Andrea L Deierlein
Andrea L. Deierlein
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Director of Public Health Nutrition
Associate Professor of Public Health Nutrition
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Professional overview
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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
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BS, Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMS, Health Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NYMPH, Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NYPhD, Nutrition Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Honors and awards
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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)
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Areas of research and study
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Environmental Public Health ServicesEpidemiologyMaternal and Child HealthNutritionWomen's Health
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Publications
Publications
A systematic review of outcomes of maternal weight gain according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations : birthweight, fetal growth, and postpartum weight retention
AbstractSiega-Riz, A. M., Viswanathan, M., Moos, M. K., Deierlein, A. L., Mumford, S., Knaack, J., Thieda, P., Lux, L. J., & Lohr, K. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
American Journal of Obstetrics and GynecologyVolume
201Issue
4Page(s)
339.e1-339.e14AbstractThis systematic review focuses on outcomes of gestational weight gain, specifically birthweight, fetal growth, and postpartum weight retention, for singleton pregnancies with respect to the 1990 Institute of Medicine weight gain recommendations. A total of 35 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. There was strong evidence to support associations between excessive gestational weight gain and increased birthweight and fetal growth (large for gestational age) as well as inadequate gestational weight gain and decreased birthweight and fetal growth (small for gestational age). There was moderate evidence to support the association between excessive gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention. Clear clinical recommendations based on this review are challenging because of several limitations in the literature. Improvements in future research include the use of consistent definitions of gestational weight gain and outcomes of interest, assessment of confounders, and better collection of weight and weight gain data.An anthropometric model to estimate neonatal fat mass using air displacement plethysmography
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Thornton, J., Hull, H., Paley, C., & Gallagher, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Nutrition and MetabolismVolume
9AbstractBackground: Current validated neonatal body composition methods are limited/impractical for use outside of a clinical setting because they are labor intensive, time consuming, and require expensive equipment. The purpose of this study was to develop an anthropometric model to estimate neonatal fat mass (kg) using an air displacement plethysmography (PEA POD Infant Body Composition System) as the criterion. Methods. A total of 128 healthy term infants, 60 females and 68 males, from a multiethnic cohort were included in the analyses. Gender, race/ethnicity, gestational age, age (in days), anthropometric measurements of weight, length, abdominal circumference, skin-fold thicknesses (triceps, biceps, sub scapular, and thigh), and body composition by PEA POD were collected within 1-3 days of birth. Backward stepwise linear regression was used to determine the model that best predicted neonatal fat mass. Results: The statistical model that best predicted neonatal fat mass (kg) was: -0.012 -0.064*gender + 0.024*day of measurement post-delivery -0.150*weight (kg) + 0.055*weight (kg) 2 + 0.046*ethnicity + 0.020*sum of three skin-fold thicknesses (triceps, sub scapular, and thigh); R 2 = 0.81, MSE = 0.08 kg. Conclusions: Our anthropometric model explained 81% of the variance in neonatal fat mass. Future studies with a greater variety of neonatal anthropometric measurements may provide equations that explain more of the variance.Analysis of the Caloric and Macronutrient Content of Meal Options Offered to Children at Popular Restaurant Chains
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Coffman, K., & Claudio, L. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
International Journal of Child Health and NutritionVolume
3Issue
2Page(s)
108-113Abstract~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
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., 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. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of nutritional scienceVolume
14Page(s)
e22AbstractSouth 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
AbstractHussain, 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
2025Journal title
Journal of Nutritional ScienceVolume
14AbstractSouth 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
AbstractOlvera-Mayorga, G., Ramırez-Silva, I., Tellez-Rojo, M. M., Valvi, D., Deierlein, A. L., Wright, R., Arsenault, J. E., Deitchler, M., Bromage, S., & Batis, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Nutrition ReviewsVolume
83Issue
Supplement_1Page(s)
61-71AbstractOverweight 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.Automated Estimation of Food Type from Body-worn Audio and Motion Sensors in Free-Living Environments
AbstractMirtchouk, M., McGuire, D. L., Deierlein, A. L., & Kleinberg, S. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Proceedings of Machine Learning ResearchVolume
106Page(s)
641-662AbstractNutrition is fundamental to maintaining health, managing chronic diseases, and preventing illness, but unlike physical activity there is not yet a way to unobtrusively and automatically measure nutrition. While recent work has shown that body-worn sensors can be used to identify meal times, to have an impact on health and fully replace manual food logs, we need to identify not only when someone is eating, but what they are consuming. However, it is challenging to collect labeled data in daily life, while lab data does not always generalize to reality. To address this, we develop new algorithms for semi-supervised hierarchical classification that enable higher accuracy when training on data with weak labels. Using this approach, we present the first results on automated classification of foods consumed in data collected from body-worn audio and motion sensors in free-living environments. We show that by exploiting a mix of lab and free-living data, we can achieve a classification accuracy of 88% on unrestricted meals (e.g. stir fry, pizza, salad) in unrestricted environments such as home and restaurants. Ultimately, this lays the foundation for body-worn devices that can calculate calories and macronutrients by identifying food type and quantity.Childhood Hair Product Use and Earlier Age at Menarche in a Racially Diverse Study Population : A Pilot Study
AbstractJames-Todd, T., Terry, M. B., Rich-Edwards, J., Deierlein, A. L., & Senie, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
Annals of EpidemiologyVolume
21Issue
6Page(s)
461-465AbstractPurpose: Previous studies suggest that hair products containing endocrine disrupting chemicals could alter puberty. We evaluated the association between childhood hair product use and age at menarche in a racially diverse study population. Methods: We recruited 300 African-American, African-Caribbean, Hispanic, and white women from the New York City metropolitan area who were between 18-77 years of age. Data were collected retrospectively on hair oil, lotion, leave-in conditioner, perm, and other types of hair products used before age 13. Recalled age at menarche ranged from 8 to 19 years. We used multivariable binomial regression to evaluate the association between hair product use and age at menarche (Clinical interventions to increase vegetable intake in children
AbstractBeals, E., Deierlein, A. L., & Katzow, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Current Opinion in PediatricsVolume
35Issue
1Page(s)
138-146AbstractPURPOSE 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.Comparison of the nutrient content of children's menu items at US restaurant chains, 2010-2014
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Peat, K., & Claudio, L. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Journal title
Nutrition JournalVolume
14Issue
1AbstractObjective: To determine changes in the nutritional content of children's menu items at U.S. restaurant chains between 2010 and 2014. Methods: The sample consisted of 13 sit down and 16 fast-food restaurant chains ranked within the top 50 US chains in 2009. Nutritional information was accessed in June-July 2010 and 2014. Descriptive statistics were calculated for nutrient content of main dishes and side dishes, as well as for those items that were added, removed, or unchanged during the study period. Results: Nutrient content of main dishes did not change significantly between 2010 and 2014. Approximately one-third of main dishes at fast-food restaurant chains and half of main dishes at sit down restaurant chains exceeded the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended levels for sodium, fat, and saturated fat in 2014. Improvements in nutrient content were observed for side dishes. At sit down restaurant chains, added side dishes contained over 50 % less calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium, and were more likely to contain fruits/vegetables compared to removed sides (p∈Concerns About Current Breast Milk Intake Measurement for Population-Based Studies
AbstractThomas Berube, L., Gross, R., Messito, M. J., Deierlein, A. L., Katzow, M., & Woolf, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsVolume
118Issue
10Page(s)
1827-1831Abstract~Concordance Between DASH Diet and Coronary Artery Calcification : Results From the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Prospective Cohort Study
AbstractHussain, 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
2025Journal title
AJPM FocusVolume
4Issue
1AbstractIntroduction: 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
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Hussain, B. M. 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
2025Journal title
AJPM focusVolume
4Issue
1Page(s)
100288AbstractSouth 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.Concordance between Dash Diet and Hypertension : Results from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study
AbstractHussain, 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
2023Journal title
NutrientsVolume
15Issue
16AbstractHigh 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.Correlates of Prenatal Diet Quality in Low-Income Hispanic Women
AbstractThomas Berube, L., Messito, M. J., Woolf, K., Deierlein, A. L., & Gross, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsVolume
119Issue
8Page(s)
1284-1295AbstractBackground: Low-income Hispanic women are at-risk of poor prenatal diet quality. Correlates associated with prenatal diet quality in this group of women are understudied. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between financial, cultural, psychosocial, and lifestyle correlates and prenatal diet quality in low-income Hispanic women. Design: This cross-sectional analysis used data from pregnant women enrolled in the Starting Early Trial, a randomized-controlled trial of a primary-care based child obesity prevention program beginning in pregnancy. The trial enrolled women from clinics affiliated with a large urban medical center in New York City from 2012 to 2014. Financial, cultural, psychosocial, and lifestyle variables were collected using a comprehensive baseline questionnaire. Usual dietary intakes over the past year were assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire 2005 bilingual version. Participants: The study enrolled low-income Hispanic women between 28 and 32 gestational weeks (N=519). Main outcome measures: Prenatal diet quality was measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2015. Statistical analyses performed: Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine independent associations between financial, cultural, psychosocial, and lifestyle correlates and Healthy Eating Index 2015 total score. Results: Overall prenatal diet quality was poor (mean Healthy Eating Index 2015 total score=69.0±9.4). Most women did not meet the maximum score for total vegetables (65.3%), whole grains (97.1%), dairy (74.8%), fatty acids (84.4%), refined grains (79.8%), sodium (97.5%), saturated fats (92.9%), and added sugars (66.5%). Women who reported screen time ≤2 hours/day, physical activity before and/or during pregnancy, and being born outside the United States had higher mean Healthy Eating Index 2015 total score than women with screen time >2 hours/day, no physical activity, and those born in the United States. Conclusions: Prenatal diet quality of low-income pregnant Hispanic women was suboptimal. This cross-sectional study revealed associations between cultural and lifestyle factors and prenatal diet quality in low-income Hispanic women. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine long-term influences and specific behaviors to target for effective intervention studies.Development of a technology-assisted food frequency questionnaire for elementary and middle school children : Findings from a pilot study
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Bihuniak, J. D., Nagi, E., Litvak, J., Victoria, C., Braune, T., Weiss, R., & Parekh, N. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
NutrientsVolume
11Issue
5AbstractBackground: This pilot study collected preliminary data for the modification of the VioScreen Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), an adult-validated, self-administered, web-based dietary assessment tool for use in older children. Methods: A convenience sample of 55 children, aged 6–14 years, completed the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record (reference standard). Caregivers completed a short sociodemographic questionnaire. Reported dietary intakes from the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record were calculated using standard nutrient databases, and descriptive statistics were used to examine differences in food/beverage items and portion sizes between the two methods. Informal focus groups obtained user feedback and identified components of the VioScreen FFQ that required modifications. Results: The highest de-attenuated Pearson correlation coefficients between the VioScreen FFQ and 3-day diet record were observed for iron (r = 0.69), saturated fat (r = 0.59), and vegetables (r = 0.56), and the lowest were for whole grains (r = 0.11) and vitamin C (r = 0.16). Qualitative feedback was overall positive, and six technological modifications were identified. Conclusion: Findings from this pilot study provided valuable information on the process of evaluating the use of the VioScreen FFQ among older children, and will inform the future development of a modified version for this population.Diet Quality of Urban Older Adults Age 60 to 99 Years : The Cardiovascular Health of Seniors and Built Environment Study
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Morland, K. B., Scanlin, K., Wong, S., & Spark, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsVolume
114Issue
2Page(s)
279-287AbstractThere are few studies that evaluate dietary intakes and predictors of diet quality in older adults. The objectives of this study were to describe nutrient intakes and examine associations between demographic, economic, behavioral, social environment, and health status factors and diet quality. Cross-sectional data were from black, white, and Hispanic adults, age 60 to 99 years, living independently in New York City and participating in the Cardiovascular Health of Seniors and the Built Environment Study, 2009-2011 (n=1,306). Multivariable log-linear regression estimated associations between selected factors and good diet quality, defined as a Healthy Eating Index score more than 80 (based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [HEI-2005]). Dietary intakes were similar for men and women; intakes of energy, fiber, and the majority of micronutrients were less than recommendations, whereas intakes of fats, added sugar, and sodium were within the upper range or exceeded recommendations. Hispanic ethnicity (relative risk [RR]=1.37; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.75), energy intakeDiet quality, diet-related factors, and disability status among male adults of reproductive age in the United States
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Litvak, J., Liu, C., & Stein, C. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Public Health NutritionAbstractObjective: To examine diet quality and diet-related factors among male adults of reproductive age with and without disabilities. Design: Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018. Setting: Disability was reported as serious difficulty hearing, seeing, concentrating, walking, dressing, and/or running errands due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions. Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and diet-related factors included self-rated diet healthfulness, food security, and food assistance programs. Multivariable linear regression estimated differences in HEI-2015 scores. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for diet-related factors. Participants: 3,249 males, 18-44 years; of whom, 441 (13.4%) reported having disabilities. Results: Compared to males without disabilities, those with disabilities had a 2.69-point (95% CI:-4.18,-1.20) lower mean total HEI-2015 score and approximately one third to half of a point lower HEI-2015 component scores for greens and beans, total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins, fatty acids, and added sugars. Males with any disabilities were more likely to have low food security (aPR=1.57; 95% CI:1.28, 2.92); household participation in food assistance programs (aPR=1.61; 95% CI:1.34, 1.93); and consume fast food meals during the previous week (1-3 meals: aPR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.01-1.21 and 4 or more meals: aPR=1.18; 95% CI: 1.01-1.38) compared to males with no disabilities. Conclusions: Factors affecting diet and other modifiable health behaviors among male adults of reproductive age with disabilities require further investigation. Health promotion strategies that are adaptive to diverse populations within the disability community are needed.Dietary energy density but not glycemic load is associated with gestational weight gain
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Siega-Riz, A. M., & Herring, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2008Journal title
American Journal of Clinical NutritionVolume
88Issue
3Page(s)
693-699AbstractBackground: Most pregnant women gain more weight than the ranges recommended. Excessive weight gain is linked to pregnancy complications and to long-term maternal and child health outcomes. Objective: The objective was to examine the impact of dietary glycemic load and energy density on total gestational weight gain and the weight gain ratio (observed weight gain/expected weight gain). Design: Data are from 1231 women with singleton pregnancies who participated in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Cohort Study. Dietary information was collected at 26-29 wk of gestation with the use of a semiquantified food-frequency questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations between quartiles of glycemic load and energy density with total gestational weight gain and weight gain ratio. Results: Dietary patterns of pregnant women significantly differed across many sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, with the greatest contrasts seen for glycemic load. After adjustment for covariates, compared with women in the first quartile consuming a mean dietary energy density of 0.71 kcal/g (reference), women in the third quartile consuming a mean energy density of 0.98 kcal/g gained an excess of 1.13 kg (95% CI: 0.24, 2.01), and women in the fourth quartile consuming a mean energy density of 1.21 kcal/g gained an excess of 1.08 kg (95% CI: 0.20, 1.97) and had an increase of 0.13 (95% CI: 0.006, 0.24) units in the weight gain ratio. All other comparisons of energy intakes were not statistically significant. Glycemic load was not associated with total gestational weight gain or weight gain ratio. Conclusion: Dietary energy density is a modifiable factor that may assist pregnant women in managing gestational weight gains.Dietary Quality and Diet-Related Factors Among Female Adults of Reproductive Age With and Without Disabilities Participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Litvak, J., & Stein, C. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsAbstractBackground: Female adults of reproductive age (18 to 44 years) with disabilities have higher rates of health-risk behaviors and chronic conditions compared with their counterparts without disabilities; however, there is limited examination of diet. Objective: Our aim was to examine associations of self-reported disability status with diet quality and diet-related factors. Design: Cross-sectional data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018. Participants/setting: Female adults aged 18 through 44 years were included. Disability was defined as serious difficulty hearing, seeing, concentrating, walking, dressing, and/or running errands due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions. Main outcome measures: The Healthy Eating Index-2015 assessed diet quality. Diet-related factors included self-rated diet healthfulness, meal characteristics, food security, and food assistance programs. Statistical analysis: Multivariable linear regression estimated differences in Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores for a given day and multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% CI of diet-related factors by disability status. Results: Of 3,579 female adults, 557 (16%) reported any disabilities, 207 (6%) of whom reported having 2 or more types of disabilities. Differences in mean Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores for a given day were one-third to one-half a point lower for fruits, total protein foods, and seafood and plant proteins among female adults with 2 or more types of disabilities compared with those without disabilities. Female adults with any disabilities were more likely to rate their diet as poor, have low food security, participate in food-assistance programs, and consume frozen foods or pizza, compared with those without disabilities (adjusted prevalence ratio ranged from 1.35 to 1.93); they were less likely to be the main food planner or preparer or shopper for their households. Conclusions: Some indicators of diet quality and diet-related factors differed between female adults with and without disabilities. Additional investigation of dietary intakes and behaviors, as well as access to and availability of healthy foods, among female adults with disabilities is necessary.Dietary Quality and Sociodemographic and Health Behavior Characteristics Among Pregnant Women Participating in the New York University Children's Health and Environment Study
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Ghassabian, A., Kahn, L. G., Afanasyeva, Y., Mehta-Lee, S. S., Brubaker, S. G., & Trasande, L. (n.d.).Publication year
2021Journal title
Frontiers in NutritionVolume
8AbstractMaternal diet, prior to and during pregnancy, plays an important role in the immediate and long-term health of the mother and her offspring. Our objectives were to assess diet quality among a large, diverse, urban cohort of pregnant women, and examine associations with sociodemographic and health behavior characteristics. Data were from 1,325 pregnant women enrolled in New York University Children's Health and Environment Study (NYU CHES). Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Mean total HEI-2015 score was 74.9 (SD = 8.5); 376 (28%), 612 (46%), 263 (20%), and 74 (6%) of women had scores that fell into the grade range of A/B, C, D, and F, respectively. Mean HEI-2015 component scores were high for fruit and whole grains and low for protein-related, sodium, and fat-related components. In multivariable linear regression models, Hispanic women scored 1.65 points higher on the total HEI-2015 (95% CI: 0.21, 3.10) compared to non-Hispanic White women, while younger age (Do Women Know Their Prepregnancy Weight?
AbstractThomas, D. M., Oken, E., Rifas-Shiman, S. L., Téllez-Rojo, M., Just, A., Svensson, K., Deierlein, A. L., Chandler-Laney, P. C., Miller, R. C., McNamara, C., Phelan, S., Yoshitani, S., Butte, N. F., & Redman, L. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
ObesityVolume
27Issue
7Page(s)
1161-1167AbstractObjective: Prepregnancy weight may not always be known to women. A model was developed to estimate prepregnancy weight from measured pregnancy weight. Methods: The model was developed and validated using participants from two studies (Project Viva, n = 301, model development; and Fit for Delivery [FFD], n = 401, model validation). Data from the third study (Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment and Social Stressors [PROGRESS]), which included women from Mexico City, were used to demonstrate the utility of the newly developed model to objectively quantify prepregnancy weight. Results: The model developed from the Project Viva study validated well with low bias (R2 = 0.95; y = 1.02x − 0.69; bias = 0.68 kg; 95% CI: −4.86 to 6.21). Predictions in women from FFD demonstrated good agreement (R2 = 0.96; y = 0.96x + 4.35; bias = 1.60 kg; 95% CI: −4.40 to 7.54; error range = −11.25 kg to 14.73 kg). High deviations from model predictions were observed in the Programming Research in PROGRESS (R2 = 0.81; y = 0.89x + 9.61; bias = 2.83 kg; 95% CI: −7.70 to 12.31; error range = −39.17 kg to 25.73 kg). The model was programmed into software (https://www.pbrc.edu/research-and-faculty/calculators/prepregnancy/). Conclusions: The developed model provides an alternative to determine prepregnancy weight in populations receiving routine health care that may not have accurate knowledge of prepregnancy weight. The software can identify misreporting and classification into incorrect gestational weight gain categories.Early-life dietary cadmium exposure and kidney function in 9-year-old children from the progress cohort
AbstractRodríguez-López, E., Tamayo-Ortiz, M., Ariza, A. C., Ortiz-Panozo, E., Deierlein, A. L., Pantic, I., Tolentino, M. C., Estrada-Gutiérrez, G., Parra-Hernández, S., Espejel-Núñez, A., Téllez-Rojo, M. M., Wright, R. O., & Sanders, A. P. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
ToxicsVolume
8Issue
4Page(s)
1-11AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal associated with adverse health effects, including kidney injury or disease. The aims of this study were to estimate dietary Cd exposure during childhood, and to evaluate the association of early-life dietary Cd with biomarkers of glomerular kidney function in 9-year-old Mexican children. Our study included 601 children from the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment and Social Stressors (PROGRESS) cohort with up to five follow-up food frequency questionnaires from 1 to 9 years of age; and 480 children with measures of serum creatinine, cystatin C, and blood nitrogen urea (BUN), as well as 9-year-old estimated glomerular filtration rate. Dietary Cd was estimated through food composition tables. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association between 1 and 9 years, cumulative dietary Cd, and each kidney parameter. Dietary Cd exposure increased with age and exceeded the tolerable weekly intake (TWI = 2.5 µg/kg body weight) by 16-64% at all ages. Early-life dietary Cd exposure was above the TWI and we observed inverse associations between dietary Cd exposure and kidney function parameters. Additional studies are needed to assess kidney function trajectories through adolescence. Identifying preventable risk factors including environmental exposures in early life can contribute to decreasing the incidence of adult kidney disease.Effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on infant anthropometric outcomes
AbstractDeierlein, A. L., Siega-Riz, A. M., Adair, L. S., & Herring, A. H. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
Journal of PediatricsVolume
158Issue
2Page(s)
221-226AbstractObjective: To determine whether pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) influence infant postnatal growth. Study design: Participants were from the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition study, a prospective pregnancy cohort. Term infants with weight or length measurements at approximately 6 months were included (n = 363). Multivariable regression estimated associations for weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) and rapid infant weight gain with categorical maternal exposures defined with the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Results: Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with higher WAZ (linear regression coefficient [β], 0.32; 95% CI, 0.04-0.61) and WLZ (β, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.02-0.76), respectively. Pre-pregnancy BMI was not associated with LAZ. Excessive GWG was associated with higher WAZ (β, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15-0.62) and LAZ (β, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12-0.56). Excessive GWG ≥200% of recommended amount was associated with higher WAZ (β, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.28-1.07), LAZ (β, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.06-0.83), and WLZ (β, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.04-0.82). Risk of rapid weight gain increased across maternal exposure categories; however, none of the estimates were significant. Conclusions: Pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG are modifiable intrauterine exposures that influence infant postnatal anthropometric outcomes. Further investigation with infant body composition measurements is warranted.Exposures to phthalates and bisphenols in pregnancy and postpartum weight gain in a population-based longitudinal birth cohort
AbstractPhilips, E. M., Jaddoe, V. W., Deierlein, A. L., Asimakopoulos, A. G., Kannan, K., Steegers, E. A., & Trasande, L. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
Environment internationalVolume
144AbstractBackground: Experimental evidence suggests that exposures to phthalates and bisphenols may interfere with processes related to glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and body weight. Few studies have considered the possible influence of chemical exposures during pregnancy on maternal weight gain or metabolic health outcomes postpartum. Objective: To examine the associations of early and mid-pregnancy bisphenol and phthalate urine concentrations with maternal weight gain 6 years postpartum. Methods: We analyzed urine samples for bisphenol, phthalate and creatinine concentrations from early and mid-pregnancy in 1192 women in a large, population-based birth cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and examined postpartum weight gain using maternal anthropometrics before pregnancy and 6 years postpartum. We have used covariate-adjusted linear regressions to evaluate associations of early and mid-pregnancy bisphenols and phthalate metabolites with weight change. Mediator and interaction models have been used to assess the role of gestational weight gain and breastfeeding, respectively. Sensitivity analysis is performed among women without subsequent pregnancies. Results: Among all 1192 mothers included in the analysis, each log unit increase in the average bisphenol A and all assessed phthalate groupings were associated with increased maternal weight gain. As a proxy for phthalate exposure, each log unit increase in averaged phthalic acid was associated with 734 g weight gain (95% CI 273–1196 g) between pre-pregnancy and 6 years postpartum. Mediation by gestational weight gain was not present. Breastfeeding and ethnicity did not modify the effects. Stratification revealed these associations to be strongest among overweight and obese women. Among women without subsequent pregnancies (n = 373) associations of bisphenols, HMW phthalate metabolites and di-2-ethylhexylphthalate metabolites attenuated. For phthalic acid, LMW phthalate metabolites and di-n-octylphthalate metabolites associations increased. Similarly to the whole group, stratification yielded significant results among overweight and obese women. Discussion: In a large population-based birth cohort, early and mid-pregnancy phthalate exposures are associated with weight gain 6 years postpartum, particularly among overweight and obese women. These data support ongoing action to replace phthalates with safer alternatives.