MSc in Dietetics
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7203
Browse
11 results
Search Results
Item Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards vitamin D in the UK population(2018)Background: Vitamin D is a major public health concern across the UK. Despite inconsistent and inconclusive messages on vitamin D potentially resulting in confusion and misunderstandings in the general population, the knowledge of the UK population is unknown. Strategies including fortification and supplementation are being encouraged to improve status, however little is known about perceptions to these. Although a number of studies have been carried out on knowledge and attitudes towards vitamin D in other countries these are not generalizable to the UK. The aim of this study is to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions to Vitamin D, sun exposure fortification and supplementation in the UK population. This may help develop effective clinical and public health strategies to improve vitamin D status. Methods: An online questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitudes and perceptions to vitamin D, sun exposure, fortification and supplementation of the wider UK population. Results: In total 290 participants (19-76 years) completed the questionnaire. The UK population have a moderately good level of vitamin D knowledge, mixed attitudes towards vitamin D while a considerable number of individuals have positive attitudes towards sun exposure and food fortification. Poor supplement use is observed and supplement use is associated with better vitamin D knowledge, those concerned about vitamin D status and individuals living in England. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to implement effective, consistent and understandable public health messages and educational strategies across various platforms, to increase the populations awareness of vitamin D which seems essential to improve vitamin D status. Effective food fortification strategies also require further investigation. Further studies, including a questionnaire validation study is required to further strengthen these findings. Key Words: Vitamin D, UK, knowledge, fortification, supplementationItem Short term impact of single dose of caffeine on reaction times, cognitive processing and cardiovascular parameters in a healthy adult population(2018)Background: Caffeine is an ergogenic aid and has a stimulating effect on human body. About 85% of adults around the world consume caffeine regularly in the form of tea, coffee, cocoa products, cola beverages and energy drinks. Energy drinks are very common in athletes and young adults as they improve cognition, reaction times, and muscle contraction and enhance performance and memory. However, most of the studies conducted using energy drinks have focussed on athletes but this study is going to investigate the effect of caffeine in the form of energy drink on a healthy adult population to investigate its effect. Aims & objectives: This study will investigate the short-term effect caffeine has on cognition and reaction times with a single dose of caffeine in a healthy adult population. The study will also investigate the effect it has on cardiovascular parameters. Methods: The study was performed in the mornings after 10-12 hours of overnight abstinence from caffeine on a healthy adult population from QMU. Baseline tests were measured (height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, Stroop test, reaction times). Participants were given 250ml of sugar-free Red Bull (group 1) or 250ml of caffeine-free diet coke (group 2). After rest for 45 minutes, their tests were repeated (BP, HR, reaction time and Stroop test). The procedure was repeated after a week with the alternative drink (to prevent an order effect) on both groups. Results: Sugar-free Red Bull energy drink significantly reduced time to complete Stroop test from 40.15±8.55 to 33.88±7.32 (p=0.01) and reaction times 0.36±0.07 to 0.31±0.04 (p=0.02) when compared to caffeine-free diet coke. There were some changes in cardiovascular parameters as heart rate reduced significantly from 68.8±8.92 to 61.5± 6.43 (p=0.005) but there were no statistically significant change in blood pressure as SBP only increased to 115.1±14.45 from 111.6±10.25 (p=0.1) and DBP to 76±14.45 from 73.7±12.68 (p=0.2). Conclusion: These findings suggest that caffeine can enhance cognitive performance and reaction times even at lower and single dose (80mg). Evidence considered in this research study suggests that moderate caffeine intake is not associated with increased risk of CVD in general population, and decreased heart rate after caffeine consumption has a plausible pharmacological explanation.Item Exploring attitudes, behaviours and practices in individuals with lipoedema towards dietary management and dietetic support(2018)Background: Lipoedema is an incurable, chronic adipose tissue disorder which often goes unrecognised and misdiagnosed for overweight/obesity. Awareness and understanding of the condition is limited due to lack of clinical and epidemiological research. Diet plays an important role in the lives of those affected, with many individuals developing disordered eating patterns. Despite this, dietetic input is scarce. This study aimed to provide preliminary data around dietary practices adopted by individuals with lipoedema, their attitudes and behaviours towards eating and their individual experiences with dietetic services. Methods: An online questionnaire was conducted in partnership with Talk Lipoedema amongst individuals with lipoedema living in the UK. The questionnaire was developed using a combination of validated and non-validated tools. It was piloted amongst Talk Lipoedema’s committee members prior to data collection. Semi-quantitative and qualitative methods were used within this study. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests and thematic analysis. Results: 190 respondents were recruited. 95% have made attempts to control their body shape and/or size through dieting. More than 45 diets, 30 restricted food items/groups and 45 vitamins, minerals and supplements were reported to have been used. Shape and weight concern was prominent in respondents, driving the severity of disordered eating in this population 3.1 times greater than normative community values. 25% of respondents had seen a dietitian, 80.4% of which felt this was not beneficial. Three main themes emerged from consultation experiences: (lack of) knowledge, (lack of) individualised care and the importance of building relationships. Conclusions: Providing early dietetic input tailored for lipoedema may be a therapeutic strategy in reducing the rates of disordered eating and improving psychological well-being in individuals with lipoedema. For this to be achieved, knowledge and awareness of lipoedema must be improved across all health care professionals. This study provides findings which are useful for directing future research.Item The effects of sage (Salvia officinalis) supplementation on vascular health, cognitive function and menopausal symptoms in peri- and post- menopausal women(2018)The current body of growing evidence concurs with the use of Salvia officinalis in the amelioration of cardiovascular health and cognitive function, in addition to its use in the treatment of common menopausal symptoms. However, the above listed benefits of Salvia officinalis have not been investigated in conjunction with each other in peri- and postmenopausal women. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of a daily dose of Salvia officinalis on vascular health, cognitive function and menopausal symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women over the trial period of 29 days. This study employed a non-blinded, nonrandomised, within-subject intervention. Five women were recruited (53.8±1.9 years) and assessments were undertaken on days 0, 14 and 28. Treatment involved a daily dose of Salvia officinalis. Assessment days involved examining body mass index, vascular health through assessment of blood pressure and heart rate, concurrent to monitoring them during the cold pressure test. Cognitive function was investigated using three computerised cognition tests: Stroop colour test, Digit span test and Corsi Block-tapping test. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the menopausal rating scale (MRS). Data generated would indicate that Salvia officinalis resulted in significant differences between baseline and endpoint timepoints, with a decrease in systolic blood pressure (p=0.018) and a decrease in Stroop colour test reaction times (p=0.002). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the MRS total score (p=0.008); the MRS somato-vegetative score (p=0.013); the MRS psychological score (p=0.05); and the MRS genitourinary score (p=0.027). No statistical variances were observed in body mass index; the digit span test; the Corsi block-tapping test; diastolic blood pressure; heart rate or both parameters monitored during the cold pressor test. In conclusion results generated indicated that Salvia officinalis can elicit improvements in cognitive function; a decrease in systolic blood pressure and overall improvement in common menopausal symptoms.Item The effects of sage (Salvia officinalis) on cognitive and vascular function in healthy young adults(Queen Margaret University, 2017)BACKGROUND: Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been shown to have pharmacological properties that can improve memory and lower blood pressure due to its phytochemicals that contain anticholinesterase, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite recognition of its acute effects associated with Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease in older populations, the effect of sage on cognitive and vascular function in healthy young adults is not yet established. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the antioxidant and phenolic content of the Menoforce sage tablet. The within-subject study design was conducted to examine the effect of sage on cognitive performance and vascular function at baseline, midpoint and endpoint over a fourweek treatment. METHODS: The sage extracts were obtained by methods of ethanol extractions and the measurement of its antioxidant level and total phenolic content were determined using the electron-transfer based assay. The cognitive function was measured using three computerised tests- Stroop, Corsi block-tapping and digit span test, whereas the vascular function was assessed using a non-invasive Vicorder to measure arterial stiffness with pulse wave velocity. RESULTS: Statistical outcomes show that sage did not produce significant differences from baseline to endpoint for both cognitive and vascular function, and they were the Stroop correct task (p = 0.819), Corsi block-tapping (p = 0.197), digit span (p = 0.914), pulse wave velocity (p = 0.93). However, there were significant outcomes for Stroop reaction time (p = 0.001) and time effects (p < 0.0005), as well as a correlation between weight and pulse wave velocity at endpoint (p = 0.008). Overall cognitive scores improved and pulse wave velocity reduced at endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate improved cognitive and vascular function over the four-week sage intake in healthy young adults. Evidence suggested that longer sage intake might enhance cognitive and vascular function. Key words: Sage, antioxidant, cognitive, vascular, young adultsItem The effect of sage (Salvia officinalis) on cognitive and vascular function in healthy young adults.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Background: Salvia officinalis has been used as traditional medicine for centuries and has been found to have beneficial effects on cognition and vascular parameters. Aim: The aim is to investigate the effect of a daily dose of sage (Salvia officinalis) for twenty eight days on cognitive and vascular parameters in healthy young adults. Methodology: The study utilised an interventional, non-randomised, non-blinded, within-subject study design. A total of fourteen participants (3 male, 11 female) aged 18 to 40 (25.6 ± 4.5) received a daily dose of A. Vogel Salvia officinalis in the form of a tablet. Assessments were conducted at baseline, midpoint and endpoint, where body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, pulse wave velocity and three cognitive tests were measured. Dietary intake to determine the antioxidant content of the participants' diets were conducted and the antioxidant and phenolic content of the treatment tablet was established. Results: No significant changes were found in body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate at any time point across the intervention. Between baseline and midpoint significant differences were identified in pulse wave velocity (p=0.036), Stroop reaction time (p=0.024) and Stroop time to completion (p=<0.05). Between midpoint and endpoint, Corsi Block Span (p=0.036), Digit Span Correct (p=0.042) and Digit Span Memory (p=0.026) also showed significant differences. Conclusion: The results of this study contribute to previous literature on the beneficial effects of sage on cognitive function, in particular speed, accuracy, attention, short term and working memory, and provide new findings on the potential benefits of Salvia officinalis on arterial stiffness. These results provide a promising direction for potential prevention and treatment mechanisms for Alzheimer's disease and aspects of cardiovascular disease. Key Words: Sage; Salvia officinalis; Cardiovascular Disease; Alzheimer's disease; cognitive function; memory; attention; antioxidants; pulse wave velocity; young healthy adults.Item An investigation into the nutritional knowledge and dietary intakes of free sugars and dietary fibre among university students in the UK.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Background: Due to emerging evidence regarding the role of carbohydrates in cardio-metabolic, colo-rectal and oral health, the SACN report (2015) established new definitions and dietary recommendations for free sugars (5% total dietary energy) and dietary fibre (30g AOAC). The relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake has received limited research attention. Particularly in students, who are a unique population. Health behaviours learned during this period may have a sustained impact on health in later life. Aim: The aims of this study were to investigate student's awareness of the SACN (2015) recommendations, assess knowledge and measure dietary intake of free sugars and dietary fibre and to explore the relationship between food knowledge and dietary intake. Methods: Students were recruited from a UK university population. Inclusion (students, males and females) and exclusion criteria (special diets or those studying or/with a nutritional qualification) was applied. 56 participants completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire (cohort A), and 16 participants completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire and an estimated 4-day diet diary. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS. Results: Cohort A were unaware of the SACN recommendations for free sugars (96%) and dietary fibre (100%), although they scored well in the questionnaire (72.1% ± 12%). In cohort B, dietary intakes of free sugars (7.2% ± 5%) and dietary fibre (22.7g ± 7.9g) did not achieve SACN recommendations. The relationship was not statistically significant between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of free sugars and dietary fibre in cohort B. Conclusion: Although the SACN report is a comprehensive review of the literature, the definitions and recommendations established in the report have not been communicated effectively to the UK student population. Therefore, promotion of healthy eating behaviours, which encompass the SACN recommendations, is needed to prevent the rise of obesity and future NCDs in this population.Item An investigation into the knowledge, understanding and dietary intakes of free sugar and dietary fibre among university students in the UK.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Background: An unhealthy diet has is a preventable risk factor for CVD and T2DM. SACN (2015) found that a high sugar intake is associated with a higher risk of T2DM and a high fibre intake is associated with a lower risk of T2DM, CVD and colo-rectal cancer. Since this evidence, new recommendations have been made regarding sugar and fibre intakes in the UK. University students are a crucial group to target to encourage them to adopt healthy dietary practices and therefore help with disease prevention. The aim of this study is to measure the intake of free sugars and dietary fibre in a group of UK students and to assess their knowledge and understanding of free sugar and fibre and the new recommendations published by SACN Methods: Participants were divided into two cohorts. The DD cohort completed a 4-day diet diary alongside a nutrition knowledge questionnaire. The NKQ cohort completed the nutrition knowledge questionnaire only. Results: The mean 4-day free sugar and dietary fibre intake did not meet SACN's recommendations with an average intake of 7.2% ± 5.0% and 22.8g ± 7.9g, respectively. >90% of the participants had not heard of either of the recommendations by SACN. 96.4% of participants were aware of problems relating to a high sugar intake, but only 42.9% of participants were aware of health problems relating to a low fibre. Conclusions: The results show that university students are not meeting the dietary recommendations for free sugar or fibre. They are also unaware of SACN's recommendations on free sugar and dietary fibre. There appears to be better knowledge regarding sugar in comparison to dietary fibre amongst UK students. The results of this study show that more needs to be done in order to reduce intakes of free sugar and increase intakes of dietary fibre and to redress the balance between free sugar and fibre knowledge and awareness. Key words: Free sugar; dietary fibre; SACN; nutrition knowledgeItem Investigation into the relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and nutritional knowledge among cardiac rehabilitation patients in NHS Lothian(Queen Margaret University, 2015)Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death and ill-health in Scotland. There is a growing need for effective cardiac rehabilitation programmes to help patients successfully self-manage their condition. A Mediterranean-style diet is recommended in the secondary prevention of CHD. Evidence has shown that adherence to a Mediterranean diet can be determined by factors such as nutritional knowledge and social deprivation. The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and nutritional knowledge among cardiac rehabilitation patients and 2) to identify the relationship between these two variables and participants' levels of deprivation. Methods: Participants were recruited at their initial cardiac rehabilitation assessment. Baseline measurements of adherence to a Mediterranean diet were assessed using the 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS-14) and participants' baseline nutritional knowledge was measured using a validated 100-item, four-section nutritional knowledge questionnaire (NKQ). Participants' postcodes were collected and area-based levels of deprivation were determined using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). Results: A significant positive association was found between participants' SIMD rank and MEDAS-14 scores (r = 0.792, p<0.01), as was a significant positive correlation between SIMD rank and the 'sources of nutrients' section scores of the NKQ (r = 0.636, p<0.05). There was no relationship found between SIMD rank and total NKQ score, nor was a relationship found between participants' MEDAS-14 and NKQ scores. Conclusions: These findings are in line with previous studies that highlight the existence of a social gradient in dietary quality and nutritional knowledge. Non-significant results may have occurred due to small sample size. Further research is required to strengthen the evidence for associations between dietary quality and nutritional knowledge and their determinants in Scottish populations. Key Words: Cardiac rehabilitation, Mediterranean diet, nutritional knowledge, social deprivationItem Screening for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in older adults in the community and investigating its association with protein intake(Queen Margaret University, 2015)Background: The age structure of Scotland's population is changing and the number of older adults is increasing. Some of the changes associated with ageing are the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and functionality. This condition is termed sarcopenia. Due to Scotland's ageing population the prevalence of sarcopenia will increase. It is thought that sarcopenia can be prevented or its progression slowed by alterations to diet, in particular protein intake. Aim: The aim of this study is to screen for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in older adults living independently in the community and to investigate the association between these conditions and dietary protein intake. Methods: 16 participants were recruited from around Edinburgh and East Lothian. Participants were healthy, free-living adults who were over 50 years of age. Each participant was screened for sarcopenia by measuring their muscle mass, muscle function and physical performance. This was done by assessing their gait speed, handgrip strength and calculating their skeletal muscle index. The results obtained from these tests were then used in the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's algorithm which was used to diagnose sarcopenia. Percentage fat mass was also measured and was used in the diagnosis of sarcopenic obesity. Results: Five participants were found to have sarcopenia. Of those five, three participants had sarcopenic obesity. No significant difference was found between the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups when energy intake, total protein intake or protein intake per kilo body weight were compared. There was found to be no significant association between any of the aspects of diet and gait speed, HGD or SMI. Conclusion: The results of this study were unexpected. However, this may have been due to the small sample size. Larger studies are needed to improve understanding of the association between sarcopenia and protein intake. Key words: Sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, protein intake, protein distribution, older adults