• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.227-246
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• 2022

This study was conducted on the nutritional status of 1,805 patients with allergic diseases (atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma) aged 19 to 64 years according to their state of depression, based on the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to diagnose depression. Subjects with a score of 10 or more were categorized into the depression group (n=152) and the rest into the non-depression group (n=1,653). The results of this study were as follows: The proportion of women (75.7%) was higher than that of men (24.3%) in the depressed group (P<0.01). In terms of energy intake per 1,000 kcal, both men and women in the depressed group showed a lower energy intake than the non-depressed group and this intake was less than the estimated energy requirement (EER). The nutrient intakes of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and vitamin C were below the estimated average requirement (EAR). Also, the intakes of fiber and potassium were less than the adequate intake (AI) (P<0.001). In the lifestyle parameters, the ratio of eating alone at lunch was 54.1%:33.1%, indicating that more than half of the depression group ate alone. In conclusion, it was observed that the nutritional status of allergic disease patients was imbalanced. The nutritional imbalance was due to insufficient energy intake and inadequate intake of nutrients, which was below the average requirements of vitamins and minerals and this was more evident in the depression group than in the non-depression group.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.290-299
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• 2016

This study was conducted to determine the association between dietary calcium intake and biomarkers related to lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. Seventy-five subjects (41 males, 34 females) were recruited from a group of patients who had visited the department of endocrine medicine. Data on anthropometric characteristics, clinical indices such as hemoglobin A1c and C-reactive protein (CRP), and dietary nutrient intakes were collected. Subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of their calcium intake [< EAR (below estimated average requirement), EAR-RNI (between EAR and recommended nutrient intake), > RNI (above RNI)]. Average calcium intake of < EAR, EAR-RNI, > RNI groups were $462.7{\pm}18.7$, $649.7{\pm}12.8$, and $895.7{\pm}21.7mg$, respectively. Energy intake was not different among groups but intakes of protein, total and saturated fatty acids were significantly higher in > RNI group than < EAR group. Analysis of covariance revealed that HDL cholesterol level was significantly higher in EAR-RNI group, as compared to < EAR group after adjustment with confounders such as age, sex, BMI and energy intake (p < 0.05). Levels of CRP and homeostasis model assessment 2-insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) were significantly lower in EAR-RNI group. Total cholesterol level was higher in EAR-RNI and > RNI groups, although within the normal range. Our results suggest that dietary calcium intake may influence the levels of HDL-cholesterol, CRP and HOMA2-IR and subsequently, help management/treatment of type 2 diabetes patients.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.178-183
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• 2008

The assessment of children's nutritional intakes is important because any nutritional inadequacies or toxicities may have adverse consequences. Studies on the nutritional intakes of Korean children are limited. The aims of this study were to determine anthropometric indices, estimate selectee nutrient intakes of young Korean children, and compare these intakes with current Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. This study included 136 healthy children(65 boys, 71 girls), 2-6 y old, living in Kwangju, Korea. Weights and heights were measured. Three consecutive 24-h food recalls were obtained. According to International Obesity Taskforce BMI cutoffs, 8% were overweight and 2% were obese. The energy intakes of 40% were < Korean Estimated Energy Requirements, while all subjects consumed $\geq$ Korean Estimated Average Requirement(EAR) for protein. The majority of the children consumed > Korean EAR for iron, zinc, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, vitamin $B_6$, and niacin. Vitamin E intakes of 65% of the Korean children were < Korean Adequate Intake, and approximately half of the subjects had < Korean EAR for calcium and for folate. Many young children in Kwangju, Korea, likely have inadequate status of calcium, folate, and vitamin E.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.10-20
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• 2022

This article evaluated levels of Estimated Average Requirements (EARs), Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs), and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs) of protein using the recently revised Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Koreans (2020). Dietary protein requirements are based on amounts sufficient to satisfy physiological demands to accomplish nitrogen equilibrium. The same principle was applied to estimate EARs and RNIs, for adults in DRIs conducted in 2015 and 2020 in Koreans. EAR was estimated to be 0.73 g/kg body weight/day, according to data (0.66 g/kg body weight/day) obtained using the nitrogen balance method and adjusted by efficiency of protein use (90%). RNI was calculated as EAR increased by an amount equal to twice the standard deviation of an age group so as to cover 97.5% of the group and was found to be 0.91 g/kg body weight/day. For weaned infants, children, and adolescents, growth requirement was added to estimate EAR. In particular, growth requirement was adjusted by efficiency of protein use in the revised EAR, which led to higher EARs for weaned infants, children, and adolescents of both genders as compared with 2015 DRIs. The AMDR for protein was set at 7%-20% of energy intake, which was the same as 2015 DRIs. Current, average protein intake by the Korean population is almost twice times the EAR, which suggests it might be better to increase the minimal margin for AMDR. However, it was not adjusted in this revision due to lack of evidence.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.584-593
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• 2021

In the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans, an acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR), similar to the one established in 2015, was determined for carbohydrates. AMDR is the ratio that signifies energy intake from carbohydrates to the total energy intake, and is a reference that indicates a decreasing risk of chronic diseases. The AMDR of carbohydrate was determined to be optimal at 55-65% for all ages above 1 year. For the first time, in the year 2020, the estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for carbohydrates were established. The EAR was based on the amount of glucose used per day in the brain, and was set at 100 g/day for all ages above 1 year. The RNI was set at 130 g/day, by adding a double coefficient of variation using a 15% coefficient of variation, for all ages above 1 year. In pregnant women, the amount of glucose utilized by the fetus brain was considered additionally, and for lactating women the amount of lactose secreted into maternal milk was additionally taken into consideration. Since the EAR of carbohydrate indicates the minimum amount of glucose required by the brain and is not an appropriate intake amount as an energy source, it is incorrect to compare the carbohydrate intake with the EAR or RNI. To evaluate the nutritional status of carbohydrate, it is appropriate to use the AMDR. Carbohydrate intakes within the AMDR range has the possibility in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Hence, it is important to consider the quality as well as quantity of carbohydrates consumed.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.808-813
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• 2006

Until now, South Korea does not have either fortification or enrichment program as intervention tools although the addition of micronutrients to foods is for the most part not regulated. The aim of this study was to determine which scenario would most effectively reduce the proportion of the population with low iron intake while not putting other population groups at risk of excessive intakes. In order to investigate potential dietary consequences of iron fortification we analyzed 2 day dietary record data (n=3,955) from the 2001 National Nutrition Surveys. The Proportion of the population consuming dietary iron less than the estimated average requirement (EAR) ranged from $12.4{\sim}87.5%$ depending upon gender and age group. Iron fortification at the level of 100% of Recommended Intake (RI) per 100g to breads and instant o. dried noodles was estimated to result in a 15% decrease of proportion of those with iron less than EAR, while putting 1.4 % of the population greater than the Upper Limit (UL). Iron fortification appeared to be the most effective for the $15{\sim}19$ year old age group, showing 39% reduction of iron intake insufficiency. The results suggest that carefully designed fortification or enrichment to staple foods may contribute to increase dietary iron intakes of Koreans, especially for the young population with a high prevalence of iron inadequacy. As the estimation in this study was based solely upon dietary intake data, iron intake from supplements should be considered in further studies.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.266-274
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• 2011

Accurate assessment of nutrient adequacy of a population should be based on usual intake distribution of that population. This study was conducted to adjust usual nutrient intake distributions of a single 24-hour recall in 2001 Korean National Health and Nutrition Surveys (KNHNS) in order to determine the magnitude of limitations inherent to a single 24-hour recall in assessing nutrient intakes of a population. Of 9,960 individuals who provided one 24-hour recall in 2001 KNHNS, 3,976 subjects provided an additional one-day 24-hour recall in 2002 Korean National Nutrition Survey by Season (KNNSS). To adjust for usual intake distribution, we estimated within-individual variations derived from 2001 KNHNS and 2002 KNNSS using the Iowa State University method. Nutritionally at risk population was assessed in reference to the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs). The Korean Estimated Average Requirement (Korean EAR) cut-point was applied to estimate the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes except for iron intakes, which were assessed using the probability approach. The estimated proportions below Korean EAR for calcium, riboflavin, and iron were 73%, 41%, and 24% from usual intake distribution and 70%, 51%, and 39% from one-day intake distribution, respectively. The estimated proportion of sodium intakes over the Intake Goal of 2,000 mg/day was 100% of the population after adjustment. The energy proportion from protein was within Korean Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (Korean AMDR), whereas that of carbohydrate was higher than the upper limit and that of fat was below the lower limit in the subjects aged 30 years or older. According to these results, the prevalence of nutritional inadequacy and excess intake is over-estimated in Korea unless usual intake distributions are adjusted for one-day intakes of most nutrients.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.48-61
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Magnesium is an essential nutrient for human health. However, inadequate intake is commonly reported worldwide. Along with reduced consumption of vegetables and fruits and increased consumption of refined or processed foods, inadequate magnesium intake is increasingly reported as a serious problem. This study aimed to assess magnesium intake, its dietary sources, and the adequacy of magnesium intake in Korean populations. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data was obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2019 and included individuals aged ≥1 yr who had participated in a nutrition survey (n=28,418). Dietary intake was assessed by 24-h recall, and dietary magnesium intake was estimated using a newly established magnesium database. Diet adequacy was evaluated by comparing dietary intake with the estimated average requirement (EAR) suggested in the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes 2020. RESULTS: The mean dietary magnesium intake of Koreans aged ≥1 yr was 300.4 mg/d, which was equivalent to 119.8% of the EAR. The prevalence of individuals whose magnesium intake met the EAR was 56.8%. Inadequate intake was observed more in females, adolescents and young adults aged 12-29 yrs, elders aged ≥65 yrs, and individuals with low income. About four-fifths of the daily magnesium came from plant-based foods, and the major food groups contributing to magnesium intake were grains (28.3%), vegetables (17.6%), and meats (8.4%). The top 5 individual foods that contributed to magnesium intake were rice, Baechu (Korean cabbage) kimchi, tofu, pork, and milk. However, the contribution of plant foods and individual contributing food items differed slightly by sex and age groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the mean dietary magnesium intake among Koreans was above the recommended intake, whereas nearly one in 2 Koreans had inadequate magnesium intake. To better understand the status of magnesium intake, further research is required, which includes the intake of dietary supplements.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.257-268
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Zinc is an essential trace mineral which is important for the growth and development of the human body and immunological and neurological functions. Inadequate zinc intake may cause zinc deficiency with its adverse consequences. In this study, we aimed to estimate the dietary zinc intake levels and sources among Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS: For this secondary analysis, we obtained data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2016-2019. Individuals aged ≥ 1 yr who had completed a 24-h recall were included. The dietary zinc intake of each individual was calculated by applying data from a newly developed zinc content database to the KNHANES raw data. We also compared the extracted data with the sex-, age-specific reference values suggested in the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes 2020. The prevalence of adequate zinc intake was then evaluated by the proportion of the individuals who met the estimated average requirement (EAR). RESULTS: The mean zinc intake of Koreans aged ≥ 1 yr and adults aged ≥ 19 yrs were 10.2 and 10.4 mg/day, equivalent to 147.4% and 140.8% of the EAR, respectively. Approximately 2 in 3 Koreans met the EAR for zinc, but the zinc intake differed slightly among the different age and sex groups. In children aged 1-2 yrs, 2 out of 5 exceeded the upper level of intake, and nearly half of the younger adults (19-29 yrs) and the elders (≥ 75 yrs) did not meet the EAR. The major contributing food groups were grains (38.9%), meats (20.4%), and vegetables (11.1%). The top 5 food contributors to zinc intake were rice, beef, pork, egg, and baechu kimchi, which accounted for half of the dietary intake. CONCLUSION: The mean zinc intake among Koreans was above the recommended level, but 1 in 3 Koreans had inadequate zinc intake and some children were at risk of excessive zinc intake. Our study included zinc intake from diet only, thus to better understand zinc status, further research to include intake from dietary supplements is needed.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.sup1
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• pp.89-112
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• 2022

An accurate assessment of the recommended calcium (Ca) intake may contribute to reducing the risk of fractures and chronic diseases, ultimately improving quality of life. This review was performed to summarize key findings of Ca studies, investigate the effect of Ca intake on health outcomes, and determine the adequacy of evidence to revise the 2015 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) for Ca in 2020. Databases were searched for intervention studies that assessed health outcomes by providing Ca in diets or as supplements. The framework of the systematic review comprised conducting literature searches, data extraction, quality assessment of the literature, and summarizing key findings relevant to set the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Ca for the 2020 KDRI. The final search was performed in June 2019. A total of 13,309 studies were identified through databases and manual search. Sixtyfive studies were included in the final quality assessment and were summarized according to health indicators. As bone health was used as an indicator of the EAR for Ca, literature reports on bone health were further categorized by the life-cycle stage of the participants. This systematic review did not find new evidence that could be applied to the general Korean adult population, including postmenopausal women, for defining a new EAR for Ca in the 2020 KDRIs. Evidence in most of the reviewed literature was considered weak; however, some evidence was found that could improve the criteria on how the EAR for Ca was determined in children and adolescents. A review of the literature for the 2020 KDRIs for Ca did not find strong evidence in order to change the recommended values of the 2015 KDRIs. More clinical interventions are required among Koreans to strengthen the body of evidence to warrant the revision of the KDRIs.