Master of Science / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Betsy Barrett / The topic of athlete nutrition has been discussed amongst competitors, coaches, and nutrition professionals since the dawn of the Modern Olympic Movement in 1896 and has led to many strategies to help athletes compete at a higher level. Endurance athletes have been studied around the world. However, studies conducted with elite distance runners at altitude have focused mainly on male athletes in Kenya or Ethiopia. Despite the efforts of researchers over the years in the area of athlete nutrition there has been little research that specifically focuses on elite female distance runners and little evidence is available about the dietary habits and beliefs of these athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the macronutrient and fluid intakes of female distance runners and to determine if current fad diets and specific athletic events impact their eating habits. Seven female elite distance runners (six of European and one of Asian descent) training at altitude completed the study. Their specific events ranged from the 5-K to ultra-marathon. The athletes entered their food, fluid and physical activity for six weeks and submitted a report weekly to the researcher. The data was entered by the researcher into myfitnesspal.com which tabulated the data. The results recorded into Excel spreadsheets for each athlete. At the end of the six weeks, all data was compiled to get a total intake for each athlete and the group as a whole. Mean, minimums, maximums, and standard deviations were used for data analysis. At the end of the six weeks, a telephone interview was conducted with each athlete to determine their eating habits, attitudes towards food, how others impacted their eating and if they were following a fad diet and why. Results indicated that these athletes reported lower mean carbohydrate (51±19.4% of calories) and higher protein (19±6% of calories) intake than is recommended per the Joint Statement of the ADA, DC and ACSM (2009). Fat and fluid consumption were adequate, but overall calories taken in were a little lower than calories expended. The athletes avoided soy, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, dairy, and fried foods and focused on eating more fruits and vegetables. Five of the seven athletes were following a gluten free diet because they felt it gave them a competitive edge, increased performance, and reduced GI distress. Based on the results of this study, coaches and athletes should focus on perceived exertion in workouts, macronutrient amounts and overall calories to ensure the athlete is able to compete at a high level.

Master of Public Health / Human Nutrition / Richard R. Rosenkranz / Purpose: Dietary habits are established in childhood and are often maintained into adulthood. Fruit and vegetable consumption contributes to prevention of several chronic diseases, but many children do not meet dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake. In this study, two versions of a theoretically informed, behaviorally oriented nutrition education program were evaluated. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design, conducted at a summer camp in northwestern Russia. Data were collected on boys and girls (n=40), aged 8-12y (mean=10.4; SD= 1.0) with mean BMI percentile of 56.7 (SD=26.7), assigned to receive 15 sessions of enhanced nutrition education with skill-training (intervention) or classic nutrition education (comparison); both nutrition education programs were based on Social Cognitive Theory. For the intervention condition, an additional skill-training component included healthy snack preparation activities and games. Data were obtained through previously published questionnaire items and from a menu for snack selection. Independent and paired t-tests were performed to assess differences between groups and across time, respectively. Alpha was set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant differences from baseline to post-intervention in nutrition knowledge (p<0.001), healthy eating attitudes towards fruit and vegetable consumption (p=0.001), and healthy eating behavior (snack selection) (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences between time points were found, however, for children’s self-efficacy to eat fruits (p=0.822) or vegetables (p=0.118). There were no differences between intervention and comparison groups for change in nutrition knowledge (p>0.05), attitudes, self-efficacy, or behavior (snack selection). Conclusion: In this study nutrition education, with or without skill training, was associated with improved knowledge, attitudes, and behavior in a Russian camp setting. Therefore, future research should examine the long-term sustainability within different school-aged children’s environments.

Master of Science / Department of Human Nutrition / Weiqun Wang / Anthocyanins may prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, however, the anthocyanin metabolites are not well elucidated. We previously selected a purple-fleshed sweet potato clone P40 that contained anthocyanins at up to 7.5 g/kg dry matter, most of which are cyanidin and peonidin derivatives. The main objective of this study is to identify anthocyanin metabolites in the mice fed 20-30% of purple sweet potato P40 (287 mg and 430 mg peonidin-3-glucoside equivalent /kg body weight) diet for 6 weeks. Plasma, liver, and feces were analyzed for anthocyanin metabolites using HPLC/MS and MALDI-TOF-MS. Fifteen hours after consumption of P40 diet, we identified 4 anthocyanin metabolites cyanidin 3,5- diglucoside; cyanidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucoside; cyanidin3-p-hydroxybenzoylsophroside-5-glucoside; and peonidin 3-p-hydroxybenzoylsophroside-5-glucoside in fecal samples. No anthocyanin metabolites were detected in plasma or liver extracts by HPLC/MS or MALDI-TOF-MS. The results indicate that anthocyanin metabolites in fecal samples might provide health benefits for colonic mucosal cells. However, the lack metabolites in both plasma and liver samples suggest a continuous intake of the anthocyanins may be required for systemic benefits due to their quick degradation and low bioavailability.

Master of Science / Department of Clinical Sciences / Daniel Thomson / The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of anabolic implants on nutrient balance, metabolic status, and growth factors in animals consuming nutrients either adequate or inadequate to support growth. Sixteen crossbred steers (BW 293 ± 19.3 kg) were trained to individual Calan gates, and randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2x2 factorial arrangement: (1) administration of an anabolic growth implant, and fed a moderate energy starting cattle diet at 2.0 × maintenance; (2) implant administration, and fed the same starting diet at 1.0 × maintenance; (3) no implant, and 2.0 × maintenance; (4) no implant and 1.0 × maintenance diet. Cattle were implanted with RevalorXS, containing 200 mg TBA and 40 mg estradiol. Animals were weighed on d 0, 14, and 28, with total gain, ADG, and feed efficiency determined at each time point. Blood samples were taken from each animal at d 0, 14, and 28 and used in determining serum concentrations of IGF-1 and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN). Serum collected on d 14, and 28 was applied to satellite cells (previously isolated from non-study steers and frozen). Protein abundance of myosin heavy chain (MYH; d 0, 14, and 28), phosphorylated extracellular signal related kinase (pERK; d 0 and 28), and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (pmTOR; d 0 and 28) was analyzed in differentiated satellite cells to determine effects of implant, intake, and their interaction (applied via the serum). There was a significant effect of diet on weight (P < 0.0001). There was a tendancy for an interaction between diet and implant on PUN (P = 0.09). Only diet had an effect on IGF-1 levels (P < 0.001). Implant increased MYH abundance (P < 0.01), and the abundance of pERK (P < 0.01). At high intake, implant increased abundance of pmTOR (P = 0.02) but had no effect on pmTOR at restricted intake (P = 0.21; interaction P < 0.01). These preliminary results show that implantation, which has previously been shown to improve gain, ADG, and feed efficiency, may not be as beneficial in cattle fed a restricted diet.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Nutrition / Mark D. Haub / Maximizing performance and results in competitive events is something that all athletes strive to achieve. Nutritional strategies have been developed to best optimize the likelihood of success in competitive events. While dietary protein was classically believed to be the key macronutrient in exercise performance, overwhelming evidence now supports the role of maximizing carbohydrate intake and availability in endurance performance. The role of carbohydrate intake prior to, during and after endurance exercise has been heavily studied and relevant literature will be discussed herein. This paper consists of three chapters and a summary related to carbohydrate intake and performance outcomes in endurance sports. While nutritional status surrounding the endurance events is discussed, this paper focuses on the ergogenic and metabolic effects of carbohydrates during the endurance bout. Chapter one serves as a literature review of carbohydrate administration during endurance exercise. Types of carbohydrates, their role as substrates in liver and skeletal muscle during exercise, and their effects on endurance performance are discussed. The role of carbohydrate on central factors of fatigue and motor output also are covered. Chapter two addresses the role of multiple carbohydrate supplements on cycling performance. The role of these supplements on blood glucose, insulin, lactate, and IGFBP-1 also are discussed. Chapter three addresses the effect of nutritional status prior to exercise on the ability of a carbohydrate mouth rinse to impart a performance enhancing effect. There were no treatment effects (p>0.05) of the type carbohydrate ingested, compared with placebo, on selected metabolic and performance outcomes. Likewise, there was no ergogenic effect of mouth rinsing, in the fasted or fed state, in moderately trained endurance cyclists.

Master of Science / Department of Human Nutrition / Kadri Koppel / Products must be tolerant to many conditions, particularly when those products are prepared by consumers. Consumers may not measure added ingredients, they may add or leave out ingredients specified in recipes, or change cooking and holding times for foods. Fortified blended food (FBFs) are used as a source of nutrition for disaster or famine relief in developing countries and sorghum is looked at as a potential alternative to wheat and corn based products that are currently being used as FBFs. Porridge products are the most common dishes prepared from FBFs with a wide range of solids content, cooking times and variations in added ingredients such as sugar and fruit. This study was intended to evaluate the tolerance to preparation variations for a porridge product made as a FBF intended for food aid. Whole Sorghum Soy Blend (WSSB), a fortified, extruded, ground cooked cereal was selected as the FBF for this study. Descriptive sensory analysis was performed to evaluate the tolerance of porridge products made from variations in ingredients and cooking procedures. In this study, most sensory properties were only marginally affected by variations in ingredients or procedures. However, as expected, large differences occurred in some properties such as thickness when solids content varied or sweetness and fruit flavor when fruit was added. Tolerance testing showed that the sensory properties of WSSB had high tolerance to variations in cooking procedures, a positive aspect for product use and development. This means that the product can be modified during preparation by consumers without having a major impact on most sensory properties.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Nutrition / Mark D. Haub / Little is known about the impact of dietary fiber (DF) on children. Current recommendations are based on extrapolations from adult studies. Research is needed to provide science based evidence to determine how DF impacts the gut of children. Two studies were conducted to investigate the interactions of DF in the child large intestine. In the first study, the dose response of DF on breath hydrogen, methane, and total hydrogen content was investigated relative to Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended intakes in free-living preschool children. Only four of the 18 participants were able to comply with the treatment protocol. Although, no significant differences were noted in breath measures of fermentation across fiber consumption levels, there was a numerical pattern for increasing levels of DF to evolved increased gas production in the four compliers. In free-living individuals measures of acute fiber fermentation through breath was not sensitive enough over 6 hours to distinguish a difference in fermentative rate. Children, parents, and child care centers found this approach apparently acceptable. In study two, the impact of DF (10 g) fed over three weeks in children and their parents on metabolic markers of fermentation were evaluated. The body was able to adapt to 10 g/day DF consumption as bloating (p < 0.05) and flatulence (p = 0.06) decreased each week of the study. Fecal propionic acid was significantly increased over three weeks of DF supplementation. There was also an interaction (p=0.05) between time and age for butyric acid. Dietary fiber supplementation (10 g/day) over three weeks via a commercially available extruded cereal was well-tolerated by the participants, with no disturbances in bowel habit in children or adults. Alternatively, there were no improved bowel habit measures with increased DF consumption. This study provides evidence that this tolerable dose of DF supplementation over three weeks had similar impacts in free-living children and adults. However, the presence of increased butyric acid only in children may be reflective of different production or absorptive capacities between children and adults. Although not presented here, the bacterial ecological analysis may shed further insight into the interactions occurring in the large intestine. These are the first studies to my knowledge to have investigated these outcomes in young children. In addition to the gut health outcomes, this research provided a framework into the apparent feasibility of studying children in a gentle, non-invasive, and cost-effective manner.

Master of Science / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Kevin L. Sauer / The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) seeks to provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to more than 31 million children daily. With the recent increase in childhood obesity, school nutrition programs must follow strict nutrient guidelines in meal preparation. As nutrient requirements have changed, participation in the NSLP has also decreased, especially among older students. To recover lost revenue, many schools offer al a carte items or other snack items often characterized as high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The NSLP provides meals with a balance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat and fat-free milk. Some research suggests that unintentional stereotypes or social stigmas exist about the NSLP program among participants. Al a carte and vending machine food options have influenced these stereotypes and in some cases have deterred students from participating in the NSLP. Research about stigma association with the NSLP is scarce and not current. This study investigated if social stigmas exist about the NSLP and their influence on student participation. Middle school students in Kansas comprised the population for this study. A survey instrument was drafted using themes identified from existing research. In addition to demographic variables, the survey contained statements that examined factors that motivate and de-motivate students from participating in the NSLP, and statements about social stigmas and peer influence. A panel of child nutrition program experts and a pilot study with middle school students were used to refine and validate the survey. The survey was distributed to middle school students in thirteen Family and Consumer Science classes in Kansas. A total of 559 students responded to the survey for a response rate of 48%. This study found that few of the motivator statements correlated with participation in the NSLP. However, preference for snack foods was identified as the largest deterrent in respondent participation. Few new social stigmas were identified, but significant variations were found when examining variations between some demographic variables. Respondents who were female, older in age and grade level, frequently ate school lunch, and attended large schools with a high number of students receiving lunch at a free and/or reduced price were more aware of social stigmas and more greatly impacted by the actions of their peers. In contrast, qualitative data showed that some respondents are greatly influenced by peers and the fear of stigmatization.

Master of Public Health / Department of Human Nutrition / Sandra B. Procter / Nutritionally vulnerable women are more apt to give birth to low birth weight, small for gestational babies who have increased medical complications and higher risk of mortality. Participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) prenatally has been found to enhance positive pregnancy outcomes for women; reduced risk of low birth weights and nutrient deficiencies thus reducing the costs associated with medical care for infants covered by Medicaid, the joint federal and state insurance program for low income women, which covers 40% of infants in the United States. Pregnant women covered by Medicaid insurance are normally at the most risk but are adjunct eligible for the WIC program. This descriptive cross-sectional research study determined the demographic and nutritional characteristics of Medicaid births in the WIC program compared to non-Medicaid births for the 2009 WIC program year, using the Kansas birth certificate, WIC program data linked to the birth certificate by unique identifying code. Results from the study show that the Kansas WIC and Medicaid programs are serving the target population for the objectives of the programs. Mothers of Medicaid births who received WIC food during pregnancy and those in the WIC program are of low socioeconomic status and they are more likely to be younger in age, of minority racial group, less educated, never married and less likely to breastfeed infants at discharge and high likelihood of smoking. Compared to Medicaid births that did not participate in the WIC program, women at the lower margins of low socioeconomic status participated in WIC, signaling that the most vulnerable were getting the needed services. Distinct findings from the Kansas WIC program reveal that Medicaid births in the WIC program were more likely to be breastfed at discharge, compared to Medicaid births not in the WIC program, even though WIC recipients had demographic characteristics associated with low breastfeeding patterns. A study investigating the reasons for not enrolling in WIC by Kansas Department of Health would be beneficial to the WIC program’s goal to provide nutrition support to low income eligible women, infants and children in Kansas.

Master of Science / Department of Kinesiology / Craig A. Harms / Obesity and asthma often coexist in the same people. Both are characterized by the presence of low-grade systemic inflammation. A high-fat diet may contribute to concurrent development of both conditions by promoting a pro-inflammatory postprandial environment leading to a transient accumulation of blood lipids (postprandial lipemia; PPL) and acute airway inflammation. Previous results from our lab have shown an ~20% increase in airway inflammation two hours after consuming a high-fat meal (HFM) that was significantly associated with increased plasma triglycerides. While acute exercise has been shown to attenuate PPL, it is unknown whether these protective effects will translate to reduced airway inflammation after a high-fat meal. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of an acute bout of exercise on airway inflammation after a HFM. We tested the hypothesis that an acute bout of exercise 12 hours before a high-fat meal would protect against subsequent airway inflammation in healthy men and would be related to the decreased PPL and systemic inflammatory markers. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over study, 12 healthy college-aged men consumed a HFM (1g fat/1kg body weight) 12 hours following exercise (EX; 60 min at 60% VO2max) or without exercise (CON). Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO; measure of airway inflammation), blood lipid profiles (venous sample; total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose), inflammatory markers (hsCRP, TNF-[alpha], IL-6) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) (forced expiratory volume in 1-s,forced vital capacity, forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of vital capacity) were measured pre-HFM, two hours, and four hours post-HFM. RESULTS: Baseline eNO was not different (p>0.05) between trials. eNO increased (p<0.05) post HFM at two hours in the both CON and EX conditions. eNO between trials was not different (p>0.05). Triglycerides were significantly increased two and four hours post HFM but were not different (p>0.05) between conditions. There was no relationship (p>0.05) between eNO and triglycerides or systemic inflammatory markers for any time point in either condition. Pulmonary function did not differ (p>0.05) between any condition. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise 12 hours before a HFM does not attenuate postprandial airway inflammation or lipemia in healthy college-aged men.