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Andrea L Deierlein

Andrea Deierlein

Andrea L. Deierlein

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Director of Public Health Nutrition

Associate Professor of Public Health Nutrition

Professional overview

Dr. Andrea Deierlein’s research focuses on examining how dietary, behavioral, and
environmental factors contribute to reproductive health outcomes and chronic-disease
development throughout the lifespan.

Dr. Deierlein is trained as a nutritional epidemiologist. Much of her research has
examined predictors and outcomes of maternal metabolic health-related conditions during
pregnancy and the postpartum, specifically, excessive gestational weight gain,
hyperglycemia, and obesity. She contributed to a systematic evidence-based review
examining outcomes of weight gain during pregnancy at the Agency of Healthcare
Research and Quality. This review informed the development of the 2009 Institute of
Medicine Gestational Weight Gain Guidelines. Dr. Deierlein received the K99/R00
Pathway to Independence Award to expand her training to include the study of toxic
environmental chemicals and metals. She conducted research examining associations of
endocrine-disrupting toxicant exposures during childhood and changes in anthropometric
measurements through adolescence among girls. She also conducted a series of analyses
examining maternal prenatal exposures to phthalates with weight gain and biomarkers of
cardiometabolic health in women during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum.
Recently, Dr. Deierlein has expanded her research to include disability-related disparities
in nutrition and reproductive health.

Education

BS, Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
MS, Health Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY
MPH, Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY
PhD, Nutrition Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Honors and awards

Travel Scholarship, Be Our Voice Childhood Obesity Prevention Advocacy Training, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2013)
New York Academy of Sciences Education Fellowship (2012)
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Environmental Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (2010)
Travel Scholarship, Researching Women’s Environmental Health: Food, Nutrition, and Obesity, University of Rochester Medical Center (2010)
Travel Scholarship, Childhood Obesity Symposium, University of Southern California (2010)

Areas of research and study

Environmental Public Health Services
Epidemiology
Maternal and Child Health
Nutrition
Women's Health

Publications

Publications

Estimating days needed for dietary assessment in pregnancy: a modeling study

Pleuss, J. D., Deierlein, A. L., & Kleinberg, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

The American journal of clinical nutrition

Volume

123

Issue

2

Page(s)

101120
Abstract
Abstract
Dietary assessment is essential for understanding associations between diet and health. The number of days of dietary data collection must account for high variation in daily intakes, while balancing accuracy with participant burden. Although several methods exist for determining the optimal amount, few have been applied to pregnancy.

Exclusive breastfeeding and postpartum depression: A protective association that is not modified by feeding intentions

Ryan, R. A., Berube, L. T., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

PloS one

Volume

21

Issue

1

Page(s)

e0340269
Abstract
Abstract
Approximately 13% of women in the United States (U.S.) experience postpartum depression (PPD), a mood disorder that negatively affects maternal and infant wellbeing. Breastfeeding may protect against PPD and breastfeeding intentions may moderate this relationship. This study examined the association between breastfeeding status and PPD symptoms and whether exclusive breastfeeding intentions moderate this relationship in low-income women in the U.S. We utilized data from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2, a longitudinal cohort study of caregiver feeding practices and nutrition outcomes among children enrolled in WIC. Exclusive breastfeeding intentions were measured prenatally; breastfeeding status at 1 month; and PPD symptoms at 3 months postpartum using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (elevated PPD symptoms defined as EPDS ≥ 10). We conducted logistic regression to examine the association between breastfeeding status and elevated PPD symptoms. We stratified the analysis by exclusive breastfeeding intention-status groups to assess moderation. Adjusted models controlled for self-reported maternal ethnicity, annual household income, and smoking during pregnancy. The analytic sample included 2,022 mothers who identified their race as Black or African American (20.7%), White (58.8%), or other (20.6%), and their ethnicity as Hispanic (48.1%) or non-Hispanic (51.9%). The majority were ≥20 years old (88.2%), not married (68.2%), and had a high school education or less (62.7%). Compared to mothers who exclusively breastfed, those who combination fed (AOR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.23-3.40) or exclusively formula fed (AOR 2.03; 95% CI 1.16-3.42) at 1 month had higher odds of elevated PPD symptoms. Exclusive breastfeeding intentions did not moderate this relationship. While exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing elevated PPD symptoms, the majority of participants did not meet their exclusive breastfeeding intentions, highlighting the need for enhanced breastfeeding support.

Healthcare Utilization Around the Time of Pregnancy by Extent of Disability in the U.S., 2018-2020

Deierlein, A. L., Boege, H. L., Berube, L. T., Ryan, R., & Stein, C. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

70

Issue

4

Page(s)

108211
Abstract
Abstract
Females with disabilities have greater preconception health risks and adverse perinatal outcomes than those without disabilities. Characterization of reproductive healthcare utilization among females with disabilities in the U.S. is limited. We examined healthcare receipt before, during, and after pregnancy by extent of disability among U.S. females with recent live births.

Receipt of postpartum diabetes screening after gestational diabetes mellitus in the United States, 2016-2022

Boege, H. L., Berube, L. T., Ryan, R. A., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association

Page(s)

e70327
Abstract
Abstract
To examine temporal trends in, as well as social and clinical factors associated with, the prevalence of postpartum diabetes screening after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the United States (U.S.).

Association between behavioural risk factors for hypertension and concordance with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary pattern among South Asians in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study

Hussain, B. M. M., Deierlein, A. L., Kanaya, A. M., Talegawkar, S. A., O’Connor, J. A., Gadgil, M. D., Needham, B. L., Lin, Y., Parekh, N., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Journal of nutritional science

Volume

14

Page(s)

e22
Abstract
Abstract
South Asians are among the fastest-growing immigrant population group in the United States (U.S.) with a unique disease risk profile. Due in part to immigration and acculturation factors, South Asians engage differently with behavioural risk factors (e.g. smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and diet) for hypertension, which may be modified for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Using data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America cohort, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the association between behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diet. We created a behavioural risk factor score based on smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and TV watching. We also calculated a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary score based on inclusion of relevant dietary components. We used both scores to examine the association between engaging with risk factors for hypertension and the DASH diet among a cohort of South Asian adults. We found that participants with 3-4 behavioural risk factors had a DASH diet score that was 3 units lower than those with no behavioural risk factors (aβ: -3.25; 95% CI: -4.28, -2.21) and were 86% less likely to have a DASH diet score in the highest category compared to the lowest DASH diet score category (aOR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.37) in the fully adjusted models. These findings highlight the relationship between behavioural risk factors for hypertension among South Asians in the U.S.

Association between behavioural risk factors for hypertension and concordance with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary pattern among South Asians in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study

Hussain, B. M., Deierlein, A. L., Kanaya, A. M., Talegawkar, S. A., O’Connor, J. A., Gadgil, M. D., Needham, B. L., Lin, Y., & Parekh, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Journal of Nutritional Science

Volume

14
Abstract
Abstract
South Asians are among the fastest-growing immigrant population group in the United States (U.S.) with a unique disease risk profile. Due in part to immigration and acculturation factors, South Asians engage differently with behavioural risk factors (e.g. smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and diet) for hypertension, which may be modified for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Using data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America cohort, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the association between behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diet. We created a behavioural risk factor score based on smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and TV watching. We also calculated a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary score based on inclusion of relevant dietary components. We used both scores to examine the association between engaging with risk factors for hypertension and the DASH diet among a cohort of South Asian adults. We found that participants with 3–4 behavioural risk factors had a DASH diet score that was 3 units lower than those with no behavioural risk factors (aβ: –3.25; 95% CI: –4.28, –2.21) and were 86% less likely to have a DASH diet score in the highest category compared to the lowest DASH diet score category (aOR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.37) in the fully adjusted models. These findings highlight the relationship between behavioural risk factors for hypertension among South Asians in the U.S.

Association Between Change in the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and Adiposity Change From 2 to 7 Years of Age Among Mexicans

Olvera-Mayorga, G., Ramírez-Silva, I., Téllez-Rojo, M. M., Valvi, D., Deierlein, A. L., Wright, R., Arsenault, J. E., Deitchler, M., Bromage, S., & Batis, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Nutrition reviews

Volume

83

Issue

Supplement_1

Page(s)

61-71
Abstract
Abstract
Overweight and obesity affects approximately 20%-30% of preschool- and school-aged children in Mexico. The GDQS has been proposed as a global metric for monitoring nutrient adequacy in populations, but data for its association with adiposity measures in Mexican children are scarce. We evaluated the association between the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and changes in adiposity outcomes in Mexican children between ages 2 years to 4-5 years, 2 years to 6-7 years, and 4-5 years to 6-7 years. We analyzed data from 715 children from the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment, and Social Stressors (PROGRESS) cohort study in Mexico City. Children's dietary intakes were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was calculated using the GDQS. We assessed 3 adiposity outcomes at 2 years, 4-5 years, and 6-7 years: body mass index (BMI) Z-score, waist circumference to height ratio (WHTr), and body fat mass to height ratio (BFMHTr). We ran separate multiple linear regression models to evaluate associations between changes in GDQS and changes in adiposity outcomes between each pair of visits. We evaluated whether the associations differed by sex, or baseline BMI status. We found that the average GDQS score was generally low at each visit. Between 4-5 years and 6-7 years, we found statistically significant inverse associations between change in GDQS and change in BMI Z-score among all children. We also found inverse associations between changes in GDQS and WHTr only for children with risk of overweight/obesity at baseline and for girls. For BFMHTr, we found statistically significant associations among girls. In conclusion, longitudinal changes in the GDQS were inversely associated with changes in adiposity outcomes among Mexican children. Our results suggest that the GDQS is a useful metric for capturing dietary quality related to obesity for children from middle-income countries, such as Mexico.

Concordance Between DASH Diet and Coronary Artery Calcification : Results From the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Prospective Cohort Study

Hussain, B. M., Deierlein, A. L., Talegawkar, S. A., Kanaya, A. M., O'Connor, J. A., Gadgil, M. D., Lin, Y., & Parekh, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

AJPM Focus

Volume

4

Issue

1
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: South Asian adults are at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, for which coronary artery calcification is an early predictor. Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet is a modifiable risk factor that may mitigate the progression of coronary artery calcification and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Methods: Using data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America cohort, the authors calculated a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary score (categorized as low, moderate, and high) to examine the associations of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet adherence with coronary artery calcification after a 5-year follow up. Results: The authors found that participants in the high Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension category were 41% less likely to have coronary artery calcification score >100 (age-adjusted incidence rate ratio=0.59; 95% CI=0.36, 0.95) than those in the low category; this association was attenuated in multivariable models. Differences were observed by sex. Men in the high Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension category were 51% less likely to have coronary artery calcification score >100 (adjusted incidence rate ratio=0.49; 95% CI=0.26, 0.95) and experienced 0.46-fold coronary artery calcification change (fold change=0.46; 95% CI=0.18, 0.90) in multivariable models. Conclusions: The findings indicate a relationship between Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet and early predictors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among South Asians living in the U.S., particularly men.

Concordance Between DASH Diet and Coronary Artery Calcification: Results From the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Prospective Cohort Study

Hussain, B. M. M., Deierlein, A. L., Talegawkar, S. A., Kanaya, A. M., O’Connor, J. A., Gadgil, M. D., Lin, Y., Parekh, N., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

AJPM focus

Volume

4

Issue

1

Page(s)

100288
Abstract
Abstract
South Asian adults are at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, for which coronary artery calcification is an early predictor. Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet is a modifiable risk factor that may mitigate the progression of coronary artery calcification and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Food-Specific Morning and Night Intake Scores Are Associated with Impaired Glucose Tolerance during Pregnancy

Pleuss, J. D., Deierlein, A. L., & Kleinberg, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

The Journal of nutrition

Volume

155

Issue

10

Page(s)

3526-3535
Abstract
Abstract
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) during pregnancy is associated with numerous short- and long-term adverse health outcomes. Diet is a key factor influencing glucose tolerance, yet there are little data on the relationship between specific foods or intake timing and IGT.

Fresh funds for moms: feasibility of a 12-week online food as medicine grocery prescription program for women with food insecurity and gestational diabetes

Gillespie, R., Maksi, S. J., Bush, J., Cockerham, C., Luecking, C. T., Deierlein, A. L., Wasser, H., & Gustafson, A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Frontiers in health services

Volume

5

Page(s)

1625558
Abstract
Abstract
Pregnant women with food insecurity experience high rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Food as medicine and grocery prescription (GPx) programs have been successful in increasing food access and managing chronic disease; however, they are often not implemented during pregnancy.

Impact of metabolism-disrupting chemicals and folic acid supplementation on liver injury and steatosis in mother-child pairs

India-Aldana, S., Midya, V., Betanzos-Robledo, L., Yao, M., Alcalá, C., Andra, S. S., Arora, M., Calafat, A. M., Chu, J., Deierlein, A. L., Estrada-Gutierrez, G., Jagani, R., Just, A. C., Kloog, I., Landero, J., Oulhote, Y., Walker, R. W., Yelamanchili, S., Baccarelli, A. A., … Valvi, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Journal of Hepatology
Abstract
Abstract
Background & Aims: Scarce knowledge about the impact of metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) on steatotic liver disease limits opportunities for intervention. We evaluated pregnancy MDC-mixture associations with liver outcomes, and effect modification by folic acid (FA) supplementation in mother-child pairs. Methods: We studied ∼200 mother-child pairs from the Mexican PROGRESS cohort, with 43 MDCs measured during pregnancy (estimated air pollutants, blood/urine metals or metalloids, urine high- and low-molecular-weight phthalate [HMWPs, LMWPs] and organophosphate-pesticide metabolites), and serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST) at ∼9 years post-parturition. Outcomes included elevated liver enzymes in children and established clinical scores for steatosis and fibrosis in mothers (i.e., AST:ALT, FLI, HSI, FIB-4). Bayesian-weighted quantile sum regression assessed MDC-mixture associations with liver outcomes. We further examined chemical-chemical interactions and effect modification by self-reported FA supplementation. Results: In children, many MDC-mixtures were associated with liver injury. Per quartile HMWP-mixture increase, ALT increased by 10.1% (95% CI 1.67%, 19.4%) and AST by 5.27% (95% CI 0.80%, 10.1%). LMWP-mixtures and air pollutant-mixtures were associated with higher AST and ALT, respectively. Air pollutant and non-essential metal/element associations with liver enzymes were attenuated by maternal cobalt blood concentrations (p-interactions 36, and odds ratio 1.62, 95% CI 1.05–2.49 for AST:ALT

Impact of metabolism-disrupting chemicals and folic acid supplementation on liver injury and steatosis in mother-child pairs

India-Aldana, S., Midya, V., Betanzos-Robledo, L., Yao, M., Alcalá, C., Andra, S. S., Arora, M., Calafat, A. M., Chu, J., Deierlein, A. L., Estrada-Gutierrez, G., Jagani, R., Just, A. C., Kloog, I., Landero, J., Oulhote, Y., Walker, R. W., Yelamanchili, S., Baccarelli, A. A., … Valvi, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Journal of hepatology

Volume

82

Issue

6

Page(s)

956-966
Abstract
Abstract
Scarce knowledge about the impact of metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) on steatotic liver disease limits opportunities for intervention. We evaluated pregnancy MDC-mixture associations with liver outcomes, and effect modification by folic acid (FA) supplementation in mother-child pairs.

Infant dietary patterns and early childhood weight outcomes: a secondary analysis from the Starting Early Program Trial

Berube, L., Kim, C., Deierlein, A. L., Woolf, K., Messito, M. J. J., & Gross, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Research square
Abstract
Abstract
Limited studies assess how infant dietary patterns impact child weight. The Starting Early Program (StEP) promotes healthy nutrition during pregnancy and infancy and leads to healthier child weight, but whether dietary patterns contribute to weight or mediate StEP weight outcomes has not been studied.

Nutritional Modulation of the Gut Microbiome in Relation to Prenatal Lead-Induced Neurotoxicity: A Review

Eggers, S., Nagdeo, K. P., Sachdev, K., Robinson, D., Deierlein, A. L., Lane, J. M., Gennings, C., Walker, R. W., Snetselaar, L., Nidey, N., O’Neal, E. E., & Midya, V. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Nutrients

Volume

17

Issue

23
Abstract
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to lead (Pb) is a well-established risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Despite its recognized risks, prenatal Pb exposure remains largely unregulated and poorly addressed in public health policy. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiome may mediate the neurotoxic effects of metals, offering a potential target for intervention. Here we discuss how nutritional factors, particularly those influencing the gut microbiome, may reduce the neurotoxicity of prenatal Pb exposure.

Receipt of Screening, Services, and Counseling During Perinatal Health Care Visits by Disability Status in the United States, 2018-2020

Deierlein, A. L., Boege, H. L., Berube, L. T., Ryan, R., & Stein, C. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Obstetrics and gynecology
Abstract
Abstract
To examine the receipt of screening, services, and counseling during prepregnancy reproductive health, prenatal care, and postpartum care visits by disability status among people with recent live births in the United States.

The nutritional characteristics and experiences of survivors of critical illness after hospital discharge : A multi-method narrative review

Dudzik, J. M., Balk, E. K., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Clinical Nutrition ESPEN

Volume

67

Page(s)

612-625
Abstract
Abstract
Background & aims: Many survivors of critical illness experience long-term functional, cognitive, and psychological impairments known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Yet, the nutritional recovery experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors after hospital discharge remain underrecognized and poorly understood. The objective of this review was to characterize nutritional indices and nutrition-related outcomes in survivors of critical illness, and to understand the nutritional recovery experience after hospital discharge. Methods: Searches were conducted for eligible quantitative and qualitative studies between June and August 2024 using PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Scopus electronic databases. Abstracts and full texts were screened against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary research analyzing anthropometric, nutritional, and/or experiential data of adult survivors of critical illness after hospital discharge were included in this review. Results: 21 quantitative (n = 3054) and 7 qualitative (n = 162) studies were included. After hospital discharge, ICU survivors seldom returned to their baseline weight with many having small to modest weight gains in the first months of recovery. Average calorie (18–33.5 calories/kilogram/day) and protein (0.96–1.6 g/kg/day) intakes largely did not meet requirements needed to facilitate recovery, resulting in high rates of malnutrition, ranging from 16.8 to 63 % 3 months after discharge. A multitude of barriers to nutritional recovery were faced in the post-discharge period resulting from persistent physical and functional limitations due to critical illness. Ongoing individualized nutrition monitoring and follow-up from dietetic professionals knowledgeable in post-ICU care has the potential to improve nutrition-related outcomes for survivors yet remains underutilized. Improving the availability and affordability of such services is a key facilitator to improve the nutritional recovery experience for ICU survivors. Conclusions: After hospital discharge, many survivors of critical illness face numerous barriers to nutritional recovery resulting in long-term nutritional complications. Future research efforts should target nutritional characterization, associations between nutritional variables and PICS, and the identification and development of effective nutrition interventions to improve long-term outcomes for survivors of critical illness after hospital discharge.

The nutritional characteristics and experiences of survivors of critical illness after hospital discharge: A multi-method narrative review

Dudzik, J. M., Balk, E. K., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Clinical nutrition ESPEN

Volume

67

Page(s)

612-625
Abstract
Abstract
Many survivors of critical illness experience long-term functional, cognitive, and psychological impairments known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Yet, the nutritional recovery experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors after hospital discharge remain underrecognized and poorly understood. The objective of this review was to characterize nutritional indices and nutrition-related outcomes in survivors of critical illness, and to understand the nutritional recovery experience after hospital discharge.

Timing of eating and glycemic control during pregnancy: A systematic review

Boege, H. L., Park, C., Gagnier, R., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD

Volume

35

Issue

9

Page(s)

104094
Abstract
Abstract
Glycemic dysregulation during pregnancy is common and increases risk of adverse birth outcomes and future chronic disease. Timing of eating is known to influence glycemic control but has not been thoroughly examined in the context of pregnancy. We systematically reviewed the literature assessing timing of eating and glycemic outcomes during pregnancy.

Timing of Eating and Glycemic Control During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Boege, H., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Nutrition Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases
Abstract
Abstract
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Food Records Show Daily Variation in Diet during Pregnancy : Results from the Temporal Research in Eating, Nutrition, and Diet during Pregnancy Study

Kleinberg, S., Pleuss, J. D., & Deierlein, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Journal of Nutrition

Volume

154

Issue

12

Page(s)

3780-3789
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Diet is critical for pregnant individuals and their offspring, but insight into diet during pregnancy mainly comes from questionnaires and recalls. Objectives: To obtain detailed real-time dietary data during pregnancy to evaluate intra- and interindividual variation in intakes. Methods: Pregnant individuals were recruited from a New York City health system December 2020–June 2023. Participants collected dietary intakes for 14 d (mean gestational weeks = 17.6) and again roughly 4 wk later (mean gestational weeks = 24.5). Participants logged each eating occasion using a smartphone and study-developed app, and wore a smartwatch capturing physiologic data. Results: In total, 150 individuals completed ≥1 data collection round, with 134 completing both rounds. Mean daily eating window was 10.82 h, with weekends having a significantly shorter window than weekdays (P < 0.001). Eating window was correlated with energy intake (r = 0.401, P < 0.001), driven by later last eating occasions. There was high intraindividual variation in macro- and micronutrient intakes [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), range 0.11–0.40] and food type (ICC range: 0.08–0.34), and differences between weekdays and weekends (less protein and micronutrients on weekends). Few participants’ mean intakes met daily recommended dietary allowances for key micronutrients (under 15% for iron, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin E; under 30% for calcium, folate, zinc, and vitamin A). Conclusions: Dietary intakes varied substantially within and between individuals, and mean nutrient intake estimates did not capture nutrient adequacy for individuals or populations. Future work that examines individual daily dietary intakes throughout pregnancy among diverse populations is needed.

Mental health outcomes across the reproductive life course among women with disabilities : a systematic review

Deierlein, A. L., Park, C., Patel, N., Gagnier, R., & Thorpe, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Archives of Women&#39;s Mental Health
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: This systematic review examined literature on mental health outcomes among women with disabilities living in high-income countries within the context of reproductive health, spanning menstruation through menopause. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for studies published through June 2023. Eligible studies were observational, quantitative, and included a comparison group without disabilities. Results: A total of 2,520 studies were evaluated and 27 studies met inclusion criteria. These studies assessed mental health during prepregnancy, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting among women with and without disabilities. None of the studies examined reproductive health time periods related to menstruation, fertility, or menopause. Women of reproductive age with disabilities were more likely to have poor mental health outcomes compared to women without disabilities. During pregnancy and the postpartum, women with disabilities were at greater risk of diagnosed perinatal mental disorders and psychiatric-related healthcare visits. Findings also suggested mental distress and inadequate emotional and social support related to parenting among women with disabilities. The greatest risks of poor mental health outcomes were often observed among women with intellectual and developmental disabilities and among women with multiple types of disabilities, compared to women without disabilities. Conclusions: Routine reproductive healthcare visits provide significant prevention and treatment opportunities for poor mental health among women with disabilities. Further research examining mental health outcomes within the context of reproductive health, especially understudied areas of menstruation, fertility, parenting, and menopause, among women with disabilities is needed.

Ultra-processed food intake among South Asians in the United States : Specific vulnerabilities of a growing immigrant population group

Hussain, B. M., Juul, F. C., Deierlein, A. L., & Parekh, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Nutrition Reviews

Volume

82

Issue

10

Page(s)

1402-1406
Abstract
Abstract
South Asians are among the fastest growing immigrant population groups in the United States. Their traditional diets are rich in minimally processed fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices. However, the proliferation of ultra-processed foods (highly processed, industrially manufactured formulations) around the globe may compromise the nutrition profile of South Asians, threatening to increase their risk of noncommunicable diseases. This commentary discusses the rise in ultra-processed food consumption among South Asians in the United States and hypothesizes that South Asians may be especially vulnerable to the effects of ultra-processed foods due to their unique cardiovascular disease risk profiles. Using these emerging data, we propose several strategies for preventing the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods among South Asian Americans. These include the implementation of policies to encourage the consumption of whole foods over ultra-processed foods and the development of culturally tailored interventions, which include promoting consumption of traditional diets, improving affordability of healthful, culturally appropriate foods, and cultivating healthier food environments for South Asians living in the United States.

Clinical interventions to increase vegetable intake in children

Beals, E., Deierlein, A. L., & Katzow, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Current Opinion in Pediatrics

Volume

35

Issue

1

Page(s)

138-146
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Eating behaviors and dietary patterns begin in early childhood and persist into adolescence and adulthood, affecting lifelong acute and chronic disease risk. Vegetables provide a high density of necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dietary intake data show that children of all ages consume below the recommended range for vegetables. Pediatric providers are optimally positioned to promote vegetable intake in childhood. This review seeks to summarize lessons learned from behavioral interventions useful in the pediatric primary care setting to improve vegetable intake. RECENT FINDINGS: Ten published studies tested behavioral interventions in primary care to increase child vegetable intake. Strategies tested include teaching healthy eating behaviors and role modeling to parents of infants, and motivational interviewing paired with frequent office visits and reminders for families of older children and adolescents. Some strategies suggested positive change, despite study quality being limited by underpowered samples, heterogeneity of outcome measures, and statistical analytic approach. SUMMARY: Increased vegetable intake was achieved in infants through parental role-modeling when providers emphasized healthy dietary choices in parents. Older children increased their vegetable intake with motivational interviewing and frequent reminders from providers. Despite the high prevalence of inadequate vegetable intake among children, at present, there is only a modest body of literature to help guide pediatric providers in implementing practice-based interventions to improve vegetable intake in childhood, highlighting a need for high-quality research in this area.

Concordance between Dash Diet and Hypertension : Results from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study

Hussain, B. M., Deierlein, A. L., Kanaya, A. M., Talegawkar, S. A., O’Connor, J. A., Gadgil, M. D., Lin, Y., & Parekh, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Nutrients

Volume

15

Issue

16
Abstract
Abstract
High blood pressure is an important predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), particularly among South Asians, who are at higher risk for ASCVD when compared to other population groups. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern is established as the best proven nonpharmacological approach to preventing hypertension in adults. Using data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) cohort, we calculated a DASH dietary score to examine the association between adherence to the DASH diet and its components, and prevalent and incident hypertension and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, after five years of follow-up. We found that the relative risk ratio (RRR) of incident hypertension was 67% lower among participants in the highest DASH diet score category (aRRR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.82; ptrend = 0.02) compared with those in the lowest DASH diet score category in fully adjusted models. These findings are consistent with previous clinical trials and large prospective cohort studies, adding to evidence that supports the diet-disease relationship established between DASH diet and hypertension. This study is the first to examine DASH diet adherence and hypertension among South Asian adults in the U.S.

Contact

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