• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.429-435
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• 2012

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has become a serious epidemic in Korean children. We aimed to investigate the association between vitamin C, E and other nutrients, and serum total IgE/specific IgE levels in children with AD. A total of 119 children (0-24 mo) diagnosed with AD were recruited for this cross-sectional study from a medical center in Seoul. A 24 h recall was used to assess dietary intakes. Serum total and six food-allergen specific IgE levels were measured by CAP-FEIA. Serum vitamin E was also measured but only in 25 out of the total 119 participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to estimate the coefficients between serum IgE levels and dietary intake as well as serum vitamin E. Serum vitamin E levels showed a significantly inverse association with serum total IgE and all specific IgE levels (P < 0.05). Fat intake was inversely related with specific-IgEs for egg whites, milk, buck wheat, soy, and peanuts (P < 0.05). Positive associations were found between carbohydrate (CHO) intake and total IgE and specific IgEs to egg whites, milk, soy, and peanuts (P < 0.05). Vitamin C, E and n-3/n-6 fatty acids were not related with serum total IgE and specific IgE levels except for the association between buck wheat and vitamin E. In addition, there were no significant differences between males and females in dietary intake and serum IgE levels by student's t-test. Although dietary vitamin E showed no association with serum IgE levels, serum vitamin E drew a significant inverse relationship with serum IgE levels. The evidence seems to suggest that vitamin E may possibly lower total and specific-IgEs in children with AD, and that it is important to maintain a relatively high serum vitamin E level in children with AD.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2005

This study was done to investigate effects of antioxidant supplementation on phytohemagglutinin (PHA) -stimulated interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in elderly women. This study was designed as a placebo-controlled, single-blinded, randomized intervention trial. Twenty four elderly women aged over 60 years, visitings social welfare center in Seoul were divided into 3 groups, placebo (n = 8), vitamin C supplemented (n = 8) , and vitamin E supplemented (n = 8) groups. Experimental groups were given either 1000mg of L-ascorbic acid or 400 ill of d- $\alpha$-tocopherol for 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in antioxidant vitamins intakes and their plasma levels among pre-intervention groups. Plasma vitamin C or E levels was significantly increased after vitamin C or E sup-plementations. The increases of plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels in the placebo group were significantly higher than those of the supplemented 2 groups. There were no significant differences in the changes of plasma IL-2 level between pre- and post-intervention among the 3 groups. However there was a significant increase in PHA­stimulated IL-2 production by PBMCs after 4-week vitamin E or vitamin C supplementation. Particularly, vitamin E supplemented group showed a higher PHA-stimulated IL-2 production than vitamin C supplemented group. These results indicate that vitamin E or vitamin C supplementation might enhance mitogen-stimulated cytokine production by immune cells, which could be one of the factors to improve health status in the elderly.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.265-277
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• 2011

This study was conducted to improve the nutritional status of high school girls via lunch menu intervention. Surveys were carried out twice to evaluate basal status and status after lunch menu intervention. In the first survey nutrient intakes of 24-hour and school lunch were each estimated by 24-hour recall dietary survey and self-recording, respectively. Calcium intake was the lowest among nutrients, and stir-frying was the most preferred cooking method. Five dishes of school lunch menus which were included in the first survey were replaced with recipes containing foods with higher calcium level; anchovy stir-fried with red pepper paste, anchovy stir-fried with almond, pork stir-fried with shredded kelp, crab meat soup, and tteokbokki with cheese. In the second survey calcium intake from school lunch was significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 45.5% to 50.2% of one thirds of recommended intake (RI) after calcium enriched lunch menu intervention. Intakes of vitamin A and E were also significantly increased, whereas those of energy, thiamin, and vitamin C were decreased. Index of nutritional quality values of nutrients of 24-hour intakes (except thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin C) is increased by intervention; however, those of calcium, folic acid, iron are still very low. Even though this study shows a possibility of improving nutrient intakes of students through school lunch menu intervention, lunch intervention by itself is not enough action to improve nutritional status of micronutrient for adolescents.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.729-738
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• 1998

Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E may play a preventive role in the development of cancer and coronary heart disease. The status of vitamins C and E may be affected by lifestyle habits such as smoking , drinking, and exercise. These habits can modify the dietary requirements of vitamin C and vitamin E. the purpose of this study was to determine whether Korean young healthy men and women consume vitamins C and E in sufficient quantities relative to their lifestyle habits. Among the participants in this study, 52% of the men and none of the women were smokers. ; 84% of all subjects drank alcohol more than once a week ; and the men exercised more often than the women. The concentrations of serum total , HDL-, and LDL- cholesterol were higher in the women than in the men, but the serum triglyceride concentrations were higher in the men than in the women. The men consumed less satuated fat than the women (p<0.05) . The daily intakes of vitamin C for the men and the women were 47.1mg and 65.6mg, respectively. On the other hand , the daily vitamin E intake was higher in the men (11.8mg) than women(6.9mg). The serum $\alpha$-tocopherol concentrations of all subjects were in a normal range, and in no subjects were they below the minimum value of ranges. However, about 19% of male subjects and 10% of female subjects showed deficient status, although the mean serum vitamin C levels were normal . Lifestyle habits fo the sort mentioned above have little influence on the serum vitamin C and $\alpha$-tocopherol concentrations. The serum $\alpha$-tocopherol concentration had a positive correlation with total fat and alcohol consumption. The serum vitamin C concentration was positively associated with regular exercise, but it was negatively correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked. Meanwhile, the serum lipid persoxide concentration , the indirect index of oxidative stress, was influenced by certain variable such as body mass index , the number of cigarettes smoked , alcohol consumption, energy expenditure, vitamin C intake, and serum ${\gamma}$-tocopherol concentration. Serum lipid peroxide concentration was positively associated with body mass index, the number of cigarette smoked , serum triglyceride , and HDL-cholesterol concentration. In conclusion , the vitamin E requirements of the subjects were met by the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) regardless of lifestyle habits. However, serum vitamin C concentrations showed individual variation and was below the normal ranges. Smoking and exercise influenced serum vitamin C concentration. Therefore, a reevaluation of the requirements of vitamin C relative to lifestyle habits is necessary.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.12-21
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• 2009

The study was performed to investigate the relationship of regular exercise to body composition and nutrient intakes of male college students by comparing anthropometric measurements and one-day dietary intakes by 24-hour recall of physical education (PE) majors and non-major male college students. The subjects were 253 students residing in the Gyeonggi area. Only 64.1% and 32.1% of PE majors and non-major students exercised over 4 times a week and PE major students did stronger exercise than the non-major students did. Mean BMI and WHR (Waist Hip Ratio) of the two groups were not different. But percentages of body fat and lean body mass in PE major students were lower and higher, respectively, than those of non-major students. PE major students consumed significantly more energy and other nutrients except iron, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin E than non-major students. Nutrients consumed less than KRDA was calcium in PE major students and energy, calcium, zinc, vitamin $B_{12}$, folate, and vitamin C in non-major students. Mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of PE major students (1.00) was significantly higher than that of non-major students (0.94). Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) of all nutrients except vitamin A of PE major students was also significantly higher than that of non-major students. Nutrients below 1.00 in INQ of both groups were calcium, zinc, vitamin B2, and folate. Our data supports that regular exercise may positively influence on body composition and increase diet quality in male college students. Therefore, an educational program focused on regular exercise along with proper dietary behavior would be needed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.812-820
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• 1999

The aim of this investigation was to assess the difference of health behaviors, dietary patterns and nutrient intakes between smokers and nonsmoker from 435 free living elderly in Kyunggi province. The study subjects were interviewed to collect general characteristics and health behaviors such as smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption, and food habits by questionnaires and nutrient intakes by a 24-hour recall, and weight, height, waist, hip, and blood pressure were measured. The percentages of smoker were 52.3% in males and 12.1% in females. Current smokers were fond of alcohol, salty or hot food, tended to have meals irregularly and insufficient sleep, and were inactive lifestyle compared to nonsmokers. Smokers consumed fewer servings of vegetables, fruits, and beans and their products. Women who smoked consumed less energy, carbohydrates, and vitamin E than nonsmokers, and their nutrient adequacy ratio of protein, iron, phosphate, niacin, vitamin B1, and vitamin C were significantly lower than nonsmokers. There were no differences of nutrient intakes and nutrient adequacy ratio between smokers and nonsmokers in male subjects. In conclusion, elderly smokers tended to have less healthy life style, food habit, and dietary nutrient intakes which may influence the deleterious effects of smoke components on cancer and coronary heart disease risk, thus health education program should include nutrition education as well as smoking cessation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.924-933
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• 1999

This study investigated the effects of vitamin E supplementation on immune responses and antioxidant status in healthy Korean old and young women. Blood samples were obtained from 15 healthy old women (over 60 years old) and from 15 healthy young women(20 years old) before and 4 weeks after vitamin E( tocopherol acetate) supplementation(400IU/day). Daily nutrient intakes were calculated, and plasma vitamin E concentration, numbers and percentages of white blood cell and their subpopulation, percentages of lymphocytes and subpopulation, NK cell percentages, plasma immunoglobulin A, G, M and C3 concentration, proliferation of PMN with mitogen were measured. Also plasma TBARS concentration and radical scavenger activity of erythrocytes were investigated. Plasma vitamin E concentrations were significantly increased after supplementation in both groups. In elderly women, vitamin E supplementation restored the per centages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils which had been out of normal ranges before supple mentation. And after vitamin E supplementation, helper T cell percentages significantly increased in elderly. Plasma immunoglobulin and complement C3 concentrations were not affected by vitamin E supplementation in both groups. PMN proliferations with mitogen were significantly lower in old women than in young women, and there was no effect of vitamin E supplementation. Vitamin E supplementation significantly decreased plasma TBARS concentrations in old and young women. RSA of erythrocytes was increased in both groups, but the statistical significant was only found in young women group. Therefore, these results suggest that the moderate vitamin E supplementation in old women improves immune responses, especially nonspecific immunity and cell mediated immunity, via protection of oxidant stress.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of Korean workers with occupational exposure to lead by estimating nutrients and flood intakes so that we can eventually establish the dietary guidelines to be recommended for the lead workers. Food consumption survey was conducted by a 24-hr recall method with 135 lead workers and 50 non-exposed controls. Food intake data were convened into nutrients intake using computer aided nutritional analysis program. Mean daily energy intake and percentage of recommended daily allowance (RDA) of male lead workers were 2138 local and 87% of RDA while those of control were estimated as 2234 kcal and 91% of RDA. Mean daily intakes of nutrients of male lead workers were 78 g (111% RDA) for protein 502 mg (71% RDA) for calcium, 11.7 mg (97% RDA) for iron, 665 $\mu$g R.E (95% RDA) for vitamin A, 1.39 mg (108% RDA) for thiamin, 1.14 mg (77% RDA) for riboflavin, 15 mg N.E (92% RDA) for niacin and 66 mg (94% RDA) for vitamin C. On average, male lead workers showed significantly lower protein, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, niacin and vitamin C intakes than control group while cholesterol intake of the male lead workers was significantly higher than that of control group. Intakes of calcium of male lead workers were Less than 75% RDA meaning that nutritional intake of calcium of male lead workers was insufficient and could possibly result in nutritional deficient. Some food groups such as milk, meat and fish must be strongly suggested to improve nutritional status of lead workers. Continuing nutrition monitoring and appropriate nutrition intervention for lead workers most be conducted further.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.460-474
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• 2010

This study was performed to assess the physical activity, food habit and nutrient intakes by gender and age groups in 193 adults aged 20-59 years (84 men and 109 women) in Pusan. Data for physical activity and dietary survey was assessed by a questionnaire and 24hr recall method. The mean BMIs of men and women were 24.0 and 22.2 respectively and BMI of women in the 20-29 years group (20.9) was significantly lower than that of women in the 30-49 and 50-59 years group (22.7, 23.2) (p < 0.01). 56.0% for men and 44.0% for women exercised regularly. The mean exercise duration per once of men (69.7 minutes) was significantly higher than that of women (52.4minutes) (p < 0.01). The mean exercise duration per day was 36.0 minutes for men and 29.9 minutes for women. 67.9% for men and 78.0% for women often skipped meals and 68.4% for men and 69.4% for women skipped breakfast in the main. The mean energy intake of men was 2067.2 kcal and that of women was 1783.1 kcal comprised of 87.2% and 92.1% of the Estimated Energy Requirements (EER). The mineral intakes of men and women were over Recommended Intake (RI) and Adequate Intake (AI) except calcium and potassium. The mean calcium intake was 88.3% for men and 84.0% for women of RI. The mean potassium intake was 63.3% for men and 59.2% for women of AI. The mean vitamin intakes of men and women were over RI and AI except vitamin C and folic acid. The mean vitamin C intake was 92.5% for men and 85.6% for women of RI. The mean folic acid intake was 76.6% for men and 70.0% for women of RI. The mean energy, protein, sodium and zinc intakes of men were significantly higher than those of women (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05). The mean vitamin $B_6$, vitamin C and folic acid intakes of men in the 20-29 years group were significantly lower than those of men in the 30-49 and 50-59 years group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05). For energy, proportions of subjects with intake levels less than 90% EER were 64.3% for men and 56.0% for women. For calcium, proportions of subjects with intake levels less than Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) were 52.4% for men and 59.6% for women. For folic acid, proportions of subjects with intake levels less than EAR were 78.6% for men and 83.5% for women. For iron and phosphorus, proportions of women (36.7%, 14.7%)with intake levels less than EAR were significantly higher than those of men (6.0%, 1.2%) (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). For men, age was positively correlated with intakes of potassium, vitamin $B_6$, vitamin C and folic acid (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01). For men, weight showed significantly negative correlations with intakes of carbohydrate, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamin $B_6$ and folic acid (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and BMI showed significantly negative correlations with protein, lipid, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamin E and folic acid (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05) For men, exercise duration per once showed significantly positive correlations with intakes of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, niacin, vitamin C and folic acid (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Therefore, nutritional education for adult health management is needed by gender and age groups.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.330-337
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins in relation to serum malondialdehye(MDA) level in postmenopausal women with common occurance of cardiovascular disease(CVD). Data about general characteristics including smoking, drinking and exercise status, dietary intake and serum level of antioxidant vitamins, and serum MDA level were collected from eighty-five postmenopausal women. Mean serum MDA level was 1.62$\pm$0.03nmol/ml, and general characteristics and serum lipid profiles were not significantly different among the three group: low MDA(<1.45nmol/ml), midium MDA(1.45-1.74nmol/ml) and high MDA($\geq$1.74nmol/ml). Total mean vitamin A intake was 472.8$\pm$37.7RE, 68% of RDA, vitamin C intake was 134.3$\pm$8.7mg, 192% of RDA and vitamin E intake was 8.6$\pm$0.5mg, 86% of RDA for Korean. In takes of antioxidant vitamins from the diet were not significantly different among the three groups. However significant negative correlation(r=-0.242, p<0.05) was observed between vitamin E intake and serum MDA level in total subjects. Total mean serum vitamin A, $\beta$-carotene and vitamin C level were 0.59$\pm$0.01$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml, 0.25$\pm$0.01$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml and 9.02$\pm$0.28$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml, respectively. Total mean serum vitamin E and vitamin E/total cholesterol level were 9.15$\pm$0.42$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml and 4.09$\pm$0.17$\mu\textrm{g}$/mg, respectively. Serum antioxidant vitamins levels were not significantly different among the three groups. However serum vitamin C and E level were negatively correlated to serum MDA level. We can conclude that it will be helpful for postmenopausal women with common occurance of CVD to improve nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins by increasing intakes of antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamin C and E. (Korean J Nutrition 34(3) : 330~337, 2001)