• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.786-796
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• 2008

This study examined the influence of the nutrient intake status, dietary habit, and academic stress of elementary school children on their academic achievement. Two-hundred and twenty-four fifth-graders in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggido were surveyed. The study included the 24 hr-recall, anthropometric measurement, assessment of stress level and academic achievement. The subjects were normal in height, weight and Rohrer index, but higher percentage of underweight was seen in girls and vice versa in boys. The overall nutrient intake and dietary habits were fairly good, but Ca and folate intake was less than 75% KDRIs and dietary habits of boys were inferior. Academic stress level of all the subjects was not high. In terms of academic performance and its relations with nutrient intake, the more the amount of nutrient intake, the higher the academic performance. Especially, it was true for the energy, protein, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-6 fatty acid intakes (p < 0.05). The overall academic performance was higher for those who eating-out less frequently. Children with higher comprehensive dietary habit scores have shown better academic performance (p < 0.05). Less stress implied to those shown higher academic achievement while those with relatively poor academic performance showed high stress level since their grade did not improve as much as they anticipated. In conclusion, the academic achievement was higher for those who have a better nutritional status, better dietary habits, and lower stress levels. Therefore, it is critical for nutritionists, parents, and teachers to improve the nutritional status and dietary habits as well as to help them manage their stress levels, which will eventually contribute to an enhanced academic performance.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.22-30
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• 2009

This study aimed to examine nutritional status and similarities of diets between Vietnamese female immigrants and Korean spouses and dietary changes of Vietnamese females after immigration. Subjects were 608 couples visiting 13 medical centers for the Cohort of Intermarried Women in Korea from November 2006 to November 2007. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were obtained and dietary intakes were assessed using one-day 24-hour recall. Sixty-eight percent of wives answered there have been changes in their diets and consumptions of meats, fish, dairy products, vegetables, and fruits increased after immigration. Energy intakes of wives and spouses were 1491.7 kcal and 1788.8 kcal, respectively, showing most couples (80.1%) consumed less than the Korean estimated energy requirements. More than half of the couples were below the Korean estimated average requirements of zinc, vitamin $B_2$, and folate. The correlation coefficients between couples ranged 0.15-0.38 for unadjusted, 0.22-0.35 for per 1000 kcal, and 0.21-0.40 for energy-adjusted, respectively. The proportions of couples in the same quartiles of each nutrient intake and in the same answers of each question of Mini Dietary Assessment were about 30% across nutrients and around 50% across questions. The length of residence is related to similarities of nutrient intakes between couples: similarities decreased after 3 years of residence in Korea. In conclusion, nutritional intakes of inter-married couples were inadequate although wives reported that their dietary intakes increased after immigration. Inadequate nutrient intakes of wives were partly explained by similar diets between couples because these wives without enough adjustment to Korean culture were more likely to follow what their spouses ate. Findings from this study may be helpful to improve the nutritional status of inter-married couples and make policies and programs for them. A follow-up study should identify factors affecting inadequate nutritional status of intermarried couples and similarities of their diets.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.193-201
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• 2004

The objective was to evaluate the factors influencing on the growth of children aged 3 - 6 years by mini dietary assessment and anthropometric indices in 556 children and by analyzing mineral contents of hair from 273 children by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean concentration of zinc (Zn) in hair was 68.9 $\pm$ 31.1 ppm and the zinc level of 91 ％ children was less than 60％ of the reference value of 180 ppm. The mean content of lead (Pb) in hair was 1.76 $\pm$ 1.20 ppm, but only 67％ of 273 children was within the reference value of 2 ppm and the lead level of 33％ of children was 2 - 4 times higher than the reference value. The level of Zn was negatively correlated with Pb content (r = -0.305, p 〈 0.01). Hair Zn content, regardless of age, was significantly positively correlated with height (r = 0.214) and body weight (r = 0.159). The height of 95.3％ children was belonged to the normal range of 90 - 109.9％ of standard value and the body weight of 49.8％ children was in the range of 90 - 109.9％ of standard value. However, 8.1 ％ children was overweighted (110 - 119.9％ of standard) and 9.4％ children was obese (120 - 149.9％ of standard) and 0.9％ children was severe obese (〉 150％) which resulted in total 10.3％ obese. Contrary to our expectation, 32.8％ children was underweight (70 - 89.9％ of standard) and 36％ of the underweight children showed the low content of zinc (10 - 49 ppm) in hair. There was no significant correlation between dietary intake of Zn and hair Zn content. Hair Zn content was low even though children consumed greater than 75％ of their requirement for zinc. Regardless of dietary intake of Zn, hair Zn level was rather negatively correlated to the content of Pb in hair. 38.8％ children had an unbalanced diet which resulted in lower intake of calorie, Ca, Zn, vitamin B$_2$ compared with those consuming variety of foods. Therefore, it would be needed that new approach for nutrition education to improve eating habit having the unbalanced diet in preschool children. It might be also suggested to develop new food products to complement the nutrients of Zn, Ca, Fe as snacks or dietary supplement for Korean preschool children.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 1997

Background : Malnutrition is a common finding in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially in the emphysema group. Although the mechanism of malnutrition is not confirmed, it is believed to be a relative deficiency caused by hypermetabolism due to increased energy requirements of the respiratory muscles, rather than a dietary deficiency. Malnutrition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not a merely coincidental finding. It is known that the nutritional status correlates with physiologic parameters including pulmonary function, muscular power, and exercise performance, and is one of the important and independent prognostic factors of the disease. Methods : Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Yongdong Severance Hospital from May, 1995 to March, 1996 and age-matched healthy control group were studied. Survey of nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were done to assess nutritional status. Relationship between nutritional status and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume at one second), which was a significant functional parameter, was assessed. Results : 1) The patient group was consisted of 25 males with mean age of 66.1years and FEV1 of $42{\pm}14%$ of predicted values. The control group was consisted of 26 healthy males with normal pulmonary function, whose mean age was 65.0 years. 2) The ratio of calorie intake/calorie requirement per day was $107{\pm}28%$ in the patient group, and $94{\pm}14%$ in the control group, showing a tendency of more nutritional intake in patient group(B=0.06). 3) There were significant differences between the patient group and control group in percent ideal body weight(92.8% vs 101.6%, p=0.024), body mass index($20.0kg/m^2$ VS $21.9kg/m^2$, p=0.015), and handgrip strength(29.0kg vs 34.3kg, p=0.003). However, there were no significant differences in triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference, albumin, and total lymphocyte count between two groups. Percentage of underweight population was 40%(10/25) in the patient group, and 15%(4/26) in the control group. 4) The percent ideal body weight, triceps skinfold thickness, and mid-arm muscle circumference had significant correlation with FEV1. Conclusion : The patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed significant depletion in nutritional parameters such as body weight and peripheral muscle strength, while absolute amount of dietary intake was not insufficient. Nutritional parameters were well correlated with FEV1.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.1362-1372
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• 2009

This study was carried out to broadly profile the dietary pattern of elderly who consumed a higher amount of sodium compared to lesser sodium consumers. Na index 14, an instant food frequency questionnaire (IFFQ) of 40 items characterizing a high amount of sodium and a food frequency questionnaire of 63 food items that were used in nationwide surveys were adopted for the assessment of dietary characteristics of the subjects. The Na index 14 consisted of food items such as kimchi stew, bean paste stew, cooked spinach dish, seaweed soup, fish stew, roasted anchovy, and seasoned vegetables. Also, the survey constructs included nutritional knowledge and anthropometric measurements of the subjects. Out a total of 135 participants, 58 elderly were determined as the high sodium intake group (HSIG) and the other 77 were the control group, via a formerly validated Na index and sodium-associated dietary habits scale (SDH). Dietary habits of "add salt or soy sauce to foods", "drink up the broth of soups and stews", and "brined fishes and vegetables daily" were among the most significant differences between HSIG and control group in SDH assessment. In addition, the HSIG were less likely to have regular meals, adequate amount of meals, and nutritionally balanced meals than the control, with the differences manifesting more in females than males. Additional findings included that the HSIG possessed a poorer nutritional knowledge and obtained much higher scores on the IFFQ. Taken together, the study urges the needs of nutrition education for the elderly who habitually salt their foods and maintain a less desirable dietary style.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2016

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to document the dietary behaviors, dietary changes, and health status of female marriage immigrants residing in Gwangju, Korea. Methods: The survey included 92 female immigrants attending Korean language class at a multi-cultural family support center. General characteristics, health status, anthropometric data, dietary behaviors, and dietary changes were collected. Results: Mean age of subjects was 31.3 years, and home countries of subjects were Vietnam (50.0%), China (26.0%), Philippines (12.0%), and others (12.0%). Frequently reported chronic diseases were digestive diseases (13.2%), anemia (12.1%), and neuropsychiatry disorder (8.9%). Seventeen percent of the subjects was obese ($BMI{\geq}25kg/m^2$). Dietary score by Mini Dietary Assessment was 3.45 out of 5 points. Dietary scores for dairy foods, meat/fish/egg/bean intake, meal regularity, and food variety were low, and those for fried foods and high fat meat intake were also low. Thirty-three percent of subjects answered that they have changed their diet and increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables after immigration. Length of residence in Korea was positively associated with BMI and waist circumference. Length of residence tends to be positively associated with dietary changes and obesity as well as inversely associated with disease prevalence. Conclusion: The study shows that length of residence is inversely related to disease prevalence. However, this association is thought to be due to the relatively short period of residence in Korea and thus the transitional phase to adapting to dietary practices. As the length of residence increases, disease patterns related to obesity are subject to change. Healthy dietary behaviors and adaptation to dietary practices in Korea in female marriage immigrants will not only benefit individuals but also their families and social structure. Therefore, varied, long-term, and target-specific studies on female marriage immigrants are highly needed.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.83-91
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• 2001

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the current prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and the nutritional status of hospitalized pediatric patients. Methods: We evaluated the nutritional status of the 200 patients from February to July 1994 and the 233 patients from February to July 1999 admitted to Pediatric Department of Chosun University Hospital. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric and laboratory data. The nutritional status was classified according to based on the Waterlow criteria and using the laboratory data obtained between 3 days to 5 days after admission. Results: 1) The prevalence of acute PEM (weight for height) was as follows: severe, 0.5%; moderate, 7%; mild, 18%; and none, 74.5% in 1994 and severe, 2.24%; moderate, 3.59%; mild, 19.73%; and none, 74.4% in 1999. 2) The prevalence of chronic PEM (height for age) was as follows: severe, 5%; moderate, 5.5%; mild, 25.5%; and none, 64% in 1994 and severe, 2.24%; moderate, 4.04%; mild, 22.87%; and none, 70.85% in 1999. There was not a statistically significant difference between 1994 and 1999. 3) The prevalence of PEM according to age group, all age group had in general higher prevalence of mild PEM. 4) Values for hemoglobin and albumin were below than total lymphocyte values in PEM. Conclusion: The prevalence of acute or chronic PEM was common in hospitalized children. Therefore, the assessment of nutritional status may an important role to establish effective nutritional support and to improve their subsequent hospital course in hospitalized pediatric patient.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.891-908
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• 2009

This study was performed to investigate the dietary habits, body weight satisfaction and eating disorder tendencies of female university students in Kyungnam province. Anthropometric measurements, dietary habits, body weight satisfaction, food preferences, disordered eating, and nutrient intakes were assessed in 132 female students at Kaya University. The results were analyzed with $x^2$- and ANOVA tests using the SPSS package program. The average age of the subjects was 20.1 years and average body mass index (BMI) were $21.1\;kg/m^2$. According to BMI, the percentages of students who were underweight, normal weight and overweight by BMI were 21.2, 55.3, and 23.5, respectively. Duration of exercise was significantly different by BMI. Index scores for a mini dietary assessment were significantly higher in the normal and overweight groups than in the underweight group. Scores for sweet, salty, and meat preferences were highest and scores for bean and vegetable preferences were lowest, in the underweight group. Satisfaction for present body weight was lowest, and self-perception of body image and weight control experiences were highest in the overweight group. All subjects in the overweight group wanted to be slim, and those in the normal and underweight groups, preferred to be more slim despite their current body weight being in the normal or below normal range. The percentage of the subjects who were at risk for eating disorders (based on scores from the Eating Attitude Test-26, EAT-$26{\geqq}20$) was 11.3%. Scores for EAT-26 were higher in the overweight group than in the underweight and normal weight groups. Nutrient intakes were not different among the groups. Therefore, dietary habits, taste and food preferences, satisfaction for present body weight, and disordered eating were significantly different according to BMI. These results suggest that overweight female university students need help correcting disordered eating, and nutrition counseling should be established to aid desirable weight control methods. Those who are underweight and normal weight need help establishing proper perceptions of their normal body weight and body image as well as nutrition counseling for health.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 1971

Nutritional anemia is an important nutritional problem affecting large population groups in most developing countries. Nutritional anemia is caused by the absence of any dietary essential involed in hemoglobin formation or by poor absorption of these dietary components. The most likely causes are lack of dietary iron, and folate, vitamin $B_{12}$ and high qualify protein. Anemia is considered to be a late mainfeastation of nutritional deficiencies, and even mild anemia is not the earilest sign of such a deficiency. Therefore, the object of therapy is to correct underlying deficiency rather than merely its manifestation. Iron deficiency anemia is generally much the most common form of anemia. And it is very prevalent particularly in pregnant women and young children, especially under five year of life. According to the rapid growth rate of infants, dietary iron should he provided for infants over three months of age in adequate amounts for the synthesis of hemoglobin required by the increasing blood volume and for the demands of newly formed cells. The principal causes of iron deficiency anemia are an inadequate dietary iron content, interference with absorption of iron from the intestine, excessive losses of iron from the body, disturbance of iron metabolism by infection, and social and cultural environments. The present study is planned to obtain informations concerning nutritional anemia through anthropometric and biochemical determinations for the assessment of nutriture in pre-school children. Determination was taken in 226 pre-school children in ruraI arae in 1968, 122 pre-school children in 1970, and 1526 hospitalized pre-school children in 1970. The results of this study are as follows; (1) According to Iowa Malnutrition Borderline (85 percentile) for weight, the proportions of underweighed pre-school boys and girls in rural area were 47.2% and 46.2% in1968, and were 36.1% and 51.8% in 1970. According to Iowa Malnutrition Borderline for height, the proportions of underheight boys and girls in rural area were 30.5% and 33.7%, and were 26.2% and 21.8% in 1970. Malnutrition scores of underweight for height values of boys and girls in rural area were 19.3 and 17.3 in 1968, and the scores of boys and girls were 15.6 and 15.5 in 1970. (2) The mean hemoglobin values of boys and girls in rural area were $11.2{\pm}1.8g/100ml\;and\;11.4{\pm}1.6g/100ml$ in 1968. In 1970, the mean values of boys and girls in rural area were $11.3{\pm}1.3g/100ml\;and\;11.7{\pm}2.4g/100ml$. The mean hemoglobin values of hospitalized boys and girls were $11.9{\pm}2.2g/100ml\;and\;11.7{\pm}2.4g/100ml$ in 1970. It is found that 92 of 215 children (42.7%) in rural area had concentrations of hemoglobin less than 11.0g/100ml in 1968. In 1970, 55 of 121 children (45.4%) in rural area and 559 of 1526 hospitalized children (36.6%) had concentrations of hemoglobin less than 11.0g/100ml. (3) The mean hematocrit levels of hospitalized boys and girls were $35{\pm}26.8%\;and\;35.4{\pm}6.4%$ in 1970. And 443 of 1334 hospitalized children (33.2%) had hematocrit values below 33%. (4) The average mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels of hospitalized boys and girls were $32.4{\pm}2.2\;and\;32.3{\pm}2.2$ in 1970. And 1016 of 1352 hospitalized children (75.1%) had the mean corpuscular hemoglobin values below 34. (5) The mean iron values of young children in rural area and hospitalized children were $62.0{\pm}6.3{\mu}g/100ml\;and\;60.7{\pm}22.8{\mu}g/100ml$. The proportions of anemia cases below $50{\mu}g/100ml$ in rural area was 37.9%, and 34.3% in hospitalized children. (6) The mean total iron binding capacity of young children in rural area was $376{\pm}57.88{\mu}g/100ml,\;and\;342.2{\pm}6.15{\mu}g/100ml$ in hospitalized children. (7) The average transferrin saturation percentage of young children in rural area was $16.9{\pm}4.7%,\;and\;18.0{\pm}8.4%$ in hospitalized children. The proportions of anemia cases below 15% of young chi1dren in rural area and hospitalized children were 48.3% and 41.2%. Therefore, authors wish to recommend that the following further studies should be undertaken: (1) Standardization of simplied laboratory examination of nutritional anemia. (2) The prevalence of nutritional anemia and the requirements of iron, folate, and vitamin $B_{12}$ of pre-school children. (3) The content and absorption of iron in Korean food. (4) The pathogenesis of nutritional anemia and prevention of parasitic disease. (5) Maternal health and nutrition education.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.167-175
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• 2009

Purpose : This study has been conducted to analyze whether the biochemical nutrition indexes might be useful and effective for evaluating the nutrition states of children. Methods : We evaluated 269 children, aged 3-9 years old, who had visited Gangneung Asan Hospital for elective surgery from January 2006 to December 2007, and examined their anthropometric and preoperative laboratory data with retrospective analysis. The children were classified into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese groups according to body mass index (BMI). The biochemical nutrition indexes (total lymphocyte count (TLC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin, cholesterol, et al) of each group were then analyzed statistically. Results : None of the groups showed statistically significant differences in TLC. Serum albumin decreased significantly in the underweight group. Red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum total cholesterol in the obese group were higher than in the normal weight group. None of the groups showed statistically significant increase in mean corpuscular volume or mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and it seems that the increase of hemoglobin and RBC count in the overweight and obese groups is due to the enhancement of erythropoiesis rather than iron metabolism. However, in females, almost all nutrition indexes except albumin were statistically significantly poor. Conclusion : Serum albumin, total cholesterol, RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were useful as nutrition indexes. However, except for albumin, these indexes were significantly poor for females. More control studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of biochemical indexes for evaluating the nutritional state of children.