Development and validation of a lifestyle risk index to screen for metabolic syndrome and its components in two multi-ethnic cohorts.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a precursor to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Existing MetS prediction models relied heavily on biochemical measures and those based on non-invasive predictors such as lifestyle behaviours were limited. We aim to (1) develop a weighted lifestyle risk index for MetS and (2) externally validate this index using two Asian-based cohorts in Singapore.

Nutrient trajectories during infancy and their associations with childhood neurodevelopment.

Purpose: To examine the associations between infants' dietary nutrient trajectories and subsequent neurodevelopment during childhood in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes study.

Methods: One-day food records were collected at ages 6, 9 and 12 months, whilst Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III and Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test-2 were conducted at ages 24 and 54 months respectively. Nutrient trajectories were constructed using multi-level mixed modelling and associations with neurodevelopment (24 months: n = 484; 54 months: n = 444) were examined using adjusted multivariable linear regression.

Modifiable Risk Factor Score and Fecundability in a Preconception Cohort in Singapore.

Importance: Although multiple modifiable risk factors have been identified for reduced fecundability (defined as lower probability of conception within a menstrual cycle), no scoring system has been established to systematically evaluate fecundability among females who are attempting to conceive.

Objective: To examine the association of a risk score based on 6 modifiable factors with fecundability, and to estimate the percentage reduction in incidence of nonconception if all study participants achieved a minimal risk score level.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This population-based cohort study obtained data from the S-PRESTO (Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes) prospective cohort study.

Evaluation of Preconception Dietary Patterns in Women Enrolled in a Multisite Study.

Background: Diet indices are widely used in nutritional research across communities but do not "capture" the full extent of diet variability across multiple countries. Empirically derived dietary patterns can provide additional information because they reflect combinations of foods potentially associated with health outcomes. Limited studies have evaluated preconception dietary patterns in heterogeneous populations.

Prepregnancy adherence to plant-based diet indices and exploratory dietary patterns in relation to fecundability.

Background: Modest associations have been reported between specific food groups or nutrients and fecundability [measured by time to pregnancy (TTP)]. Examining overall diets provides a more holistic approach towards understanding their associations with fecundability. It is not known whether plant-based diets indices or exploratory dietary patterns are associated with fecundability.

Identification and reproducibility of dietary patterns assessed with a FFQ among women planning pregnancy.

Objective: To identify a posteriori dietary patterns among women planning pregnancy and assess the reproducibility of these patterns in a subsample using two dietary assessment methods.

Design: A semi-quantitative FFQ was administered to women enrolled in the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes study. Dietary patterns from the FFQ were identified using exploratory factor analysis (EFA).