Julia K Bird

Wageningen University & Research | WUR · Human Nutrition and Health

Folates are essential cofactors in metabolic pathways that facilitate biological methylation and nucleotide synthesis, and therefore have widespread effects on health and diseases. Although obesity is prevalent worldwide, few studies have investigated how obesity interacts with folate status. Based on data from the NHANES, this study aims to examin...

Certain population sub-groups in the United States are vulnerable to micronutrient malnutrition. Nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) describing the biochemical status of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folate, and anemia, were aggregated to determine the overall risk of multiple concurrent...

Encouraging scientific research into the health effects of dietary bioactive resveratrol has been confounded by its rapid first-pass metabolism, which leads to low in vivo bioavailability. Preliminary studies have shown that resveratrol can modulate gut microbiota composition, undergo biotransformation to active metabolites via the intestinal micro...

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of voluntary fortified foods and supplements to reducing micronutrient shortfalls in the UK population. A secondary analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey was conducted (2012/13-2013/14, N 2546, 1·5-95 years). Micronutrient intakes were derived from food consumption...

The gut microbiome plays important roles in the maintenance of host health and the pathogenesis of many diseases. Diet is a key modulator of the gut microbiome. There is increasing evidence that nutrients other than fermentable fiber affect the gut microbial composition. In this review, we discuss the effects of vitamins on the gut microbiome, and...

Background & aims Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, which reduces mobility and quality of life. Risk factors for sarcopenia include advanced age, physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFAs)...

Decreases in global cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity in recent decades can be partly attributed to cholesterol reduction through statin use. n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are recommended by some authorities for primary and secondary CVD prevention, and for triglyceride reduction. The residual risk of CVD that remain...

Surveys in high-income countries show that inadequacies and deficiencies can be common for some nutrients, particularly in vulnerable subgroups of the population. Inadequate intakes, high requirements for rapid growth and development, or age- or disease-related impairments in nutrient intake, digestion, absorption, or increased nutrient losses can...

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) are important fatty acids for the retina and brain. More than 95% of Americans have suboptimal EPA + DHA blood concentrations. This cross-sectional employer-based study assessed whole blood fatty acid levels of volunteers participating in an onsite wellness biometric scr...

OBJECTIVE: 96% of Americans nationally have a sub-optimal omega-3 status. The objective of this study was to determine the omega-3 index and its relationship to diet and dietary supplement use in by volunteers participating in the Healthyroads™ biometrics wellness screening administered at their work site by their employer. METHODS: 636 employees a...

Multi-stakeholder partnerships are important facilitators of improving nutrition in developing countries to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Often, the role of industry is challenged and questions are raised as to the ethics of involving for-profit companies in humanitarian projects. The Second International Conference on...

Introduction: Biochemically defined vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common in the US civilian population. The effect of biochemical deficiency on subjective health status is not well characterized. Methods: Using data from 2003-2006, representative of the US civilian population, biochemical deficiency of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folate, i...

Introduction Americans are advised to consume about 8 ounces of a variety of seafood per week to provide at least 250 mg per day omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA+DHA) for cardiovascular health. However, it is not known to what extent this recommendation is followed or whether it is effective in helping individuals to meet omega-3...

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for human health, with an established function as a lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radical damage. Low vitamin E status has been linked to multiple health outcomes, including total mortality. With vitamin E being identified as a 'shortfall nutrient' because >90% of American adults...

Introduction: Many Americans consume inadequate intakes of micronutrients, yet it is still commonly believed that clinical nutrient deficiencies are rare in the US. Using biochemical nutrient status data from NHANES 2003-2006, we determined the proportion of the US adult population deficient in one of more of the following nutrients: vitamins A, B6...

Introduction: Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for supporting health, however intakes of several vitamins and minerals from food are below the recommendations in US adolescents. Dietary supplements (DS) and full spectrum multivitamin/multimineral (FSMV) supplements help improve nutrient intakes. We aimed to determine the preval...

Objective Understanding nutrient intakes among women of childbearing age within the USA is important given the accumulating evidence that maternal body weight gain and nutrient intakes prior to pregnancy may influence the health and well-being of the offspring. The objective of the present study was to evaluate nutritional status in women of childb...

Folates are essential cofactors in various metabolic pathways. Limited evidence has investigated how obesity affects folate metabolism. We investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related metabolic factors with blood folate status. A representative study population of 3829 US adults was derived from the National Health...

Older adults are at greater risk of malnutrition. Causes include reduced food intake, poorer taste and smell, difficulties chewing or preparing food, nutrient malabsorption in the aging digestive tract, and co-morbidities. In addition, ethnicity may confound nutrient status. Using NHANES, 2003-2008, usual intakes of vitamins, minerals and carotenoi...

Food insecurity in high-income countries is related to the distribution of wealth throughout all sectors of society. Disposable household income determines not just the amount but also the types of foods consumed. This ultimately changes the pattern of foods consumed and nutrient intakes. In ethnically diverse countries such as the USA, cultural...