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Papers by Huguette O'Brien

Proceedings of the 3rd World Congress on New Technologies, Jul 1, 2016

Médecine et nutrition, 2007

2007-Volume 43, N o 2. 4 9 * Département des sciences des aliments et de nutrition, Faculté des s... more 2007-Volume 43, N o 2. 4 9 * Département des sciences des aliments et de nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval G1K 7P4, Québec (QC), Canada.

The South African journal of clinical nutrition, 2009

International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Jan 2, 2014

High blood lead levels (BLLs) can be found in Inuit from Nunavik. At the same time, various nutri... more High blood lead levels (BLLs) can be found in Inuit from Nunavik. At the same time, various nutrients such as calcium could lower lead absorption and toxicity. We examined the effect of dietary calcium intakes on BLLs in 245 preschool Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik. Calcium intake was assessed with one 24-h dietary recall and BLLs were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in whole blood samples. Multiple imputation was performed to deal with missing data. Median blood lead concentration was 0.08 μmol/L. A high proportion of children did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D intake (73 %) and, to a lower extent, for calcium (20 %). Calcium intake was negatively associated with BLLs (p = 0.0001) while child's age and energy intake were positively associated with BLLs (p = 0.015 and p = 0.024, respectively). Consuming traditional foods rich in calcium as well as milk and alternatives may protect against lead exposure.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2013

Some evidence suggests that various diet components and nutrients, including vegetables, fruit an... more Some evidence suggests that various diet components and nutrients, including vegetables, fruit and food-derived antioxidants, could mitigate contaminant exposure and/or adverse health effects of contaminants. To examine the effect of the consumption of tomato products on blood mercury levels in Inuit preschool children, 155 Inuit children (25.0±9.1months) were recruited from 2006-2008 in Nunavik childcare centers (northern Québec, Canada). Food frequency questionnaires were completed at home and at the childcare center, and total blood mercury concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariate regression analysis was performed after multiple imputation. The median blood concentration of mercury was 9.5nmol/L. Age, duration of breastfeeding, annual consumption frequency of seal meat, and monthly consumption frequency of tomato products were significant predictors of blood mercury levels, whereas annual consumption frequencies of beluga muktuk, walrus, Arctic char, and caribou meat were not. Each time a participant consumed tomato products during the month before the interview was associated with a 4.6% lower blood mercury level (p=0.0005). All other significant predictors in the model were positively associated with blood mercury levels. Further studies should explore interactions between consumption of healthy store-bought foods available in Arctic regions and contaminant exposure.

Food and Cosmetics Toxicology, 1981

A total of 154 samples of human milk collected 3-6 days after parturition were obtained from four... more A total of 154 samples of human milk collected 3-6 days after parturition were obtained from four hospitals in Quebec. Samples were analysed by electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography for total DDT (DDT + DDE), aldrin, y-HCH (lindane) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In 93% of the milk samples the PCB level exceeded that equivalent to the Acceptable Daily Intake proposed by the USA for PCBs, the mean PCB level (f SD) for the 154 samples being 0,837 f 0,529 mg/kg milk fat. The Codex Alimentarius Commission maximum residue limits were exceeded in 30% of the samples with regard to total DDT (mean f SD 1.087 f 0.880mgjkg milk fat) and in 3% with regard to y-HCH (OQ47 f 0.131 mg/kg) and aldrin (@041 f 0.068 mg/kg). The age of the donors showed a positive correlation with PCB concentrations, while previous breast-feeding was inversely correlated with y-HCH levels. A significant positive correlation was observed between cigarette smoking and the DDE content of human milk fat. Also of importance were the higher levels of PCB associated with residence in an industrialized area.

Environmental Science & Technology, Jul 6, 2012

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2007

Médecine et nutrition, 2006

Page 1. MÉDECINE ET NUTRITION anémie et adolescence 14 2006 - Volume 42, No 1. Relation entre les... more Page 1. MÉDECINE ET NUTRITION anémie et adolescence 14 2006 - Volume 42, No 1. Relation entre les infections parasitaires, les apports en fer absorbable et l'anémie chez des adolescentes au Bénin. H. ALAOFÈ*, H. TURGEON O'BRIEN**, J. ZEE*** ...

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, Mar 1, 2013

Purpose: We assessed the impact of a nutrition program implemented in Nunavik childcare centres o... more Purpose: We assessed the impact of a nutrition program implemented in Nunavik childcare centres on Inuit children's food and dietary intakes.Methods: Two hundred and forty-five Inuit children (aged 25.0 ± 9.6 months) were recruited between 2006 and 2010 in Nunavik childcare centres. Dietary intakes were assessed using a single 24-hour dietary recall (n=217). We compared participants’ energy and nutrient intakes, and the proportions who met iron requirements and Canada's Food Guide – First Nations, Inuit and Métis recommendations, depending on whether or not they attended a childcare centre during the 24-hour dietary reference period.Results: Children who attended a childcare centre on the day of the recall had significantly higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, total iron, bioavailable iron, phosphorus, betacarotene, folate, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and vitamin K, while a higher proportion of them met the recommended intake for total and bioavailable iron. The proportion of children who met the recommended servings for vegetables and fruit, grain products, and milk and alternatives was also significantly higher among participants who attended a childcare centre.Conclusions: The nutrition program was effective at improving these Inuit preschoolers’ diet.

The FASEB Journal, Mar 1, 2008

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2014

In infants and children, iron deficiency (ID) can have several adverse effects on health includin... more In infants and children, iron deficiency (ID) can have several adverse effects on health including lethargy, alterations of immune defense mechanisms and impaired growth and cognitive development. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ID in a group of preschool Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik using conventional measurements of iron status and a relatively new parameter, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). sTfR is especially useful in the presence of inflammation or infection. Two hundred forty-five Inuit children aged between 11 and 54 months (mean (SD) = 25.0 (9.6) months) were recruited between 2006 and 2010 in 10 of the 14 Nunavik communities. About half of the children were male and 52.3% (n=128) were less than 24 months old at the time of the study. Sixty-five children were excluded because they lacked one or more of the parameters under analysis, leaving 180 subjects for the assessment of iron status. ID defined either as serum ferritin 1...

Public Health Nutrition, May 1, 2009

Objective: To validate a 53-item quantitative FFQ (QFFQ) for the assessment of dietary protein in... more Objective: To validate a 53-item quantitative FFQ (QFFQ) for the assessment of dietary protein intake in type 2 diabetic outpatients in Bamako, Mali. Design: Consumption of protein-containing foods over the week preceding the interview was measured with a 7 d QFFQ and compared with intakes measured with 48-h recalls. Setting: Centre National de Lutte contre le Diabète. Subjects: Seventeen male and forty female adults with type 2 diabetes. Results: Correlation between protein intakes estimated using the QFFQ and 48 h recalls was 0?63 (P , 0?0001). There was no significant difference between the two methods concerning the total protein daily intakes and intakes per kilogram of body weight. The QFFQ indicated that foods of animal origin were a lesser source of protein. Animal protein intake did not differ between men and women but sources did. In men, the main sources were beef (54 % of total animal protein), fish (15 %) and milk powder (8 %). In women, the principal sources were fish (28 %), beef (20 %) and birds (13 %). In contrast, plant protein intake was significantly higher in men than in women (P 5 0?01), but the same plant foods contributed in similar proportions for both genders, rice being by far the greatest source (47 % of plant protein in men, 53 % in women). Conclusion: The QFFQ developed in this study is a valid tool to evaluate dietary protein intakes in Malian diabetic subjects. While the total protein intakes were low in both men and women, differences in choices and amounts of protein food sources were shown.

Environmental Science & Technology, Apr 2, 2012

Arctic populations are exposed to substantial levels of environmental contaminants that can negat... more Arctic populations are exposed to substantial levels of environmental contaminants that can negatively affect children's health and development. Moreover, emerging contaminants have never been assessed in Inuit children. In this study, we document the biological exposure to toxic metals and legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of 155 Inuit children (mean age 25.2 months) attending childcare centers in Nunavik. Blood samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of mercury, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, brominated flame retardants [e.g., polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)] and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFASs; e.g. perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctane (PFOA)]. Lead [geometric mean (GM) 0.08 μmol/L], PCB-153 (GM 22.2 ng/g of lipid), BDE-47 (GM 184 ng/g of lipid), PFOS (GM 3369 ng/L), and PFOA (GM 1617 ng/L) were detected in all samples. Mercury (GM 9.8 nmol/L) was detected in nearly all blood samples (97%). Levels of metals and legacy POPs are consistent with the decreasing trend observed in Nunavik and in the Arctic. PBDE levels were higher than those observed in many children and adolescents around the world but lower than those reported in some U.S. cities. PFOS were present in lower concentrations than in Nunavimmiut adults. There is a clear need for continued biomonitoring of blood contaminant levels in this population, particularly for PBDEs and PFASs.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Jan 14, 2019

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, Jul 1, 2010

Producing a definition of healthful eating that expresses adequately the richness and the complex... more Producing a definition of healthful eating that expresses adequately the richness and the complexity of the eating experience is challenging. Still, the effort is crucial if one wants to promote behavioural change in the population, as well as a transformation of interventional practices, programs, and policies, and even the agri-food system. We explain that the biological, social, and environmental dimensions of healthful eating, along with the interactions among them, must be addressed. Once these dimensions are considered as a whole, the definition of healthful eating allows the identification of a wide range of strategic interventions to implement such eating. We suggest a continuum of eating quality that could be used to identify, in general, the food habits of persons or groups.

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2009

To our knowledge, the impact of a nutrition education program combined with an increase in bioava... more To our knowledge, the impact of a nutrition education program combined with an increase in bioavailable dietary iron to treat iron-deficiency anemia has never been studied in adolescent girls. To evaluate the impact of an intensive dietary program for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in 34 intervention and 34 control boarding-school girls aged 12 to 17 years from Benin. A quasi-experimental design consisting of 4 weeks of nutrition education combined with an increase in the content and bioavailability of dietary iron for 22 weeks was implemented in the intervention school, but not in the control school. Data were obtained from both groups from a nutrition knowledge questionnaire, 24-hour dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements, measurement of iron status indices, and screening for malarial and intestinal parasitic infections. Nutrition knowledge scores and mean intakes of nutrients, including dietary iron, absorbable iron, and vitamin C, were significantly higher in the intervention group (p < .05) than in the control group after 26 weeks. Mean hemoglobin and serum ferritin values were also significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (122 vs. 112 g/L [p = .0002] and 32 vs. 19 microg/L [p = .04], respectively), whereas the prevalence of anemia (32% vs. 85% [p = .005] and iron-deficiency anemia (26% vs. 56% [p = .04]) was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. No significant differences between the groups were observed in intestinal parasitic infections or malaria status postintervention. A multidietary strategy aiming to improve available dietary iron can reduce iron-deficiency anemia in adolescent girls.

Public Health Nutrition, Dec 3, 2013

Objectives: To assess dietary fatty acid intakes and to examine the relationship between dietary ... more Objectives: To assess dietary fatty acid intakes and to examine the relationship between dietary sources of n-3 and n-6 PUFA and red-blood-cell (RBC) n-3 and n-6 PUFA composition. Design: A cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were assessed with a 24 h dietary recall. A second recall was performed for 44 % of the children. Usual dietary intakes were estimated with the Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (SIDE). The fatty acid composition was measured in RBC membranes. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to explain RBC n-3 and n-6 PUFA concentrations. Setting: Childcare centres in Nunavik, northern Québec, Canada. Subjects: One hundred and sixty-seven Inuit children aged 11-53 months. Results: A high proportion of the participants had inadequate n-3 and n-6 PUFA intakes (47?9 % and 93?5 %, respectively). Breast-feeding status and consumption of traditional food during the first 24 h dietary recall were significantly associated with RBC n-3 PUFA levels. Older children also tended to have higher RBC n-3 PUFA levels (P 5 0?0528), whereas sex, infant formula status and n-3 PUFA dietary intakes were not associated with RBC n-3 PUFA concentrations. RBC n-6 PUFA concentrations were positively associated with breast-feeding status and n-6 PUFA dietary intakes, whereas age, sex and infant formula status were not. Conclusions: The present findings highlight the fact that Inuit preschool children are not consuming enough n-3 and n-6 PUFA for optimum health. These observations call for actions to increase traditional food intake among Inuit children and to help them and their parents make healthier store-bought food choices.

Journal of Human Lactation, Aug 1, 2005

The aim of this research was to identify factors associated with mothers breast feeding and to id... more The aim of this research was to identify factors associated with mothers breast feeding and to identify, for those who breast fed, factors associated with breast feeding for as long as planned. Background: breast feeding rates in Ireland are amongst the lowest in Europe. Research evidence indicates that in order for mothers to be successful at breast feeding, multiplicities of supports are necessary for both initiation and duration. The nature of these supports in tandem with other influencing factors requires analysis from an Irish perspective. Design: cross-sectional study involving public health nurses and mothers in Ireland. This paper presents the results of the mothers' evaluation. Method: mothers (n ¼ 1715) with children less than three years were offered a choice of completing the self-report questionnaires online or by mail. Data were analysed and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: four in every five participants breast fed their infant and two thirds of them breast fed as long as planned. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that third level education, being a first time mother or previously having breast fed, participating online, having more than two public health nurse visits, and having a positive infant feeding attitude were independently and statistically significantly associated with breast feeding. Among mothers who breast fed, being aged at least 35 years, participating online, having a positive infant feeding attitude and high breast feeding self-efficacy were independently and statistically significantly associated with breast feeding for as long as planned. Conclusions: findings from this study reinforce health inequalities therefore there needs to be a renewed commitment to reducing health inequalities in relation to breast feeding. Relevance to clinical practice: this study has identified factors associated with initiation and duration of breast feeding that are potentially modifiable through public health interventions.

Proceedings of the 3rd World Congress on New Technologies, Jul 1, 2016

Médecine et nutrition, 2007

2007-Volume 43, N o 2. 4 9 * Département des sciences des aliments et de nutrition, Faculté des s... more 2007-Volume 43, N o 2. 4 9 * Département des sciences des aliments et de nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval G1K 7P4, Québec (QC), Canada.

The South African journal of clinical nutrition, 2009

International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Jan 2, 2014

High blood lead levels (BLLs) can be found in Inuit from Nunavik. At the same time, various nutri... more High blood lead levels (BLLs) can be found in Inuit from Nunavik. At the same time, various nutrients such as calcium could lower lead absorption and toxicity. We examined the effect of dietary calcium intakes on BLLs in 245 preschool Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik. Calcium intake was assessed with one 24-h dietary recall and BLLs were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in whole blood samples. Multiple imputation was performed to deal with missing data. Median blood lead concentration was 0.08 μmol/L. A high proportion of children did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D intake (73 %) and, to a lower extent, for calcium (20 %). Calcium intake was negatively associated with BLLs (p = 0.0001) while child's age and energy intake were positively associated with BLLs (p = 0.015 and p = 0.024, respectively). Consuming traditional foods rich in calcium as well as milk and alternatives may protect against lead exposure.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2013

Some evidence suggests that various diet components and nutrients, including vegetables, fruit an... more Some evidence suggests that various diet components and nutrients, including vegetables, fruit and food-derived antioxidants, could mitigate contaminant exposure and/or adverse health effects of contaminants. To examine the effect of the consumption of tomato products on blood mercury levels in Inuit preschool children, 155 Inuit children (25.0±9.1months) were recruited from 2006-2008 in Nunavik childcare centers (northern Québec, Canada). Food frequency questionnaires were completed at home and at the childcare center, and total blood mercury concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariate regression analysis was performed after multiple imputation. The median blood concentration of mercury was 9.5nmol/L. Age, duration of breastfeeding, annual consumption frequency of seal meat, and monthly consumption frequency of tomato products were significant predictors of blood mercury levels, whereas annual consumption frequencies of beluga muktuk, walrus, Arctic char, and caribou meat were not. Each time a participant consumed tomato products during the month before the interview was associated with a 4.6% lower blood mercury level (p=0.0005). All other significant predictors in the model were positively associated with blood mercury levels. Further studies should explore interactions between consumption of healthy store-bought foods available in Arctic regions and contaminant exposure.

Food and Cosmetics Toxicology, 1981

A total of 154 samples of human milk collected 3-6 days after parturition were obtained from four... more A total of 154 samples of human milk collected 3-6 days after parturition were obtained from four hospitals in Quebec. Samples were analysed by electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography for total DDT (DDT + DDE), aldrin, y-HCH (lindane) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In 93% of the milk samples the PCB level exceeded that equivalent to the Acceptable Daily Intake proposed by the USA for PCBs, the mean PCB level (f SD) for the 154 samples being 0,837 f 0,529 mg/kg milk fat. The Codex Alimentarius Commission maximum residue limits were exceeded in 30% of the samples with regard to total DDT (mean f SD 1.087 f 0.880mgjkg milk fat) and in 3% with regard to y-HCH (OQ47 f 0.131 mg/kg) and aldrin (@041 f 0.068 mg/kg). The age of the donors showed a positive correlation with PCB concentrations, while previous breast-feeding was inversely correlated with y-HCH levels. A significant positive correlation was observed between cigarette smoking and the DDE content of human milk fat. Also of importance were the higher levels of PCB associated with residence in an industrialized area.

Environmental Science & Technology, Jul 6, 2012

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2007

Médecine et nutrition, 2006

Page 1. MÉDECINE ET NUTRITION anémie et adolescence 14 2006 - Volume 42, No 1. Relation entre les... more Page 1. MÉDECINE ET NUTRITION anémie et adolescence 14 2006 - Volume 42, No 1. Relation entre les infections parasitaires, les apports en fer absorbable et l'anémie chez des adolescentes au Bénin. H. ALAOFÈ*, H. TURGEON O'BRIEN**, J. ZEE*** ...

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, Mar 1, 2013

Purpose: We assessed the impact of a nutrition program implemented in Nunavik childcare centres o... more Purpose: We assessed the impact of a nutrition program implemented in Nunavik childcare centres on Inuit children's food and dietary intakes.Methods: Two hundred and forty-five Inuit children (aged 25.0 ± 9.6 months) were recruited between 2006 and 2010 in Nunavik childcare centres. Dietary intakes were assessed using a single 24-hour dietary recall (n=217). We compared participants’ energy and nutrient intakes, and the proportions who met iron requirements and Canada's Food Guide – First Nations, Inuit and Métis recommendations, depending on whether or not they attended a childcare centre during the 24-hour dietary reference period.Results: Children who attended a childcare centre on the day of the recall had significantly higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, total iron, bioavailable iron, phosphorus, betacarotene, folate, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and vitamin K, while a higher proportion of them met the recommended intake for total and bioavailable iron. The proportion of children who met the recommended servings for vegetables and fruit, grain products, and milk and alternatives was also significantly higher among participants who attended a childcare centre.Conclusions: The nutrition program was effective at improving these Inuit preschoolers’ diet.

The FASEB Journal, Mar 1, 2008

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2014

In infants and children, iron deficiency (ID) can have several adverse effects on health includin... more In infants and children, iron deficiency (ID) can have several adverse effects on health including lethargy, alterations of immune defense mechanisms and impaired growth and cognitive development. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ID in a group of preschool Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik using conventional measurements of iron status and a relatively new parameter, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). sTfR is especially useful in the presence of inflammation or infection. Two hundred forty-five Inuit children aged between 11 and 54 months (mean (SD) = 25.0 (9.6) months) were recruited between 2006 and 2010 in 10 of the 14 Nunavik communities. About half of the children were male and 52.3% (n=128) were less than 24 months old at the time of the study. Sixty-five children were excluded because they lacked one or more of the parameters under analysis, leaving 180 subjects for the assessment of iron status. ID defined either as serum ferritin 1...

Public Health Nutrition, May 1, 2009

Objective: To validate a 53-item quantitative FFQ (QFFQ) for the assessment of dietary protein in... more Objective: To validate a 53-item quantitative FFQ (QFFQ) for the assessment of dietary protein intake in type 2 diabetic outpatients in Bamako, Mali. Design: Consumption of protein-containing foods over the week preceding the interview was measured with a 7 d QFFQ and compared with intakes measured with 48-h recalls. Setting: Centre National de Lutte contre le Diabète. Subjects: Seventeen male and forty female adults with type 2 diabetes. Results: Correlation between protein intakes estimated using the QFFQ and 48 h recalls was 0?63 (P , 0?0001). There was no significant difference between the two methods concerning the total protein daily intakes and intakes per kilogram of body weight. The QFFQ indicated that foods of animal origin were a lesser source of protein. Animal protein intake did not differ between men and women but sources did. In men, the main sources were beef (54 % of total animal protein), fish (15 %) and milk powder (8 %). In women, the principal sources were fish (28 %), beef (20 %) and birds (13 %). In contrast, plant protein intake was significantly higher in men than in women (P 5 0?01), but the same plant foods contributed in similar proportions for both genders, rice being by far the greatest source (47 % of plant protein in men, 53 % in women). Conclusion: The QFFQ developed in this study is a valid tool to evaluate dietary protein intakes in Malian diabetic subjects. While the total protein intakes were low in both men and women, differences in choices and amounts of protein food sources were shown.

Environmental Science & Technology, Apr 2, 2012

Arctic populations are exposed to substantial levels of environmental contaminants that can negat... more Arctic populations are exposed to substantial levels of environmental contaminants that can negatively affect children's health and development. Moreover, emerging contaminants have never been assessed in Inuit children. In this study, we document the biological exposure to toxic metals and legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of 155 Inuit children (mean age 25.2 months) attending childcare centers in Nunavik. Blood samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of mercury, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, brominated flame retardants [e.g., polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)] and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFASs; e.g. perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctane (PFOA)]. Lead [geometric mean (GM) 0.08 μmol/L], PCB-153 (GM 22.2 ng/g of lipid), BDE-47 (GM 184 ng/g of lipid), PFOS (GM 3369 ng/L), and PFOA (GM 1617 ng/L) were detected in all samples. Mercury (GM 9.8 nmol/L) was detected in nearly all blood samples (97%). Levels of metals and legacy POPs are consistent with the decreasing trend observed in Nunavik and in the Arctic. PBDE levels were higher than those observed in many children and adolescents around the world but lower than those reported in some U.S. cities. PFOS were present in lower concentrations than in Nunavimmiut adults. There is a clear need for continued biomonitoring of blood contaminant levels in this population, particularly for PBDEs and PFASs.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Jan 14, 2019

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, Jul 1, 2010

Producing a definition of healthful eating that expresses adequately the richness and the complex... more Producing a definition of healthful eating that expresses adequately the richness and the complexity of the eating experience is challenging. Still, the effort is crucial if one wants to promote behavioural change in the population, as well as a transformation of interventional practices, programs, and policies, and even the agri-food system. We explain that the biological, social, and environmental dimensions of healthful eating, along with the interactions among them, must be addressed. Once these dimensions are considered as a whole, the definition of healthful eating allows the identification of a wide range of strategic interventions to implement such eating. We suggest a continuum of eating quality that could be used to identify, in general, the food habits of persons or groups.

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2009

To our knowledge, the impact of a nutrition education program combined with an increase in bioava... more To our knowledge, the impact of a nutrition education program combined with an increase in bioavailable dietary iron to treat iron-deficiency anemia has never been studied in adolescent girls. To evaluate the impact of an intensive dietary program for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in 34 intervention and 34 control boarding-school girls aged 12 to 17 years from Benin. A quasi-experimental design consisting of 4 weeks of nutrition education combined with an increase in the content and bioavailability of dietary iron for 22 weeks was implemented in the intervention school, but not in the control school. Data were obtained from both groups from a nutrition knowledge questionnaire, 24-hour dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements, measurement of iron status indices, and screening for malarial and intestinal parasitic infections. Nutrition knowledge scores and mean intakes of nutrients, including dietary iron, absorbable iron, and vitamin C, were significantly higher in the intervention group (p < .05) than in the control group after 26 weeks. Mean hemoglobin and serum ferritin values were also significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (122 vs. 112 g/L [p = .0002] and 32 vs. 19 microg/L [p = .04], respectively), whereas the prevalence of anemia (32% vs. 85% [p = .005] and iron-deficiency anemia (26% vs. 56% [p = .04]) was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. No significant differences between the groups were observed in intestinal parasitic infections or malaria status postintervention. A multidietary strategy aiming to improve available dietary iron can reduce iron-deficiency anemia in adolescent girls.

Public Health Nutrition, Dec 3, 2013

Objectives: To assess dietary fatty acid intakes and to examine the relationship between dietary ... more Objectives: To assess dietary fatty acid intakes and to examine the relationship between dietary sources of n-3 and n-6 PUFA and red-blood-cell (RBC) n-3 and n-6 PUFA composition. Design: A cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were assessed with a 24 h dietary recall. A second recall was performed for 44 % of the children. Usual dietary intakes were estimated with the Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (SIDE). The fatty acid composition was measured in RBC membranes. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to explain RBC n-3 and n-6 PUFA concentrations. Setting: Childcare centres in Nunavik, northern Québec, Canada. Subjects: One hundred and sixty-seven Inuit children aged 11-53 months. Results: A high proportion of the participants had inadequate n-3 and n-6 PUFA intakes (47?9 % and 93?5 %, respectively). Breast-feeding status and consumption of traditional food during the first 24 h dietary recall were significantly associated with RBC n-3 PUFA levels. Older children also tended to have higher RBC n-3 PUFA levels (P 5 0?0528), whereas sex, infant formula status and n-3 PUFA dietary intakes were not associated with RBC n-3 PUFA concentrations. RBC n-6 PUFA concentrations were positively associated with breast-feeding status and n-6 PUFA dietary intakes, whereas age, sex and infant formula status were not. Conclusions: The present findings highlight the fact that Inuit preschool children are not consuming enough n-3 and n-6 PUFA for optimum health. These observations call for actions to increase traditional food intake among Inuit children and to help them and their parents make healthier store-bought food choices.

Journal of Human Lactation, Aug 1, 2005

The aim of this research was to identify factors associated with mothers breast feeding and to id... more The aim of this research was to identify factors associated with mothers breast feeding and to identify, for those who breast fed, factors associated with breast feeding for as long as planned. Background: breast feeding rates in Ireland are amongst the lowest in Europe. Research evidence indicates that in order for mothers to be successful at breast feeding, multiplicities of supports are necessary for both initiation and duration. The nature of these supports in tandem with other influencing factors requires analysis from an Irish perspective. Design: cross-sectional study involving public health nurses and mothers in Ireland. This paper presents the results of the mothers' evaluation. Method: mothers (n ¼ 1715) with children less than three years were offered a choice of completing the self-report questionnaires online or by mail. Data were analysed and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: four in every five participants breast fed their infant and two thirds of them breast fed as long as planned. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that third level education, being a first time mother or previously having breast fed, participating online, having more than two public health nurse visits, and having a positive infant feeding attitude were independently and statistically significantly associated with breast feeding. Among mothers who breast fed, being aged at least 35 years, participating online, having a positive infant feeding attitude and high breast feeding self-efficacy were independently and statistically significantly associated with breast feeding for as long as planned. Conclusions: findings from this study reinforce health inequalities therefore there needs to be a renewed commitment to reducing health inequalities in relation to breast feeding. Relevance to clinical practice: this study has identified factors associated with initiation and duration of breast feeding that are potentially modifiable through public health interventions.