of transcription factors. We previously reported that NT-PGC-1α is able to increase mitochondrial number and activity in cultured brown adipocytes by promoting the expression of mitochondrial and thermogenic genes. In the present study, we performed genome-wide profiling of NT-PGC-1α-responsive genes in brown adipocytes to identify genes potentially …

Expectation, Expectoration And Disgust: Information Manipulation Alters Spitting Efficiency, A Proxy For Salivary Flow, Cordelia Running, John E. Hayes

Department of Nutrition Science Faculty Publications

Saliva is becoming an increasingly useful research material across multiple fields of inquiry, including biomedical, dental, psychological, nutritional, and food choice research. However, both the flow rate and protein composition of stimulated saliva differ as a function of the collection method. We hypothesized that the context in which a salivary stimulus is presented to participants may alter salivation via behavioral (i.e., spitting efficiency) or top down cognitive effects. We presented participants with a constant stimulus (commercially available green tea) in two distinct contexts, once where the tea was described as a food item (“tea”) and once where it was described …

Parental Awareness, Consumption And Feeding Practices Of Functional Foods, Peter Jewel Weiss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Functional foods are believed to improve overall health and well-being and reduce the risk of specific diseases. Research has examined adult awareness and consumption of functional foods. However, research on whether parental awareness and consumption of functional foods results in feeding their children functional foods is lacking. Therefore, this study’s objective was to examine relationships between parental awareness and consumption of functional foods, and feeding their children functional foods. Parents of children in two school districts in Mississippi were surveyed (n=202). The section on parental awareness, consumption, and feeding their children consisted of 27 questions featuring 19 functional food components, …

The Relationship Of Parental Barriers To Parents Feeding Their Children Health-Promoting, Functional Foods, Jordyn Michelle Thornton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies have discovered barriers that prevent parents from feeding children nutritiously. There is sparse information about whether parents intentionally feed their children functional foods, raising the question of whether there are barriers that inhibit parents when feeding their children nutritiously. This study of parents in two Mississippi school districts in 2015 ( n=193) examined the barriers parents face to consuming health-promoting, functional foods as well as the relation of these barriers to feeding their children functional foods. The age group 45–54 was less likely to perceive taste as a barrier (p<.05) to consuming functional foods, while individuals with some college education (p<.05) and individuals with an associate degree (p<.05) were more likely to perceive taste as a barrier. Additionally, the age group 55+ was less likely to perceive availability of food as a barrier (p<.01). Lastly, the females were more likely than males to perceive knowledge as a barrier ; lack of knowledge of foods’ health benefits was significant for the female gender (p<.05) to consuming functional foods. This study also found a significant relationship between parent’s lack of knowledge of health-promoting foods when feeding their children functional foods for specific health benefits. The findings concluded that parents who perceived lack of knowledge as a barrier to consuming functional foods, were more likely to feed their children foods with health benefits for cancer prevention (p<.01), heart health ( p<.05), and other health benefits (p<.01), while not for bone, digestive, and weight health. Further investigation shothat foods beneficial for cancer prevention, heart health, and other health benefits are among food items incorporated in children’s diets through foods such as fruits, vegetables, fortified foods/beverages, etc.

Can Physical Activity Reinforce Nutrition Education? Evaluation Of Physical Activity In The Families In Transformation (Fit), Wellness Program For Children., Meagan Dyan Maloney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: to determine if physical activity can reinforce nutrition education messages in the families in transformation (fit) program at Healthworks! located in Tupelo, Mississippi. Methods: children ages 7-13 participating in the (fit) program made up the subjects for this study. A control and treatment group were observed using a nutrition reinforcement physical activity and a non-nutrition reinforcement activity during the regular physical activity nights of the (fit) program, and a pre and post nutrition quiz, health habits survey, anthropometric data, and fitness data were obtained pre and post study to determine if the intervention had an impact on the subjects. …

In-Hospital Factors Associated With Supplementation Among Healthy, Full-Term, Breastfed Infants, Jodi Kae O'Brien

Dissertations

Background: Formula supplementation of healthy, term, breastfed infants born to mothers who plan to exclusively breastfeed persists at high rates, in spite of global reduction efforts. The identification of modifiable risk factors for supplementation and effective nursing care for successful breastfeeding is understudied.

Purpose: This study aimed to better understand the obstetrical, hospital, and nursing factors associated with supplementation during the hospital stay. The aims were: (1) examine the relationships between aspects of hospital care of infants who are supplemented compared to infants exclusively breastfed and (2) determine what in-hospital risk factors increase the odds of formula supplementation among a …

Effects Of Fatiguing Constant Versus Alternating Intensity Intermittent Isometric Muscle Actions On Maximal Torque And Neuromuscular Responses, C. M. Smith, Terry J. Housh, E.C. Hill, Kristen C. Cochrane, N.D.M. Jenkins, Richard J. Schmidt, G. O. Johnson

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Objective: To determine the effects of constant versus alternating applications of torque during fatiguing, intermittent isometric muscle actions of the leg extensors on maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque and neuromuscular responses. Methods: Sixteen subjects performed two protocols, each consisting of 50 intermittent isometric muscle actions of the leg extensors with equal average load at a constant 60% MVIC or alternating 40 then 80% (40/80%) MVIC with a work-to-rest ratio of 6-s on and 2-s off. MVIC torque as well as electromyographic signals from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) and mechanomyographic signals from the …

Impacts Of High-Protein Oral Nutritional Supplements Among Malnourished Men And Women With Sarcopenia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial, Joel T. Cramer, Alfonso J. Cruz-Jentoft, Francesco Landi, Mary Hickson, Mauro Zamboni, Suzette L. Pereira, Deborah S. Hustead, Vikkie A. Mustad

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Recent evidence suggests that nutritional interventions may improve muscle outcomes in malnutrition and sarcopenia. Objectives: We evaluated the effects of 2 high-quality oral nutritional supplements (ONS) differing in amount and type of key nutrients in older adult men and women. Design: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Participants: Malnourished and sarcopenic men and women, 65 years and older (n ¼ 330). Intervention: A 24-week intervention period with 2 energy-rich (330 kcal) ONS treatment groups: Control ONS (C_ONS,14 g protein; 147 IU vitamin D₃) versus Experimental ONS (E_ONS, 20 g protein; 499 IU …

Muscle- And Mode-Specific Responses Of The Forearm Flexors To Fatiguing, Concentric Muscle Actions, Ethan C. Hill, Terry J. Housh, Cory M. Smith, Richard Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) studies of fatigue have generally utilized maximal isometric or dynamic muscle actions, but sport- and work-related activities involve predominately submaximal movements. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine the torque, EMG, and MMG responses as a result of submaximal, concentric, isokinetic, forearm flexion muscle actions. Methods: Twelve men performed concentric peak torque (PT) and isometric PT trials before (pretest) and after (posttest) performing 50 submaximal (65% of concentric PT), concentric, isokinetic (60°·s^-1), forearm flexion muscle actions. Surface EMG and MMG signals were simultaneously recorded from the biceps brachii and …

Letter From The Dean, Lona Robertson

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Protein Source At Breakfast On Energy Metabolism, Metabolic Health, And Food Intake: A Pilot Study, Lauren A. Cambias, Brianna L. Neumann, Charlayne Mitchell, Jamie I. Baum

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Over 30% of adults in the U.S. are obese. A primary contributor to obesity is an unhealthy diet related to imbalanced macronutrients. Diets higher in protein (PRO) rather than carbohydrate (CHO) are associated with increased energy expenditure (EE) and reduced food intake. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if protein source at breakfast influences EE in young men (n = 4; ages 18-35). Participants consumed three isocaloric (whey (WP), pea (PP), beef (BP); 275 kcal, 62% PRO, 23% CHO, 15% Fat) drinks in a randomized, crossover design study with a one-week washout period (time between the administration …

Effects Of Beta-Alanine Supplementation And High Intensity Interval Training Among Recreationally Active Females, Mary E. Yarbrough

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that when combined with L-histidine forms the dipeptide carnosine. Recent research has shown that supplementary intake of beta-alanine can substantially increase carnosine content in muscle fibers and has been associated with attenuating fatigue and enhancing high intensity exercise performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of beta-alanine supplementation combined with high intensity interval training (HIIT) on indices of aerobic and anaerobic performance, rowing performance, and body composition. Twenty-one recreationally active females (22.2 ± 2.2 yrs.) participated in a double blind, placebo controlled study and were randomly assigned …

Predictors Of Caffeine-Related Withdrawal Symptoms In College Freshmen, David J. Pomm

Theses and Dissertations

While caffeine withdrawal has been well-characterized, research on caffeine intake and factors associated with withdrawal has been limited. The present study examined prevalence rates of caffeine use and identified psychosocial factors associated with having caffeine withdrawal headaches (CWH). Participants were N = 1,989 college freshmen who participated in the 2011 Spit for Science project. Caffeine use was reported by 80% of the sample. Females were more likely than males to consume caffeine, and soda was the primary source of caffeine for both genders. As hypothesized, daily caffeine users were more likely to report CWH than non-daily users. When multivariable analyses …

Evaluation Of Students' Satisfactions With And Importance Of Attributes Of Three Unique All-You-Can-Eat University Dining Facilities, Ruth Zegel

Honors Theses

This study was conducted to evaluate students' satisfaction with and importance of nine attributes of three unique all-you-can-eat university dining facilities at the University of Mississippi, the Grill at 1810, Marketplace at the Residential College, and the Rebel Market. The attributes included food quality, service quality, variety of menu items, cleanliness, nutritional content, availability of healthy options, location, atmosphere/environment, and image/reputation. Additionally, the study evaluated students' satisfaction with each university dining facility overall, the students' satisfaction versus importance at each facility. This information was used to determine attributes that may need improving within each university dining facility and areas that …

Adaptability In A Bhutanese Refugee Community: Navigating Integration And The Impacts On Nutritional Health After U.S. Resettlement, Chris Grosh

Theses and Dissertations--Anthropology

Increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and related metabolic diseases documented among refugee communities across the United States necessitate greater attention to how processes of integration impact refugee health. These nutritional health trends (e.g., increasing rates of obesity) suggest potential disconnects between refugees' past environments and their conditions after re-settlement, which may contribute to adverse changes in energy balance (diet and exercise). While Bhutanese refugees were among the largest refugee groups entering the US during the five years leading up to this research, very few studies have examined how they have responded to integration and the impact of this transition on …

Insights Into The Possible Mechanisms By Which Platelet-Activating Factor And Paf-Receptors Function In Vascular Smooth Muscle In Magnesium Deficiency And Vascular Remodeling: Possible Links To Atherogenesis, Hypertension And Cardiac Failure, Burton M. Altura, Nilank C. Shah, Gatha J. Shah, Jose Luis Perez-Albela, Bella T. Altura

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

The authors discuss different studies concerning the relationship between platelet-activating factor (PAF) and PAF-receptors with atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Genotoxic Effects Of Magnesium Deficiency In The Cardiovascular System And Their Relationships To Cardiovascular Diseases And Atherogenesis, Burton M. Altura, Nilank C. Shah, Gatha J. Shah, Bella T. Altura

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

The authors present evidence for a novel, new hypothesis whereby magnesium deficiency (MgD) acts as a genotoxic agent which probably causes numerous, hertofore, unrecognized consequences, even over a short-term, on the physiological, molecular and biochemical machinery of cardiovascular tissues and cells. The end result of these genotoxic effects of MgD probably plays important roles in the etiology and generation of diverse cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, inflammation, and strokes via alterations in the epigenome of cardiovascular tissues and cells. The importance of adequate water-borne and dietary levels of Mg is emphasized.