Development of an At-Risk Score for Metabolic Syndrome To develop and validate a metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk score, young adults completed an in-person assessment and online health history questionnaire. Risk scoring was based on weighted multivariate risk score functions. The area under the curve was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.32 to 0.81), indicating a significant relationship between higher scores and increased odds of MetS diagnosis (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.25). The new score was associated with the MetS Severity Score (r [correlation coefficient] = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.51; P < .0001) and the American Heart Association score (r = −0.49; 95% CI, −0.57 to −0.39; P < .0001). This score can help improve primary prevention intervention strategies for young adults at risk of MetS.

Is the Intake of Antioxidants Associated With Risk of Coronary Artery Disease? A Jordanian Case-Control Study This study aimed to determine whether the intake of antioxidants was a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. A total of 399 participants who underwent coronary angiography were included in the study, and patients with coronary artery disease (cases) were compared with patients with a normal coronary angiography (controls). Antioxidant consumption was higher in the control group than in the cases. Specifically, the controls had a higher consumption of foods rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and lycopene, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The findings of the study suggest a possible beneficial association between coronary artery disease and the intake of dietary antioxidants.

Accuracy of Waist to Hip Ratio Calculated by Bioelectric Impedance Device in the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease Cohort Study The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of waist to hip ratio (WHR) measured by a bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) device for 9965 participants in a cohort study. Waist and hip circumferences were measured manually using a nonstretched, flexible tape, and WHR was calculated. Waist circumference was measured at the level of the iliac crest 3 times, and the average of 3 measurements was recorded. Body composition analysis was also done with the BIA device, and comparisons were made between the 2 techniques. There was a weak correlation for WHR compared using the manual method and BIA (r = 0.036). Also, there was a significant difference between the 2 measurement methods (P < .001).

The Effect of Zumba Training on Body Composition, Dietary Intake, Sleep Quality, and Duration in Adult Sedentary Women With Overweight This study aimed to explore the effect of Zumba training on body composition and its compensatory effect on dietary intake and sleep in sedentary overweight women. This was an experimental study with crossover design conducted in 34 subjects. We showed that Zumba training was associated with the reduction of body fat (P = .023) but not body weight (P = .783). This training was also associated with increased fat intake (P = .004) and sleep duration (P = .043). After compiling the effect of dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep, we found that fat intake during Zumba training was an important determinant of weight changes.

Dietary Patterns Vary by Depressive Symptom Severity in Youth With Depressive Disorders The aim of the study was to characterize dietary patterns by depressive symptom severity in adolescents. Youth aged 13 to 17 years clinically diagnosed with a depressive disorder (n = 30) completed a dietary interview, food frequency questionnaire, and phlebotomy. Rating scales and questionnaires assessed depression severity and comorbid behavioral disorders. Results found that habitual eating patterns varied among participant subgroups by depression severity. In-school versus summer break status further affected eating patterns within subgroups. Results support the need for dietary assessment and monitoring of youth who are depressed. Future clinical interventions should be conducted to determine whether dietary changes could improve nutritional status and psychological outcomes in youth with depression.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Postpartum Depression: A Review of Current Literature There is increased interest in the relationship between vitamin D and postpartum depression. This review evaluates the 3 studies that have examined associations between prenatal vitamin D status and postpartum depressive symptoms. Based on the evidence, there is an association between low prenatal vitamin D levels and an increased risk of postpartum depressive symptoms. Vitamin D at a dose of 2000 IU/d may be a convenient choice to correct serum levels safely and reduce the incidence of depressive symptoms. Health care professionals should facilitate adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy to mitigate depressive consequences of deficiency in the postpartum period.

Restricting Saturated Fat May Not Be Required to Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review The purpose of this review was to determine whether the recommendation to reduce saturated fatty acid (SFA) consumption to treat or prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) is relevant in the context of current peer-reviewed, evidence-based literature. A literature review regarding SFA and CVD was conducted using articles from 2011 to 2018 through PubMed. Three hundred seventy-four articles were found, of which 211 were excluded. The remainder included 37 primary research articles and 21 reviews. All of the publications were examined using the Evidence Analysis Library Quality Criteria. Existing evidence supporting a reduction in SFA to treat/prevent CVD is limited and conflicting.