Diabetes

Researchers from World Health Organization discuss findings in diet and nutrition

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"We performed quota sampling (n = 147) based on age and place of residence. Using logistic regression models, components of the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) were tested as potential mediators for the effect of migrationon overweight, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The total DQI-I score revealed good overall diet quality (similar to 60/100) for all groups. Migrants scored higher than the French in variety, adequacy, and moderation and lower than Tunisians in overall balance. Migrants displayed a lower prevalence of overweight than French, lower prevalence of diabetes and CVD than Tunisians, and lower prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia than the 2 nonmigrant groups. No mediator was found for overweight. Diet adequacy, fruits, and vitamin C were mediators of the difference in hypercholesterolemia between migrants and French and the effect on hypertension was mediated by diet adequacy and fiber. Compared with Tunisians, the effect of migration on hypercholesterolemia was mediated by saturated fat. No mediator was found for hypertension, diabetes, or CVD," wrote C. Mejean and colleagues, World Health Organization.

The researchers concluded: "Despite increasing NR-NCD levels in both France and Tunisia, migrants appear to have conserved some healthy dietary characteristics that partly explain their difference in NR-NCD with local-born French, but other lifestyle factors may contribute to the favorable effect of migration."

Mejean and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Nutrition (Diet quality of north African migrants in France partly explains their lower prevalence of diet-related chronic conditions relative to their native French peers. Journal of Nutrition, 2007;137(9):2106-2113).

For additional information, contact C. Mejean, WHO Collaborat Center Nutrition, Institute Rech Development, Nutrition Unit, UR 106, F-34394 Montpellier, France.

The publisher of the Journal of Nutrition can be contacted at: American Society Nutritional Science, 9650 Rockville Pike, RM L-2407A, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

Keywords: France, Montpellier, Life Sciences, Cardiology, Cardiovascular, Diet and Nutrition, World Health Organization.

This article was prepared by Fitness & Wellness Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Fitness & Wellness Business Week via NewsRx.com.