The fatty acid status of an individual can be estimated from the fatty acid composition of cellular or plasma lipid fractions, reflecting both dietary intake and metabolic processes (1) . For example, the odd chain fatty acids 15:0 and 17:0 are not synthesised de novo in humans and reflect dairy intake (1) . The long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 are either obtained through the diet or, to a substantially lesser extent, through synthesis from 18 carbon precursors. 20:5n-3 plus 22:6n-3 are associated with health benefits such that the proportion of these PUFA in cellular phospholipids (PLs) is considered to be important for neurological function (2) . Buccal cell PL fatty acid composition can be obtained through non-invasive sampling and can be useful for gaining insight into dietary intake and fatty acid status (3) . The present study aimed to assess the relative intake of dietary fatty acids in children from different countries, using buccal cell PL fatty acid composition.Buccal cells were collected from children aged 11-12 years, participating in the finals of the Danone Nations Cup, held at the University of Surrey in 2013. The event is an annual international soccer tournament for school-aged children, involving teams from 32 different nations. We obtained samples from 99 children (all boys) from 10 countries during the tournament, using a rinse and spit technique (4) and analysed the PL fatty acid composition by GC-MS (Figs 1-3). Differences between countries were assessed using ANOVA (with Welch's test for non-parametric data).Buccal cell PL 15:0 and 17:0, both markers of dairy intake, showed a significant positive correlation (r s (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient) = 0·62, P < 0·001). Overall, we found significant differences between countries for 15:0, 17:0 and 22:6n-3 in buccal cell PLs (P < 0·05 for each fatty acid), reflecting differences in intake. The mean proportion of 22:6n-3 in buccal cell PL was less than 2% for all countries, comparable to values in infants (5) . Further analysis is underway, but the present results indicate that buccal cell sampling is an acceptable, non-invasive technique for measuring fatty acid status in children and could help inform nutritional advice.
Physical inactivity is identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (1) yet despite this, and the development of clear activity recommendations for all ages including children, healthful activity habits are failing to be established in childhood. Fewer than 1 in 4 children in OECD countries report that they undertake regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise (2) and participation in team sports may be specifically in decline despite the potential benefits, which extend beyond physical health. The Danone Nations Cup (DNC) is an annual football tournament and nutrition education programme involving 32 nations which focuses on the promotion of "an inspiring and healthy future". This study aimed to undertake a cross-country comparison of body size and composition, activity levels and beliefs in children who are engaged in team sport to better understand its role in promoting healthy lifestyles.The 2013 DNC final took place in England and participating children completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of the week-long event, with self-report of habitual food intake and activity levels and knowledge of general nutrition and activity recommendations. Subject to parental informed consent and child assent anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body fat via bioelectric impedance and waist and hip circumferences) were also taken on one occasion using standard paediatric methodologies.Pre-questionnaires were completed by 190 children (sample A, 16 countries) and anthropometric data was collected from 183 children (sample B, 16 countries, all male, mean age 12·3[0·4] years). Fifty two percent of the children in sample A (n = 93) used active transport to school and 73% (n = 139) were active during school breaks. Sixty six percent (n = 125) reported 5 or more hours of sport per week but only 23% (n = 43) cited the recommendation for children of their age to be active for at least one hour per day with over a third (n = 61, 35%) believing the recommendations did not include daily activity. Modal screen time was 30 minutes per day (n = 46, 24%). The majority of the children (57%) reported having televisions but not computer consoles in their bedrooms. Mean BMI in sample B was 18·3[2·0] kg/m 2 (mean BMI centile 49·1[25·0]) and mean % body fat was 13·8[4·1]%. Only 9 children (5%) were classified as at risk of overweight according to IOTF cut-offs and none were classified as overweight. Significant differences were identified between countries with respect to BMI (centile), waist circumference and body fat (p ≤ 0·001) -with the USA team having consistently and significantly greater measurements than their Chinese and South African counterparts (p ≤ 0·02).Global child overweight data for the 16 countries represented in sample B would predict a prevalence of overweight between 5·9% and 37·2% (3) . Therefore, whilst causal relationships cannot be confirmed, analysis of this unique international cohort suggests that habitual participation in team sport may be associated with other healthful behaviours an...
The Danone Nations Cup (DNC) is an international soccer tournament. It comprises 32 national final competitions and one world final event annually, involving more than 2.5 million school‐aged children from up to 40 countries. The Danone Institute International, a non‐for‐profit organization promoting human health, has designed an innovative approach to nutrition education for the multi‐cultural environment of the DNC. The objective of the program is to promote food appreciation and basic nutrition through interventions around taste, conviviality, food origins and basic nutrition. Qualitative thematic analyses of program pilot data (DNC World Final 2011, Spain), collected through focus groups and observations, suggest the program’s acceptability and feasibility. Children spent more time at the table and reported discovering new foods. They recalled key messages and expressed a desire to make changes to their food behavior at home. Children enjoyed sharing meals and activity experiences and many described the habits of children from other countries. A long‐term study (FitFood) has been designed and data were collected at the 2013 DNC World Final in London to further evaluate the program and to investigate children’s nutritional knowledge, social interactions around food, usual dietary intake, body composition and n‐3 fatty acid status in relation to dietary intakes. Analysis is underway using mixed methods in collaboration with the University of Surrey (UK). Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Danone Institute International
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