• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.352-363
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• 2004

Lipid-lowering effects of the inulin have been demonstrated in animal, yet attempts to reproduce similar effects in humans have generated conflicting results. In this study, the lipid-lowering potential of inulin and especially its effect on bile acid and neutral sterol excretion were investigated in Korean postmenopausal women. Nineteen postmenopausal women were randomly divided into two groups in a double-blind parallel design and consumed one of two supplements for 12 weeks; placebo of 8g maltodextrins/sucrose mixture (placebo group) or 8g inulin (inulin group). There were no significant changes in body weight during the supplementation period in either inulin or placebo group. Dietary consumption of animal fat in both group tended to decrease after 12 weeks of experiment. Intake of cholesterol was lower in placebo group, whereas the decrease of cholesterol intake in inulin group did not reach statistical significance after 12 weeks. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased in both placebo (p＜0.05) and inulin group (p＜0.01) after supplementation for 12 weeks compared with the baseline. The levels of serum triglyceride (TG) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) were not significantly affected by inulin supplements, but atherogenic index (AI) and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (LHR) as a predictor for coronary heart disease were improved (p＜0.01) significantly after inulin supplementation. Therefore, inulin supplement may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease via improving blood cholesterol level. Fecal weight and pH were not changed after 12 weeks of supplementation. There were no statistically significant changes for the fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In inulin group, fecal deoxycholic acid (DCA) was significantly lowered compared with the baseline (p＜0.05) whereas other bile acids were not changed. During the 12 weeks of intervention, no differences were found in fecal excretion of neutral sterol in the two groups. In summary, dietary inulin decreases serum TC, LDL-C, AI, LHR and lowers excretion of fecal DCA in the Korean postmenopausal women. These results support the use of inulin for reducing risk factors for hyperlipidemic postmenopausal women. However, the exact mechanism (s) responsible for the blood lipid lowering action of inulin including altered fecal bile acid remain to be elucidated.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.156-165
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• 2013

This study examined how achievement of session goals contributes to outcomes of subjects after participation in a 12-week lifestyle intervention program in men with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thirty office workers with MetS, aged $47.2{\pm}6.6$ years, participated in this study, from March to July, 2011. The intervention program included face-to-face counseling five times during the 12-week period. Counselors and subjects designed session goals for each round. The average of the goal achievement rate was calculated based on compliance for each round. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their tertiles of achievement rate: Low-compliance group (LC, < 59%), medium-compliance group (MC, 59-70%), and high-compliance group (HC, > 70%). Anthropometry, biochemical index, and nutrient intake were examined at baseline and at the end of the 12-week intervention program. After the intervention, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed a significant decrease in the LC group, and waist circumference (WC) showed a significant decrease in the MC group. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), DBP, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) showed a significant decrease in the HI group. Changes in SBP and DBP were significantly lower in the HC group than in the MC group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Changes in LDL were significantly lower in the HC group than in the MC group (p < 0.05). Results for intake of total energy, protein, fat, and sodium, as well as rates of carbohydrate and fat intake, showed a significant decrease in all participants (p < 0.05). The change in fiber was significantly higher in the HC group than in the MC group (p < 0.05). The change of fruit serving size showed a significant increase in the HC group (p < 0.01). The number of risk factors for MetS showed a significant decrease in the LC and HC groups (p < 0.05), however, no significant mean differences were observed among the three groups. In conclusion, participation in this intervention program resulted in positive effects on risk factors for MetS, nutrient intake, and dietary habits, especially in the High-compliance group.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.30-43
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: The SoUth Korea study to PrEvent cognitive impaiRment and protect BRAIN health through lifestyle intervention (SUPERBRAIN) proved the feasibility of multidomain intervention for elderly people. One-quarter of the Korean population over 65 years of age has mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Digital health interventions may be cost-effective and have fewer spatial constraints. We aim to examine the efficacy of a multidomain intervention through both face-to-face interactions and video communication platforms using a tablet personal computer (PC) application in MCI. Methods: Three hundred participants aged 60-85 years, with MCI and at least one modifiable dementia risk factor, will be recruited from 17 centers and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the multidomain intervention and the waiting-list control groups. Participants will receive the 24-week intervention through the tablet PC SUPERBRAIN application, which encompasses the following five elements: managing metabolic and vascular risk factors, cognitive training, physical exercise, nutritional guidance, and boosting motivation. Participants will attend the interventions at a facility every 1-2 weeks. They will also engage in one or two self-administered cognitive training sessions utilizing the tablet PC application at home each week. They will participate in twice or thrice weekly online exercise sessions at home via the ZOOM platform. The primary outcome will be the change in the total scale index score of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status from baseline to study end. Conclusions: This study will inform the effectiveness of a comprehensive multidomain intervention utilizing digital technologies in MCI.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.167-179
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the association between intakes of potassium, magnesium, and calcium and diet quality in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: This study analyzed data from 285 subjects recruited from February 2011 to August 2014 in Seoul, Korea. Nutrition intakes were obtained from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire composed of 111 food items. The subjects were divided into 4 groups by quartiles according to intakes of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ), Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), and DQI-International (DQI-I) were analyzed for assessment of diet quality. Results: We found a positive association of intakes of these three minerals with MAR and DQI-I after adjustment for age, sex, education level, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and total energy intake. However, total moderation of DQI-I score in the Q4 group was significantly lower than that of the Q1 group. The age, sex, education level, and smoking, atrial fibrillation, and total energy intake-adjusted odds ratios of extensive cerebral atherosclerosis were inversely associated with intake of magnesium (Ptrend = 0.0204). However, this association did not exist with intakes of potassium and calcium. Conclusion: Potassium, magnesium, and calcium rich and high quality diet could be associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke, in part, via effect on extensive cerebral atherosclerosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.311-317
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nutrient intake and selected blood parameters of adults with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to provide data in forming a dietary guideline for the prevention of chronic diseases. Subjects were recruited and divided into two groups according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria and WHO Asia-Pacific Area criteria for obesity. MS group was defined as subjects who have three or more risk factors and control group was defined as those with two or less of the risk factors. The average age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) were 58.8 years, 158.0 cm, 66.3 kg, $26.5\;kg/m^{2}$, respectively, in the MS group; and 58.4 years, 158.9 cm, 59.6 kg, $23.5\;kg/m^{2}$, respectively, in the control group. The weight and BMI in the MS group were significantly higher than those in the control (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the food and nutrient intake between the MS and control group. Male subjects in the MS group showed significantly higher intake of mushrooms than those in the control (p<0.05). Egg consumption in the MS group was significantly lower than those in the control (p<0.01). Consumption of vegetables and fiber was significantly lower for female subjects in the MS group than those in the control (p<0.05). Serum GPT, AI and WBC count in the MS group (27.8 IU/L, 3.7, $5964.2\;{\mu}/L$) were significantly higher than those in the control (22.6 IU/L, 3.2, $5250.0\;{\mu}/L$; p<0.01, p<0.001, p<0.01). In conclusion, consuming fiber and vegetables may prevent and reduce metabolic syndrome in adult men and women, and this study demonstrates the need for proper dietary management for them.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.712-720
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to examine whether any correlation exists between the dental health capacity and preferred foods of Korean senior citizens over the age of 65 years. The 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey were used. Tissue health index (T-health), Sound teeth (ST), Functioning teeth index (FS-T), Present teeth (PT), and Missing teeth (MT) were used as variables to assess the dental health capacity of the elderly. Preferred foods of the elderly included 63 foods that were categorized as cereals, pulses and roots, meat and poultry, fish, vegetables, sea algae, fruits, milk and dairy products, cream and sugar, and other foods. For data analysis, the weighted average was taken into consideration to generate planning files, and then complex sample analysis were conducted. For statistical analysis, frequency analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and compound specimen linear regression analysis were conducted. T-health score was significantly high in the group with high preference for cereals, fruits, and other foods. In terms of age and economic status, 65~69 years, 70~74 years, and mid to low range in the income ranges scored high in T-health. ST score was significant in the group that preferred cereals, other foods; the corresponding demographic profiles represent 65~69 years, 70~74 years, and the mid-range income communities. FS-T was significant in relation with a preference for fruits, creams and sugars, other foods; the scores were also high for 65~69 years, 70~74 years, and mid-low to low income groups. PT and MT were significant in the group that preferred cereals and fruits; the same applied for 65~69 years, 70~74 years, and mid-low to low income individuals (p<0.05). Food preferences seemed to vary depending on the dental health state of the elderly, and the dental health state of the elderly may act as a risk factor for nutritional imbalance.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.858-868
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder on plasma lipid profiles in elderly volunteers with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease. 32 elderly people, 11 males and 21 females aged $60{\sim}77$ years, were given Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder 15 g twice daily for 6 months. We investigated the antheropometric data, general characteristics and dietary habit by using questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were collected from the subjects before and after this 6 months intervention study. Blood pressure, glucose, hemoglobin and lipid levels of plasma, atherogenic index (AI) and cardiac risk factors (CRF, LHR, HTR) were determined before and after consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the male and female subjects were 22.4 and 23.6, respectively. The percent of ideal body weight (PIBW) of males and females were 105.6% and 122.3%, respectively. The subjects had decreased intake frequency of fish and meat in their dietary habit. After consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder, there were no significant differences in blood pressure; however, the blood glucose significantly decreased with Gastrodiae Rhizoma intake in the males. In the subjects, the levels of plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol were decreased by the consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma powder; while the levels of plasma LDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased in female. Blood pressure and biochemical assessment (blood glucose, hemoglobin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol) of the subjects were within the normal range. It was found that AI, CRF and LHR were significantly decreased by Gastrodiae Rhizoma intake. The present results indicate that dietary supplementation of Gastrodiae Rhizoma improved lipid metabolism and cardiac risk factor in cardiovascular disease.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.179-184
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• 2007

Purpose: Obesity has recently emerged as a significant health problem in the pediatric population, and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing in tandem with a significant rise in childhood obesity. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify the risk factors of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese children. Methods: We enrolled 84 obese children who visited the pediatric obesity clinic at Yeung-Nam university hospital. The patients were divided into two groups based on their alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (separated at 40 IU/L), and the mean of ages, total cholesterol levels, HDL-cholesterol levels, LDL-cholesterol levels, triglyceride (TG) levels, as well as the mean obesity index, and body fat percentage of the two groups were then compared. Results: When the mean of ages ($10.5{\pm}1.6$ vs. $10.7{\pm}2.0$ years), total cholesterol levels ($183.0{\pm}29.1$ vs. $183.7{\pm}31.3$ mg/dL), HDL-cholesterol levels ($53.0{\pm}10.2$ vs. $55.7{\pm}13.0$ mg/dL), LDL-cholesterol levels ($113.4{\pm}30.2$ vs. $113.0{\pm}30.0$ mg/dL), triglyceride levels ($99.4{\pm}62.9$ vs. $114.2{\pm}47.3$ mg/dL), obesity indexes ($44.7{\pm}12.2$ vs. $47.9{\pm}15.1%$), and body fat percentages ($32.7{\pm}5.0$ vs. $34.0{\pm}4.8%$) of group 1 (ALT${\leq}$40 IU/L) were compared with those of group 2 (ALT${\geq}$41 IU/L), no significant differences were observed (p>0.05). However, hypertriglyceridemia (TG${\geq}$110 mg/dL) was more frequent in group 2 than in group 1 (p=0.023). Conclusion: TG may be an important risk factor in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and further study regarding the risk factors in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is required.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.449-464
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• 2019

Purpose: North Koreans could be at higher risk for their bone health because of previous periods of severe famine and the continuing low availability of food. This study determined the bone mineral density (BMD) status and its relationship with dietary behaviors and nutrient intake of North Korean refugees (NKR) in South Korea (SK). Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 110 female NKR from a NORNS cohort of a non-probability sample of adult NKR in Seoul. BMD examined by DEXA was used to divide participants into the normal group (NG) and the non-normal group (NNG) according to the WHO guideline. A self-administered questionnaire included questions on age, the socioeconomic situation in North Korea (NK) and SK, the food security in NK and SK, and the health behaviors, dietary behaviors, and food frequency questionnaire administered in SK. A one-day 24-hr recall was conducted and the results were analyzed by using CanPro. SPSS was used to analyze whether BMD and related dietary behaviors and nutrient intakes differed according to the groups. Results: NG (62.7%) was significantly younger and had a lower abdominal obesity score than NNG (p < 0.001). While 14.5% of NG reported experiencing menopause, all of NNG reported experiencing menopause. The NG more frequently consumed the dairy group of foods (9.6 times a week) than did the NNG (4.8 times a week) after the statistics were adjusted for age (p < 0.007). The NG consumed significantly more animal protein and animal calcium than did the NNG (p = 0.01, p = 0.009, respectively). Calcium intake was low with 49.3% of NG, and 78.0% of the NNG reported consuming calcium lower than the estimated average requirement. Only calcium showed an index of nutrient quality lower than one in both groups. Conclusion: These results showed that NKR women and possibly all North Korean women are at high risk for bone health and they consumed low levels of bone-related nutrients, and this should be considered for the nutrition policy for NKR and North Korea.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.108-114
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• 2022

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine residual characteristics of soil-treated metalaxyl-M and dinotefuran in crown daisy and to evaluate the risks from intake of the residual pesticides in the crop. METHODS AND RESULTS: The pesticide granules were treated in soil on two levels, and the plants samples were collected 51 days after seeding. The analytes were extracted and partitioned using the QuEChERS extraction packet (MgSO₄ 4 g, NaCl 1 g). The quantitative methods for metalaxyl-M and dinotefuran were validated in linearity, accuracy, and precision. Risk assessments of the pesticides were performed using Korea national nutrition statistics 2019. CONCLUSION(S): The residual concentrations of metalaxyl-M in crown daisy were 0.09-0.10 mg/kg (for the treatment at 6 kg/10 a) and 0.17-0.19 mg/kg (12 kg/10 a), respectively. The residual concentrations of dinotefuran in the crop were 0.53-0.75 mg/kg (3 kg/10 a) and 1.17-1.26 mg/kg (6 kg/10 a). The amounts of pesticides were less than MRL (Maximum Residue Limits) according to the Korean MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). The HI (Hazard Index) of metalaxyl-M and dinotefuran for consumers was 0.0075% and 0.2250%, respectively. For females in the age between 50-64, the major consumer group, the HIs of the pesticides were <3%. Considering the consumption of crown daisy, they are not considered to be of toxicological concern.