Browsing by Author "Samith, Barbara"

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    Limitations and opportunities for the appropriation of the Mediterranean diet in Chilean adults with diagnostic elements of metabolic syndrome
    (2024) Calderon, Maribel; Plaza, Gianella; Gomez, Marisol; Samith, Barbara; Pinto, Victoria; Martinez, Ximena; Sara, Daniela; Echeverria, Guadalupe; Calzada, Mariana; Berkowitz, Loni; von Schultzendorf, Andrea; Pedrals, Nuria; Bitran, Marcela; Rigotti, Attilio
    Background: a healthy food intake pattern, specifically the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), is a factor associated with reduced risk, lower prevalence, and better management of chronic diseases. However, there is limited information regarding how patients integrate proposals for adherence to this food pattern in their daily lives. Objective: to identify factors and conditions that influence adherence to the MedDiet in Chile. Methods: an exploratory qualitative study was applied in 35 to 65 -year -old patients of both sexes who presented at least one diagnostic criterion of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Through in-depth interviews and focal groups, knowledge, assessment, attitudes, and practices associated with changes and maintenance of healthy eating habits, with emphasis on the MedDiet, were investigated. Information analysis was carried out under the grounded theory approach using the ATLAS.ti software. Results: participants recognized the value of healthy eating, including the MedDiet, but declared low knowledge (identification of single foods items) together with facilitators (variety of ingredients) and limiting factors (taste, availability/cost of some items, family dynamics) for its routine adoption. In addition, change in eating habits generates a high initial cognitive and emotional load that requires not only individual but also relational effort as it implies modifications of family and collective practices. Conclusions: information obtained on barriers and opportunities to adhere to healthy eating such as the MedDiet is key to design and implement nutritional interventions based on this food pattern and that can be sustainable in time for chronic disease management in Chile.
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    Reduced docosahexaenoic acid content in neonatal erythrocytes from obese mothers
    (2017) Samith, Barbara; Farias, Marcelo; Villalobos-Labra, Roberto; Solari, Sandra; Aguirre-Polanco, Carolina; Rojas, Maria Jose
    Background and objectives: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are an essential component for normal growth and development of the fetus and newborn. They participate in the control of cellular growth, metabolism, intercellular communication and gene expression, relevant for the physiopathology of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic are the most known fatty acids from omega 3 family. It is known that low concentrations of omega-3 in humans is associated with disturbance of cellular metabolism, including neurological and visual development. The objective of this study was to describe and compare fatty acid profile from normal and obese pregnant woman, then determine the relationship of mother´s nutritional status with neonatal DHA levels. Methods: 17 pregnant women (7 normal weight, 10 obese) were recruited at the Clinical Hospital of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile after Ethical Committee approval and informed consent. Mother venous blood was collected, and newborn’s blood samples were obtained from the umbilical cord vein at the moment of delivery. Fatty acids profile was determined in red blood cell by liquid gas chromatography. Results: There was a trend of higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio in newborn erythrocytes from obese pregnant women compared to controls (3.78±0.37 vs 2.81±0.09, respectively, p= 0.065, Mean±SEM). There was a negative association between newborn DHA levels and mother’s body mass index (r²=0.7, p=0.037). A lower concentration of DHA occurred in neonatal erythrocytes from obese mothers, compared to those with normal weight for height and gestational age at the end of pregnancy (140.3±7.68 vs 103.9±6.83 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.016, Mean±SEM). Conclusions: There is a decreased concentration of DHA in neonatal erythrocytes from obese women. Due to the relevance of DHA during pregnancy and development of the newborn, the results of the present study put in evidence the importance of considering anadequate reposition of DHA in obese pregnant women. Nutritional status, fatty acid profile, DHA concentrations, their relationship and physiopathology mechanisms involved require further research. Keywords: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; Docosahexaenoic acid; obesity; newborn.