Nutrition labeling research suggests consumers want nutrition information on the label; however, many do not comprehend it. The purpose of Phase I was to determine the effect of: 1. two levels of nutrition label formats; 2. three levels of nutrition information load on consumers' preference for product choice using adaptive conjoint analysis. A computer interactive interview was conducted on 252 consumers in Crossroads Mall, Salt Lake City, Utah. label alternatives were printed on soup cans to realistically portray the information. The conjoint analysis compared the attributes, nutrition information format, and nutrition information load in addition to brand and price and determined how the study participants ranked choices within each of these attributes and against the other attributes. There were significant differences (p < .000) among all three mean utility values± Standard Error of the Mean (SEM) of information load, most (.300 ± .03) , more (.154 ± .02), and some (-.231 ± .03). There was no difference between graphical (.093 ± .027) and traditional (.055 ± .020) formats (p = .298). For the other attributes, there were significant differences (p < .000) among all brands, Campbell's (.590 ± .03), Private label (-.007 ± .02) Generic (-.361 ± .03) and all prices, (p < .000), low (.431 ± .03), medium (.022 ± .02), and high (-.230 ± .03). Market simulations were performed and market share was shifted from the major brand when nutrition information was added to a Private label or Generic brand. The purpose of Phase II was to determine the effect of: 1. three levels of nutrition information content load; 2. two levels of nutrition information order; 3. three levels of nutrition information format; and 4. four levels of nutrition information expression on consumers' perceptions of label usefulness in purchase decisions. The methodology was the same as Phase I. There were significant differences (p < .000) among all three mean utility values ± SEM of information load, most (.327 ± .02), more (.091 ± .02) , and some (-.213 ± .03), and between the two mean utility values ± SEM of information order, rearranged (.157 ± .03) and traditional (-.02 ± .02). Consumers significantly preferred (p < .000) the graphical format (.148 ± .02) over the graphical nutrient density (.038 ± .02) and traditional (.018 ± .03) formats. Consumers significantly preferred (p < .000) nutrition information stated in absolute numbers and percentages (.296 ± .03), versus absolute numbers only (.028 ± .03), traditional (-.026 ± .03), and percentages only (-.025 ± .03) expressions. The most useful nutrition label in a purchase decision was one that contained the most information, in a rearranged order, with a graphical format, and an absolute number and percentages expression.

Obesity is a disease of major proportion in the United States. The Surgeon General has identified obesity as a national health problem that affects approximately 34 million Americans. The aim of this study was to investigate the very-low-calorie diet, Optifast 70. Measurements for resting energy expenditure (REE} and body composition via circumference measurements (CBF} and infrared photospectromerty (NIR} with a Futrex 5000 were collected at weeks 1, 7, 13, 19, and 25. Biochemical data, including serum chemistry panel (SMA-12} and complete blood count (CBC}, were collected on weeks 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, and 25. Lipid profiles were drawn on weeks 1 and 25. Participants ranged in age from 27 to 64. Subjects' mean body mass loss was -20.4 kg ± 6.6 kg with a maximum body mass loss of -33.23 kg and minimum body mass loss of -9.770 kg. Mean loss in body fat mass using infrared photospectrometry as a measurement was -13.4 kg; mean loss of lean body mass was -4.2 kg. A significant change was noted in resting energy expenditure over the course of the diet, and a positive correlation was identified between loss of body mass and resting energy expenditure. No significant correlation was identified between the loss of lean body mass or body fat mass and its relationship to resting energy expenditure. Both circumference and infrared body fat measurements showed a positive correlation as the loss in body mass increased, making their reliability better as subjects approached desirable weight. In examining biochemical data, only cholesterol showed a significant change over the course of the diet; all other parameters remained within normal limits. Variations in patients' lipid profiles were identified, but no significant changes were noted.

Achieving and maintaining maximal peak bone mass is critical to the prevention of osteoporosis. Adequate calcium intake during youth is a major aspect of proper bone mass development. Because of the importance of calcium, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that estimates calcium intake of 10- to 18-year-old Asian, Hispanic, and white youth living in the western United States was developed. This new FFQ was shown to accurately and reliably estimate calcium intake of these youth. Accuracy among Hispanics, however, was low and requires further evaluation. A second study examined intake of calcium, milk, and non-milk beverages of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children aged 10 to 11 years and 15 to 18 years living in Utah. Milk fat percentage and source of beverage procurement were considered. Studies assessing the intake of calcium, calcium-rich foods, and foods that may interfere with calcium intake of youth in the United States were reviewed.

Distress tolerance and experiential avoidance are important aspects of the coping process. In the current study, both were examined in relation to Body Mass Index and self-reported disturbances in mood and eating behavior. Distress tolerance was measured behaviorally and via self-report to elucidate the manner in which a) the ability to tolerate emotional distress, and b) the ability to persist behaviorally in the presence of stress-inducing stimuli were related to self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, maladaptive eating habits, and bodily concerns. A sample of 73 undergraduate students participated, and height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Increased experiential avoidance was associated with increased weight status; however, this was true only for the morbidly obese group (n = 1). Increased experiential avoidance and decreased self-efficacy significantly predicted less rewarding eating experiences. Individuals with lower distress tolerance on the DTS reported increased depression, anxiety, and experiential avoidance, and were more likely to indicate eating disturbances and concerns on self-report measures, although distress tolerance generally was unrelated to eating behaviors as indexed on food diaries. These results were not replicated utilizing a behavioral measure of distress tolerance. Future directions for research designed to examine these variables in overweight and obese populations are discussed.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation (4000 IU or 6000 IU of cholecalciferol daily for 6 months) on fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile in a sample of African-Americans and Hispanics with T2D and vitamin D insufficiency. Seventy five participants were recruited by community outreach. Plasma glucose concentration was measured by hexokinase enzymatic method. Glycated hemoglobin was measured by the DCA2000+ system. Insulin in fasting blood was determined by radioimmunoassay. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were assayed by enzymatic methods. Serum vitamin D concentrations were measured with an enzyme-immunoassay kit. Mixed model was used to compare treatment effects and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests was used to detect significant changes from baseline, 3 months, and 6 months on the outcome variables. Significant improvements in serum 25(OH)D levels were seen from baseline to 3 month and 6 months respectively in both treatments (from 22.25 ± 7.19 to 37.34 ± 12.31 and 37.99 ± 13.22, PPP=0.040) was observed. Similarly, a significant change in serum triglycerides was observed at 6 months in the 6000 IU group (from 201.44 ± 91.35 to 172.92 ± 76.87 mg/dl, P=0.037). However, when the model was adjusted for confounders, significance was lost. Vitamin D supplementation did not improve glucose homeostasis in this sample. The positive effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile may be mediated by other cofactors related to vitamin D metabolism.

Suicide is among the leading cause of adolescent deaths worldwide and thus a significant public health concern. Risk factors for suicidal behavior include drinking alcohol, smoking, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors. One area of concern is dietary patterns and their association with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Bandura's social cognitive theory emphasizes the assumption that one can perform specific actions to bring about desired outcomes. The primary research questions for this quantitative, retrospective, cross-sectional study concerned whether there is a statistically significant interaction between fruit and vegetable intake and suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. Data from 71,776 adolescents in the Centers for Disease Control's Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey were analyzed using complex samples binominal logistic regression. The dependent variable was suicidal ideation or suicide attempts, and the independent variable was intake of fruits and vegetables. Suicidal ideation was significantly, positively correlated with fruit and vegetable intake. Even after controlling for age, sex, race, and depression, there was a significant, positive correlation with fruit and vegetable intake. Suicide attempt was significantly, positively correlated with fruit and vegetable intake even after controlling for age, sex, race, and depression. Although the results of this study were contrary to previous findings, these results do support the claim that sugary foods and fast foods have a dopaminergic 'reward effect'. The findings may foster positive social change by identifying the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and suicidal ideation or suicide attempts in adolescents.

According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding is natural and the most effective way of nourishment to feed infants and young children to ensure child health and survival. Currently, the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life. Although exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the occurrence of adverse health outcomes to the infant and mother, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding remains relatively low in the United States. The theory of planned behavior was used as a theoretical framework for this study. The purpose of the project was to identify the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers during the first four weeks after delivery. A descriptive research design and a convenient sampling method were used to conduct this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from 75 mothers who met the inclusion criteria and who attended 3 selected obstetric and gynecologic private practice physicians' offices. Data analysis was performed by using descriptive and correlational statistics. The findings showed that only 8 mothers continued exclusive breastfeeding during the first 4 weeks postpartum. The major maternal problems identified for not continuing exclusive breastfeeding were (a) insufficient breast milk, (b) sore or painful nipples, (c) return to work or school, and (d) poor latching. Findings suggested that healthcare professionals use the model of the theory of planned behavior to develop interventions that promote a positive attitude toward breastfeeding. A positive attitude toward breastfeeding will create a social change within the community to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

The problem addressed in this study was how staff working in a residential agency for individuals with an intellectual disability (IID) make decisions about how to implement a healthy diet. The purpose of this study was to identify the influences on decisions made by staff on the meals they provided to their clients with an IID. The theory of planned was used to study the influences of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control on the meals provided for IID. The key research question explored how staff members make decisions. A qualitative case study design was used. The 12 participants in the study represented 3 levels of personnel (cases) in a residential agency that served the IID population. Individual interviews were conducted, and within-case and across-case analyses were employed utilizing the theory to note similarities and differences in meal planning, preparation, and implementation. Pattern matching was used to compare results from the study with previous research findings. Results showed that clients had a greater influence over meal planning, preparation, and delivery, particularly those with higher cognitive levels. This was true across all levels in the agency and consistent with prior research. Recommendations for further study include studying similar agencies in different regions and whether providing staff with additional knowledge about meal planning makes a difference in meals provided to IID. Social change can be implemented by using the information from the study to develop a preliminary intervention plan to accommodate the needs of IID and assist staff in developing nutritious meals.

While many health benefits have been associated with increased whole grain consumption, current researchers have not considered if the consumption of whole grains in currently recommended or higher amounts actually leads to health problems, specifically to a correlated increase in gluten sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to determine if diets high in whole grains or those that met the recommended daily intake of whole grains help minimize or increase gluten sensitivity, and when whole grains are consumed as recommended if they cause more harm than good. The theoretical basis for this quantitative, cross sectional design was the precaution adoption process model, allowing for the examination of preventive behaviors as a series of cognitive steps over time. Individuals (N = 5,746) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007 to 2012 were assessed for daily intake of whole grains before and after the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and from 2007 to 2010 for bowel health and sensitivity to whole grains. SAS correlations and regression analysis at p < .05 were analyzed. There was an increase in whole grain intake by 7.4% and in bowel sensitivity with 50% reporting increases in gas, but more data are needed to determine exact amounts that caused these increases in symptoms. Understanding the complete picture, policy makers and others will be more informed about current recommendations and the way that Americans eat, as well as if changes are needed for the future.

Widespread consumption of canned tuna fish since the 1950s may explain some of the increase in breast cancer prevalence in the United States and Europe. Although canned tuna is the primary source of human exposure to methylmercury, its role as an estrogen activating metalloestrogen has been overlooked in the etiology and incidence of breast cancer. Carcinogenic theory asserts that increased exposure to estrogen elevates the risk of breast cancer. The purpose of this population-based, case control study was to examine the association between canned tuna consumption, total blood mercury, and breast cancer in the NHANES 2003-2006 surveys. A multivariable logistic regression model representing 138,747,398 U.S. adult females, controlling for covariates, was applied to investigate whether canned tuna consumption or blood mercury level had a relationship to breast cancer. According to study results, women who reported eating canned tuna at one level of increased frequency out of 11 had a 6.8% increased odds of being diagnosed with breast cancer (p =0. 000 OR 1.068 and 95% CI 1.067-1.069). Women with only a 0.01 Ug/L increase in total blood mercury level were found to have a 0.2% increased odds of being diagnosed with breast cancer (p =. 000 OR 1.002 and 95% CI 1.002-1.003). Additional research individuating the canned tuna fish variable in nutrition, fish, mercury, and breast cancer studies is recommended. This research contributes to positive social change by providing evidence to improve understanding and specification of canned tuna fish in future research and better identification of methylmercury levels in canned tuna fish for public knowledge.