Amanda Devine, Richard L. Prince, and Roma R. Bell

Abstract Skeletal and cardiovascular diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study reviews the dietary intake, blood lipid profile and urinary mineral excretion of 173 healthy postmeno-pausal women. Dietary intake was evaluated by four-day weighed diet records. The diet records were analysed with DIET1 Nutrient Calculation Software using the NUTTAB 90 database. Biochemical parameters were measured using standard laboratory practices. The mean nutrient intake met recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) for this group of women with the exception of calcium (827 ± 316mg/day) and zinc (9.8 ± 2.2 mg/day). Mean fibre intake (23.0±7.4 g/day) was below, and mean fat intake (34.4±6.2% of energy) was above, recommended levels. The mean sodium intake (2030±560mg/day) was within the recommended range. However, these diet records appeared to underestimate substantially the total sodium intake since mean urinary sodium excretion was 2823 ± 960 mg/day. Seventy-two per cent of subjects were excreting more than recommended intake levels (2300mg/day). Despite low energy intakes, 39% of subjects were overweight and 10% obese. Eighty-six per cent and 92% of subjects respectively, had plasma cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations above desirable levels. These women are at risk of diet-related diseases including coronary heart disease and osteoporosis, and changes in dietary patterns consistent with dietary guidelines would reduce risk. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:144–150).

Development of a food frequency questionnaire for migrant Italian women in the Illawarra community
Lisa M. Franco and Linda Tapsell

Abstract A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed as part of a larger study examining the relationship between seasonal nutrient intake and responses to questions on menopausal symptoms in migrant Italian women living in the Illawarra community. Given the postulated links between phytoestrogens and menopausal symptoms and the links between fibre intake and excretion of oestrogenic compounds, particular emphasis was placed on foods containing fibre and foods known to contain significant levels of phytoestrogens. To develop the tool, four 24-hour recalls were obtained from 52 randomly selected subjects (10% of the study population) to identify foods normally consumed by the population in a given three-month period, or season. The 24-hour recalls were collated and analysed according to their nutrient composition. Using a method reported by Block and colleagues an FFQ was developed specifically for the study population. The questionnaire has 143 food items, some of which were not found in other questionnaires, and has additional questions which clarify cooking methods and food preparation. The frequency section asks respondents to record how often they consume food items; as number of times per day, per week, per three months or never. The study demonstrates the first stages of the development of an FFQ specifically for a target population. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:152–158).

The reliability and readability of nutrition information in Australian women's magazines

Andrea Begley and Glenn Cardwell

Abstract Surveys show that Australians get much of their nutrition and health information from media sources, especially magazines. The aim of this survey was to assess the reliability and readability of nutrition information published in women's magazines. Fourteen Australian magazines that had a target audience of women were identified and studied from July 1992 to August 1994. More than 400 articles containing nutrition information were assessed over two years. The main topics covered were general nutrition (45%), weight loss and body shape (22%), and diet and disease relationships (17%). The nutrition information was generally accurate (93.9%) and well presented (77.4%). The majority of the nutrition information was written above Year 10 reading levels (61.5%). Dietitians were responsible for 20.3% of the information presented. Information written by dietitians was significantly more suitable in presentation, accuracy and more likely to promote the dietary guidelines for Australians. Women's magazines have greatly improved the quality of their nutrition information in the last decade, and should be seen as a valid and efficient strategy to promote nutrition messages. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:160–166).
Short paper
Glycaemic responses to muffins: home-baked with and without oat bran or wheat bran
Penelope M. Warwick and Tamara A. Pokarier Abstract This study investigated any effects on glycaemic response of incorporating edible amounts of raw wheat or oat bran into muffins of similar macronutrient composition (1340kJ and 51g of carbohydrate per muffin). Fifteen normal subjects (eight males and seven females) each consumed four types of muffins with different amounts of bran per muffin: plain (no bran), oat bran (25g bran), high wheat bran (25g bran) and low wheat bran (7.5g bran). Blood glucose (BG) levels were determined from finger-prick capillary blood samples. Glycaemic responses (GR) were quantified as the incremental areas under the plasma glucose response curves for one and two hours after the muffin meals. Insulin responses were not measured. There were no significant differences in peak BG values or in GR between the plain (control) muffin and any of the bran muffins. In conclusion, the incorporation of as much as 25g of raw oat or wheat bran into one large muffin did not affect the GR to the muffin. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1996;53:168–170).