Assessement of Nutritional Status of Households Using Weighed Food Intake in North West Region of Cameroon

This study determined the nutritional status of households in North western region of Cameroon using weighed food intake. Twenty–two rural and 106 urban households were randomly selected for weighed food intake Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data and significance at p < 0.05 accepted. Corn fufu with huckleberry was the most frequently consumed meal with little or no animal-source protein. Protein and B group vitamins intake of respondents in both communities were below the FAO/WHO recommended values while energy, iron, and vitamins A and C were in excess for most age groups. Adolescents 10 - 19 years and adults 20 years and above failed to meet at least 85% of RNI for calcium.

Reducing Effect of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don Fruit Pulp on Food Intake in Healthy NMRI Mice

Obesity is a chronic condition characterised by excess body fat that leads to increased body weight. One of the most effective ways to treat obesity is to use appetite suppressants to reduce food intake. This study aimed to evaluate in vivo reduction of food intake and weight gain caused by Parkia biglobosa (Pb) fruit pulp. Twenty-four healthy NMRI mice divided into four groups were used for the experiment. Group 1, considered the negative control, received distilled water. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered daily with 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of Pb fruit pulp powder suspension, respectively. The reduction in food intake was assessed in two phases: acute food intake for one day (24 h) and long-term food intake for seven weeks. Nutrient parameters and phenolic compounds in Pb fruit pulp were quantified. The results showed that Pb fruit pulp had a significant effect on reducing acute food intake. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, Pb had the best activity in reducing acute food intake, with an overall reduction rate of approximately 47.98% ± 1.17% compared to the control. Repeated daily administration inhibited food intake with all three doses for 13 days compared to control. Food intake was significantly decreased for up to 31 days by taking a 100 mg/kg dose of Pb (p = 0.0174). Weight gain was significantly lower (p = 0.0003) in mice treated with 100 mg/kg Pb than in controls at the end of 7 weeks. According to the nutritional composition study, Pb fruit pulp contains an abundance of total carbohydrates (68.81% ± 0.32%) and crude fiber (14.35% ± 0.21%). This study demonstrated that Pb fruit pulp effectively reduces food intake in healthy mice. Pb pulp’s richness in crude fiber and phenolic compounds makes it a potential aid in managing obesity.

Trans Fatty Acid Levels in Foods and Intakes among Population Aged 3 Years and above in Beijing and Guangzhou Cities,China

Objective To understand the dietary intake levels of trans fatty acids （TFA） in a Chinese population and establish a basis for health risk assessment of trans fatty acids. Methods The TFA contents data of 2613 food items and food consumption data of 10,533 people aged 3 years and above in two large cities in China were matched and a simple assessment method was used to estimate the distribution of dietary TFA intake. Results The mean content of TFA was highest in margarine （1.68±0.83 g/100g）, followed by chocolate and candy （0.89±2.68 g/100g）, edible vegetable oils （0.86±0.82 g/100g）, milk （0.83±1.56 g/100g）, and bakery foods （0.41±0.91 g/100g）. TFA intake accounted for 0.34%, 0.30%, 0.32%, and 0.29% of the total energy intake in the 3-6, 7-12, 13-17, and 〉18 year age groups, respectively. Of the populations studied, 0.42% demonstrated TFA intakes （as percentage of energy intake） greater than 1%. The main sources of dietary TFA intake were edible vegetable oils, milk, mutton, and beef, and baked foods, which accounted for 49.8%, 16.56%, 12.21%, and 8.87%, respectively. Conclusion The current intake of TFA among concern regarding the threshold of TFA intake people in two cities did not appear to be of major health as the percentage of total energy recommended by the World Health Organization. Because most TFA were derived from industrially processed foods, the government should reinforce nutrition labeling and regulate food producers to further reduce TFA in food and to provide scientific instruction for consumers to make sound choices.

Metformin inhibits food intake and neuropeptide Y gene expression in the hypothalamus

Metformin may reduce food intake and body weight, but the anorexigenic effects of metformin are still poorly understood. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single intracere- broventricular dose of metformin and compound C, in a broader attempt to investigate the regula- tory effects of metformin on food intake and to explore the possible mechanism. Results showed that central administration of metformin significantly reduced food intake and body weight gain, par- ticularly after 4 hours. A reduction of neuropeptide Y expression and induction of AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in the hypothalamus were also observed 4 hours after metformin administration, which could be reversed by compound C, a commonly-used antagonist of AMP-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, metformin also improved lipid metabolism by reducing plasma low-density lipoprotein. Our findings suggest that under normal physiological conditions, central regulation of appetite by metformin is related to a decrease in neuropeptide Y gene expres- sion, and that the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase may simply be a response to the anorexigenic effect of metformin.

Oxidative stress-elevated high gamma glutamyl transferase levels, and aging, intake of tropical food plants, migration and visual disability in Central Africans

·AIM:To investigate the independent pathogenic role of high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, sociodemographic data, dietary and environmental risk factors for visual disability (VD). ·METHODS:This was a case-control study, run in 200 black Congolese patients managed in Saint Joseph Hospital Ophthalmology Division from Kinshasa town. Logistic regression model was used to identify determinants of VD (n = 58) among sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, rural-urban migration, education levels, aging ≥60 years, intake of red Beans, Safou fruit and Taro leaves, lipid profile, residence, socioeconomic status, and GGT. ·RESULTS:After adjusting for confounding factors, we identified migration (OR=3.7 95% CI:1.2-11.3; P =0.023), low education level (OR=3.1 95% CI 1.1-8.5; P =0.026), no intake of Safou fruit (OR=34.2 95% CI 11.5-102; P < 0.0001), age ≥60 years (OR=2.5 95% CI 1.01-6.5; P = 0.049), and serum GGT ≥10U/L (OR=3.6 95% CI 1.3-9.6; P = 0.012) as the significant and independent determinants of VD. ·CONCLUSION:VD appears as a major public health problem in Central Africa to be prevented or delayed by control of migration, lifestyle changes, antioxidant supplements, appropriate diet, nutrition education, and blocking of oxidative stress.

Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery with Modified Jejunoileal Bypass on Body Weight, Food Intake and Metabolic Hormone Levels of Rats

This study examined the effects of a combined surgery of sleeve gastrectomy （SG） and modified jejunoileal bypass （JIB） on the body weight, food intake, and the plasma levels of active glucagon-like peptide-1 （GLP-1） and total ghrelin of rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups in terms of different surgical protocol： SG-JIB （n=12）, SG （n=12）, JIB （n=12） and sham surgery groups （n-10）. In SG-JIB group, rats was subjected to sleeve gastrectomy and end to side anastomosis of part of the jejunum （25 cm from the ligament of Treitz） to the ileum 25 cm proximal to the cecum. The body weight and food intake were evaluated during 10 consecutive weeks postoperatively. The levels of active GLP-1 and total ghrelin in the plasma of the rats were measured by ELISA assay. The results showed that the SG-JIB treated rats relative to SG- or JIB-treated ones produced a sustained reduction in food intake and weight gain. The level of active GLP-1 was elevated and total ghrelin level decreased in SG-JIB-treated rats as compared with SG- or JIB-treated ones. It was concluded that SG-JIB could efficiently reduce the body weight and food intake, alter obesity-related hormone levels of the rats, indicating that SG-JIB may be potentially used for the treatment of obesity.

Food Intake Characteristics during Early Pregnancy in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the characteristic food intake during early pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a rural city in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, one hundred and twenty-one women were recruited and queried about their habitual dietary intake. Food intake of patients was assessed using the model nutritional balance chart at 12 - 16, 24 - 28, and 34 - 36 weeks of gestation. Of the 121 pregnant women examined, 19 were obese. During early pregnancy, food intake ratios of the obese women were significantly lower than those of the non-obese women for the categories of milk (p < 0.001) and sugar (p < 0.05). GDM group was 7 women among 19 women in obesity group during mid-pregnancy. During early pregnancy, women with GDM had significantly higher sugar intake ratios than women without GDM (p < 0.05). These results suggested that obese pregnant women are able to prevent GDM by limiting their sugar intake during early pregnancy.

Effects of Food Diet Preparation Techniques on Radionuclide Intake and Its Implications for Individual Ingestion Effective Dose in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria

The radioactivity measurements in food crops and their diet derivatives and farm soil samples from Abeokuta, one of the elevated background radiation areas in Nigeria have been carried out in order to determine the concentration levels of natural radionuclides (40K, 226Ra and 232Th). The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides in the samples were determined via gamma-ray spectrometry using a 76 mm × 76 mm NaI(Tl) detector. Different common food crops representing the major sources of dietary requirements to the local population were collected for the measurements. The collected food crops were prepared into their different derivable composite diets using preparation techniques locale to the population. Using available food consumption data and the activity concentrations of the radionuclides, the ingestion effective doses were evaluated for the food crops and diet types per preparation techniques. For the tuberous food crop samples, the annual ingestion effective doses in the raw and different composite diets were 0.02 - 0.04 μSv and cumulatively 0.04 - 0.05 μSv while in the non-tuberous crops the doses were 0.44 - 0.70 μSv and cumulatively greater than 1 μSv respectively. Results of the study indicate that method of diet preparation is seen to play a major role in population ingestion dose reduction especially for tuberous crops than in non-tuberous crops. The study also showed that more ingestion dose could be incurred in diets prepared by roasting techniques. The result of the study will serve as a useful radiometric data for future epidemiological studies in the area and for food safety regulations and policy implementations in the country.

Habitual rapid food intake and ineffective esophageal motility

AIM:To study non-cardiac chest pain(NCCP) in relation to ineffective esophageal motility(IEM) and rapid food intake.METHODS:NCCP patients with a self-reported habit of fast eating underwent esophageal manometry for the diagnosis of IEM.Telephone interviews identified eating habits of additional IEM patients.Comparison of manometric features was done among IEM patients with and without the habit of rapid food intake and healthy controls.A case study investigated the effect of 6-mo gum chewing on restoration of esophageal motility in an IEM patient.The Valsalva maneuver was performed in IEM patients and healthy controls to assess the compliance of the esophagus in response to abdominal pressureincrease.RESULTS:Although most patients diagnosed with NCCP do not exhibit IEM,remarkably,all 12 NCCP patients who were self-reporting fast eaters with a main complaint of chest pain(75.0%) had contraction amplitudes in the mid and distal esophagus that were significantly lower compared with healthy controls [(23.45 mmHg(95%CI:14.06-32.85)vs 58.80 mmHg(95%CI:42.56-75.04),P < 0.01 and 28.29 mmHg(95%CI:21.77-34.81) vs 50.75 mmHg(95%CI:38.44-63.05),P < 0.01,respectively)].In 7 normal-eating IEM patients with a main complaint of sensation of obstruction(42.9%),the mid amplitude was smaller than in the controls [30.09 mmHg(95%CI:19.48-40.70) vs 58.80 mmHg(95%CI:42.56-75.04),P < 0.05].There was no statistically significant difference in manometric features between the fast-eating and normal-eating groups.One NCCP patient who self-reported fast eating and was subsequently diagnosed with IEM did not improve with proton-pump inhibition but restored swallow-induced contractions upon 6-mo gum-chewing.The Valsalva maneuver caused a markedly reduced pressure rise in the mid and proximal esophagus in the IEM patients.CONCLUSION:Habitual rapid food intake may lead to IEM.A prospective study is needed to validate this hypothesis.Gum-chewing might strengthen weakened esophageal muscles.

Mineral Intake in Urban Pregnant Women from Base Diet,Fortified Foods,and Food Supplements:Focus on Calcium,Iron,and Zinc

In the Chinese national nutrition surveys, fortified foods were not investigated separately from the base diet, and the contribution of fortified foods to micronutrients intake is not very clear. This study investigated the diet, including fortified foods and food supplements, of urban pregnant women and analyzed the intake of calcium, iron,and zinc to assess the corresponding contributions of fortified foods, food supplements, and the base diet. The results demonstrated that the base diet was the major source of calcium, iron, and zinc, and was recommended to be the first choice for micronutrients intake. Furthermore, consumption of fortified foods and food supplements offered effective approaches to improve the dietary intake of calcium, iron, and zinc in Chinese urban pregnant women.

Food Sources and Intake of Calcium in a Representative Sample of Spanish Adults

The present study aimed to assess calcium intake, dietary sources of this nutrient and its adequacy with respect to the dietary reference intake (DRI) in a representative sample of Spanish adults. In this study 418 adults (18 to 60 years) from 15 Spanish provinces were studied. Energy and nutrient intake was determined using a 24-hour recall questionnaire for two days. Adequacy of calcium intake was assessed using the established DRI for calcium. Anthropometric data (weight and height) were measured and the body mass index was calculated. Seventy eight percent of the participants in the study did not meet the DRI for calcium. Additionally, 33.7% of the participants did not meet the 67% of the DRI. The daily intake of calcium was 916.6 ± 288.1 mg/day, which represented the 81.3% of the DRI of calcium. Interestingly, subjects who had higher intake of calcium were taller. Additionally, it has been observed that individuals with normal body weight (BMI 2) had higher intakes of dairy products in comparison with overweight and obese individuals (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). The main food sources of calcium were dairy products (58.7% of calcium), cereals (13.6%) and vegetables (6.5%). Less than 1% (0.5%) of the calcium intake came from dietary supplements. It was observed that individuals who met the DRI for calcium had a significantly higher intake of dairy products (551.3 ± 240.4 g/day) than individuals who did not meet the DRI of calcium (305.0 ± 150.3 g/day). Calcium intake was inadequate in this sample of the adult Spanish population. Therefore, an increase in the consumption of dairy products, as well as cereals, vegetables and food items fortified with calcium seems to be necessary to achieve an adequate intake of calcium and to prevent diseases caused by calcium deficiency.

Depressive Symptoms and Food Intake among Weight-Preoccupied Women: Do Eating Behaviors and Attitudes or BMI Mediate This Association?

Associations between depressive symptoms, dysfunctional eating behaviors and attitudes, higher food intake and body mass index (BMI) have been previously observed. However, few studies have assessed these variables in the same study. The first objective is to compare, in a natural setting environment, the profile of women reporting lower or higher levels of depressive symptoms in terms of food intake, eating behaviors and attitudes, and BMI. The second objective is to test mediational models for which the link between depressive symptoms and food intake would be mediated by eating behaviors and attitudes or BMI. Weight-preoccupied women were recruited (n = 323), and their level of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. The median score was used to create two groups (lower ≤ 13;higher > 13). A web-based food-frequency questionnaire, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and the Intuitive Eating Scale were completed. BMI was calculated from reported body weight and height. Compared to women with a lower level of depressive symptoms, those with a higher level of depressive symptoms reported a higher energy intake (p = 0.02), and a higher consumption of savoury foods (p = 0.02). These women also had higher scores of disinhibition (p p = 0.0002), ate less intuitively (p p = 0.005). Association between depressive symptoms and energy intake was mediated by disinhibition, susceptibility to hunger and eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, while the role of BMI was less clear. Regarding another component of food intake, association between depressive symptoms and consumption of savoury foods was mediated by disinhibition and eating for physical rather than emotional reasons. In summary, it seems essential to be aware of the presence of depressive symptoms and to pay attention to eating behaviors and attitudes in interventions among weight-preoccupied women.

Intake of Minerals from Food Supplements in a German Population—A Nationwide Survey

Introduction: Studies indicate that 17.9% - 60% of adults in Germany and Europe regularly use food supplements. Some reports suggest that their use might be responsible for excessive nutrient intake. The purpose of this survey was to examine the quantitative mineral intakes from food supplements: whether the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) with supplements alone, or in combination with food was exceeded was checked. Methods: The survey was carried out by the Association for Consumer Research, Nürnberg, Germany. Anonymous data of 1070 supplement users (40.8% men, 59.2% women) aged 18 - 93 years were available. Three groups were examined based on dietary and supplemental mineral intakes: average, middle-high and high intake. Results: The mean number of supplements reported was 1.6 ± 1.1 products in men and 1.5 ± 0.9 products in women. The minerals most frequently consumed were magnesium, followed by calcium, zinc and selenium. The percentage of the supplement users with total intakes greater than the UL was minimal for all minerals. Supplement use in 143 cases increased the likelihood of intakes above the UL only for magnesium. Subjects particularly in the high intake group—as a worst case scenario—had intakes above the UL in the case of calcium (n = 23) and zinc (n = 34). The percentage of subjects taking several products was greater in subjects exceeding the UL than in those below (P < 0.001). Multiple use was seen significantly more often in men than in women (P < 0.01). Conclusions: In this survey, supplement use was generally not associated with excessive intake. Supplement use resulted in intakes above the UL in only a few cases relating to magnesium, calcium and zinc. This applies more often to elderly subjects and particularly to those who already have a high mineral intake from food in the model calculation.

Can adiponectin have an additional effect on the regulation of food intake by inducing gastric motor changes?

The regulation of food intake is a complex mechanism,and the hypothalamus is the main central structure implicated.In particular,the arcuate nucleus appears to be the most critical area in the integration of multiple peripheral signals.Among these signals,those originating from the white adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract are known to be involved in the regulation of food intake.The present paper focuses on adiponectin,an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue,which is reported to have a role in the control of feeding by acting centrally.The recent observation that adiponectin is also able to influence gastric motility raises the question of whether this action represents an additional peripheral mechanism that concurs with the central effects of the hormone on food intake.This possibility,which represents an emerging aspect correlating the central and peripheral effects of adiponectin in the hunger-satiety cycle,is discussed in the present paper.

Comparison between Fast Fourier Transform and Autoregressive Model on Analysis of Autonomic Nervous Function after Food Intake in Women

Purpose: Heart rate variability (HRV) is acknowledged as a useful tool to estimate autonomic function. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and autoregressive model (AR) are used for power spectral analysis of HRV. However, there is little evidence of agreement between FFT and AR in relation to HRV following food intake in females. In the present study, we applied both FFT and AR after food intake during the follicular and luteal phases, and compared raw low-frequency (LF) and high- frequency (HF) powers, and LF/HF ratio obtained with the two power-spectral analytical methods. Methods: All subjects participated in two sessions: follicular phase session and luteal phase session. In each session, R-R intervals were continuously recorded before and after meals, and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability was performed. We analyzed low-frequency power (LF: 0.04 - 0.15 Hz) and high-frequency power (HF: 0.15 - 0.40 Hz) by using FFT and AR. LF and HF power were computed for each 30 sec, 1 min, 2.5 min, and 5 min of the 5-min R-R data before meal intake and at 20, 40, 60 and 80 min after meal intake. The LF/HF ratio was calculated as an index of sympathovagal balance. Results: In the present study, after 30 sec and 1 min of segment analysis, there was little interchangeability between AR and FFT in LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio in both follicular and luteal phases. In 2.5 min or 5 min of segment analysis, there was interchangeability between FFT and AR in LF and HF, but not in the LF/HF ratio in both follicular and luteal phases. Additionally, FFT underestimated HRV compared with AR, and the extent of underestimation increased with increasing AR value. Conclusion: FFT underestimated HRV compared with AR, and FFT correlated poorly with AR when the analysis segment was shortened.

Changes in neuropeptides related to food intake in the rat arcuate nucleus after chronic immobilization stress and the effect of comfortable music exposure

Stress is an inevitable interference factor that seriously affects health.Listening to music is an economical,noninvasive,and highly accepted tool for easing stress.However,physiological studies investigating the ability of music to reduce stress in daily life are limited.We established rat models of chronic immobilization stress(CIS)to observe changes in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus(ARC)neurons involved in the regulation of food intake and the effect of comfortable classical music exposure.Twenty-one days of stress resulted in decreased food intake and delayed body weight gain,up-regulation of leptin receptor(Ob-R),cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript(CART),proopiomelanocortin(POMC),and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone(α-MSH)expression,and downregulation of neuropeptide Y(NPY)and agouti-related protein(AgRP)expression in the ARC.Thus,peripheral leptin entered the ARC under chronic stress conditions,bound to Ob-R,and affected downstream nerve pathways related to appetite,such as the NPY/AgRP and CART/POMC pathways.Gentle classical music played at 65 dB reversed the abnormal expression of Ob-R and NPY induced by chronic stress.Thus,listening to comfortable music improves changes in ARC neurons related to the regulation of food intake in CIS rats,and these results provide a reference for basic research regarding how music therapy alleviates stress and stress-related health issues.

Food intake rate and delivery strategy in aquaculture

In aquaculture,it is important to estimate in advance how much food cultured animals would take.The rate of food consumption by cultured animals to available food amount is defined as the food intake rate(FIR) in this paper.To some extents,FIR reflects the quality of food,the health of cultured animals and the delivery efficiency.In practice,it is difficult to estimate in advance the accurate quantity of food that cultured animal needs.Usually,food is provided more than the need by animals,causing excess food that may pollute water and environment.Our experiments in past years show that FIR at 80% is recommended.

Certain Grain Food Patterns Are Associated with Improved 2015 Dietary Guidelines Shortfall Nutrient Intakes, Diet Quality, and Lower Body Weight in US Adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2010

Objective: The goal of this study was to identify commonly consumed grain food patterns in US adults (≥19 years old;N = 14,384) and compare nutrient intakes, with focus on 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines’ shortfall nutrients, diet quality, and health parameters of those consuming various grain food patterns to those not consuming grains. Methods: This study conducted secondary analyses of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2010. Cluster analysis was used and identified 8 grain patterns: 1) no consumption of main grain groups, 2) crackers and salty snacks, 3) yeast breads and rolls, 4) cakes, cookies, and pies, 5) cereals, 6) pasta, cooked cereals and rice, 7) quick breads, and 8) mixed grains. Results: Adults consuming “cereals”, “pasta, cooked cereals and rice”, and “mixed grains” had a better diet quality compared to no grains. Consuming many, but not all, of the grain food patterns resulted in less saturated fat and lower added sugars. Adults consuming “cereals”, “pasta, cooked cereals and rice” and “quick breads” had greater dietary fiber intake vs. no grains group. Calcium intake was increased in the cereals group, while magnesium intake was greater in adults consuming “cereals” and “pasta, cooked cereals and rice” vs. no grains. Vitamin D (D2 + D3) intake was higher in adults consuming “cereals”, “pasta, cooked cereals and rice”, and “mixed grains” vs. no grain group. Adults consuming “pasta, cooked cereals and rice” had lower body weights (79.1 ± 0.7 vs. 82.5 ± 1.2 kg;P = 0.009) and waist circumference (95.2 ± 0.6 vs. 98.2 ± 1.0 cm;P = 0.004) in comparison to those consuming no grains. Conclusions: Certain grain food patterns are associated with greater 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines’ shortfall nutrients, better diet quality and lower body weights in adults. Additionally, certain grain food patterns are associated with lower intake of nutrients to limit, including saturated fat and added sugars.

Long Term Low Salt Feeding Led to the Changes in Food Intake, Body Weight and Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice

Low salt intake is associated with depression, but the experimental evidence is not clear. Sixty adult mice were randomly divided into four groups (mild, moderate and severe salt deficiency groups and control) during the seasonal splitting from winter to spring. The mice in the control group were fed with standard ordinary diet (salt content 0.26%), while in the mild, moderate and severe groups, the mice were fed with 10%, 30% and 50% salt deficient feedstuff, lasting for approximately 3 months. The results showed that the salt content of feed was negatively correlated with the food intake and body weight of mice. The sucrose preference test found that only the mild salt deficiency group had no differ-ence between the beginning and the end of the experiment, and the other three groups in-cluding the control, showed a significant decrease. These results suggest that dietary salt content has an impact on the food intake and body weight of mice and is associated with the emergence of depressive-like behavior. Furthermore, the seasonal splitting from winter to spring may also have a differential synergistic effect on the change of depression-like behavior associated with low salt intake in mice.

Food Intake Habit and Cardiovascular Risk

To determine the relationshipof dietary factors to cardiovascular disease, surveys were carried out in 1985 (pilot study) and 1989 (core study) as a part of the International Cooperative Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Comparison (CARDIAC) study. Food pattern was observed and blood pressure was measured with an automatic electronic sphygromanometer. The diet in Guangzhou seems more refined, fresher and offers more variety than that in the other areas in China. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure have risen in the period of socioeco-nomic development. Food intake habits are changing in Guangdong, China, with a trend toward an unhealthy diet which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.