Examining causal relationships between educational attainment and type 2 diabetes using genetic analysis: findings from the EPIC-InterAct study through Mendelian randomisation.

Introduction: Observational studies have shown that more educated people are at lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, robust study designs are needed to investigate the likelihood that such a relationship is causal. This study used genetic instruments for education to estimate the effect of education on T2D using the Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach.

Effects of coconut oil, olive oil, and butter on plasma fatty acids and metabolic risk factors: a randomized trial.

There is limited evidence on the effects of different dietary sources of fats on detailed blood fatty acids (FAs). We aimed to evaluate the effects of coconut oil, olive oil and butter on circulating FA concentrations, and examine the associations between changes in plasma FAs and changes in metabolic markers. We conducted secondary analyses in the COB (coconut oil, olive oil and butter) Trial that evaluated 96 healthy adults in a 4-week parallel randomized clinical trial of three dietary interventions: 50 g/d of extra-virgin coconut oil (n = 30), extra-virgin olive oil (n = 33), or unsalted butter (n = 33).

Combined associations of physical activity, diet quality and their changes over time with mortality: findings from the EPIC-Norfolk study, United Kingdom.

Background: Physical activity (PA) and diet quality have each been shown to be inversely associated with mortality but their combined impact on longevity has been less explored, particularly when considering their changes over time. This study aimed to examine the separate and combined associations of PA, diet quality and their changes over time with mortality outcomes.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on 9349 adults aged 40 to 79 years from the population-based European Prospective Investigation into Cancer in Norfolk Study, with repeated measurements of PA and diet (from 1993 till 2004) and subsequent follow-up till 2022 (median follow-up 18.

Associations of takeaway outlets with takeaway food consumption and adiposity: longitudinal analysis of the Fenland cohort.

Objective: This study builds on prior findings that link increased availability of takeaway food outlets in home, workplace, and commuting environments to greater takeaway consumption and adiposity. Using longitudinal data, we examine associations of takeaway availability at baseline with changes in consumption and adiposity between baseline and follow-up.

Methods: We analyzed data from the Fenland Study, with baseline data from 2005 to 2015 and follow-up from 2015 to 2020.

Meat consumption and incident type 2 diabetes: an individual-participant federated meta-analysis of 1·97 million adults with 100 000 incident cases from 31 cohorts in 20 countries.

Background: Meat consumption could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, evidence is largely based on studies of European and North American populations, with heterogeneous analysis strategies and a greater focus on red meat than on poultry. We aimed to investigate the associations of unprocessed red meat, processed meat, and poultry consumption with type 2 diabetes using data from worldwide cohorts and harmonised analytical approaches.

Ultra-processed food consumption in UK adolescents: distribution, trends, and sociodemographic correlates using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008/09 to 2018/19.

Purpose: We quantified levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and investigated consumption patterns in a representative sample of UK adolescents.

Methods: We used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/09-2018/19). UPF were identified using the NOVA classification.

Early outcomes of referrals to the English National Health Service Digital Weight Management Programme.

Objective: The study objective was to assess participant weight change for the English National Health Service (NHS) Digital Weight Management Programme, the first such digital intervention to achieve population coverage.

Methods: A service evaluation was used to assess intervention effectiveness for adults with obesity and a diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes, between April 2021 and March 2022, using prospectively collected, national service-level data in England.

Results: Of the 63,937 referrals made from general practices, within the time period, 31,861 (50%) chose to take up the 12-week Programme.

Avoiding conflicts of interest and reputational risks associated with population research on food and nutrition: the Food Research risK (FoRK) guidance and toolkit for researchers.

Researchers wishing to interact with the food industry can be subject to conflicts of interest and reputational risks, but new guidance from Cullerton and colleagues should help researchers navigate this tricky territory, make informed decisions, and minimise adverse outcomes.

Plasma Concentration of 36 (Poly)phenols and Prospective Body Weight Change in Participants from the EPIC Cohort.

Introduction: Dietary intake of (poly)phenols has been linked to reduced adiposity and body weight (BW) in several epidemiological studies. However, epidemiological evidence on (poly)phenol biomarkers, particularly plasma concentrations, is scarce. We aimed to investigate the associations between plasma (poly)phenols and prospective BW change in participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort.

Role of Polyunsaturated Fat in Modifying Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Family History of Cardiovascular Disease: Pooled De Novo Results From 15 Observational Studies.

Background: It is unknown whether dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) modifies the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with a family history of CVD. We assessed interactions between biomarkers of low PUFA intake and a family history in relation to long-term CVD risk in a large consortium.

Methods: Blood and tissue PUFA data from 40 885 CVD-free adults were assessed.

Dietary amino acids and risk of stroke subtypes: a prospective analysis of 356,000 participants in seven European countries.

Purpose: Previously reported associations of protein-rich foods with stroke subtypes have prompted interest in the assessment of individual amino acids. We examined the associations of dietary amino acids with risks of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke in the EPIC study.

Methods: We analysed data from 356,142 participants from seven European countries.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Incident Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: The relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prospective associations of blood or adipose tissue levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with incident AF.

Methods: We used participant-level data from a global consortium of 17 prospective cohort studies, each with baseline data on blood or adipose tissue omega-3 fatty acid levels and AF outcomes.

Interaction between plasma phospholipid odd-chain fatty acids and GAD65 autoantibodies on the incidence of adult-onset diabetes: the EPIC-InterAct case-cohort study.

Aims/hypothesis: Islet autoimmunity may progress to adult-onset diabetes. We investigated whether circulating odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) 15:0 and 17:0, which are inversely associated with type 2 diabetes, interact with autoantibodies against GAD65 (GAD65Ab) on the incidence of adult-onset diabetes.

Methods: We used the European EPIC-InterAct case-cohort study including 11,124 incident adult-onset diabetes cases and a subcohort of 14,866 randomly selected individuals.

A nutritional biomarker score of the Mediterranean diet and incident type 2 diabetes: Integrated analysis of data from the MedLey randomised controlled trial and the EPIC-InterAct case-cohort study.

Background: Self-reported adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been modestly inversely associated with incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in cohort studies. There is uncertainty about the validity and magnitude of this association due to subjective reporting of diet. The association has not been evaluated using an objectively measured biomarker of the Mediterranean diet.

Embracing complexity: making sense of diet, nutrition, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Nutrition therapy has been emphasised for decades for people with type 2 diabetes, and the vital importance of diet and nutrition is now also recognised for type 2 diabetes prevention. However, the complexity of diet and mixed messages on what is unhealthy, healthy or optimal have led to confusion among people with diabetes and their physicians as well as the general public. What should people eat for the prevention, management and remission of type 2 diabetes? Recently, progress has been made in research evidence that has advanced our understanding in several areas of past uncertainty.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in UK Adults: The Fenland Study.

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is rarely measured in population studies. Most studies of CRF do not examine differences by population subgroups or seasonal trends. We examined how estimated CRF levels vary by anthropometric, sociodemographic, and behavioral characteristics in a population-based cohort of UK adults (the Fenland Study).

Association between classes and subclasses of polyphenol intake and 5-year body weight changes in the EPIC-PANACEA study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations among the intake of total polyphenols, polyphenol classes, and polyphenol subclasses and body weight change over 5 years.

Methods: A total of 349,165 men and women aged 25 to 70 years were recruited in the Physical Activity, Nutrition, Alcohol, Cessation of Smoking, Eating Out of Home and Obesity (PANACEA) project of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort from nine European countries. Body weight was measured at baseline and at follow-up after a median time of 5 years.

The association between plasma zinc concentrations and markers of glucose metabolism in adults in Cameroon.

An abnormal Zn status has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, epidemiological studies of the relationship between plasma Zn concentrations and diabetes are sparse and inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma Zn concentrations and glycaemic markers (fasting glucose, 2-h glucose and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) in rural and urban Cameroon.