There are multiple causes of severe anemia in Malawian preschool children, but folate and iron deficiencies are not prominent among them. Even in the presence of malaria parasites, additional or alternative causes of severe anemia should be considered.

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The use of two non-consecutive 24 h recalls using EPIC-Soft for standardised dietary monitoring in European countries has previously been proposed in the European Food Consumption Survey Method consortium. Whether this methodology is sufficiently valid to assess nutrient intake in a comparable way, among populations with different food patterns in Europe, is the subject of study in the European Food Consumption Validation consortium. The objective of the study was to compare the validity of usual protein and K intake estimated from two non-consecutive standardised 24 h recalls using EPIC-Soft between five selected centres in Europe. A total of 600 adults, aged 45-65 years, were recruited in Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, The Netherlands and Norway. From each participant, two 24 h recalls and two 24 h urines were collected. The mean and distribution of usual protein and K intake, as well as the ranking of intake, were compared with protein and K excretions within and between centres. Underestimation of protein (range 2 -13 %) and K (range 4 -17 %) intake was seen in all centres, except in the Czech Republic. We found a fair agreement between prevalences estimated based on the intake and excretion data at the lower end of the usual intake distribution (,10 % difference), but larger differences at other points. Protein and K intake was moderately correlated with excretion within the centres (ranges ¼ 0·39-0·67 and 0·37 -0·69, respectively). These were comparable across centres. In conclusion, two standardised 24 h recalls (EPIC-Soft) appear to be sufficiently valid for assessing and comparing the mean and distribution of protein and K intake across five centres in Europe as well as for ranking individuals.

BackgroundThe increased prevalence of overweight and obesity warrants preventive actions, particularly among people in transitional stages associated with lifestyle changes, such as occupational retirement. The purpose is to investigate the effect of a one year low-intensity computer-tailored energy balance programme among recent retirees on waist circumference, body weight and body composition, blood pressure, physical activity and dietary intake.MethodsA randomised controlled trial was conducted among recent retirees (N = 413; mean age 59.5 years). Outcome measures were assessed using anthropometry, bio-impedance, blood pressure measurement and questionnaires.ResultsWaist circumference, body weight and blood pressure decreased significantly in men of the intervention and control group, but no significant between-group-differences were observed at 12 or at 24-months follow-up. A significant effect of the programme was only observed on waist circumference (-1.56 cm (95%CI: -2.91 to -0.21)) at 12 month follow up among men with low education (n = 85). Physical activity and dietary behaviours improved in both the intervention and control group during the intervention period. Although, these behaviours changed more favourably in the intervention group, these between-group-differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe multifaceted computer-tailored programme for recent retirees did not appear to be effective. Apparently the transition to occupational retirement and/or participation in the study had a greater impact than the intervention programme.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT00122213.

Background: More information is needed on the efficacy of carotenoids from plant foods in improving vitamin A status. Objective: We aimed to quantify the efficacy of provitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit in improving vitamin A status. Design: Breastfeeding women in 9 rural communes in Vietnam were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 groups: the vegetable group (n ҃ 73), which ingested 5.6 mg ␤-carotene/d from green leafy vegetables; the fruit group (n ҃ 69), which ingested 4.8 mg ␤-carotene/d from orange or yellow fruit; the retinol-rich group (n ҃ 70), which ingested 610 g retinol/d from animal foods and 0.6 mg ␤-carotene/d; and the control group (n ҃ 68), which ingested 0.4 mg ␤-carotene/d. Meals of groups 1, 2, and 4 contained 30 g retinol/d. Lunch and dinner were provided 6 d/wk for 10 wk. Results: Mean (95% CI) changes in serum retinol concentrations of the vegetable, fruit, retinol-rich, and control groups were 0.09 (0.03, 0.16), 0.13 (0.07, 0.19), 0.25 (0.17, 0.33), and 0.00 (Ҁ0.06, 0.06) mol/L, respectively. Mean (95% CI) changes in breast-milk retinol concentrations were 0.15 (0.04, 0.27), 0.15 (0.02, 0.28), 0.48 (0.32, 0.64), and Ҁ0.06 (Ҁ0.21, 0.09) mol/L, respectively. According to these findings, the equivalent of 1 g retinol would be 12 g ␤-carotene (95% CI: 8, 22 g) for fruit and 28 g ␤-carotene (17, 84 g) for green leafy vegetables. Thus, apparent mean vitamin A activity of carotenoids in fruit and in leafy vegetables was 50% (95% CI: 27%, 75%) and 21% (7%, 35%), respectively, of that assumed. Conclusion:The bioavailability of carotenoids from vegetables and fruit is less than previously assumed.Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85: 1112-20.