Lifestyle Requirements in the U.S. for Men (and Women)

Micronutrients are fundamental components of healthy foods that are necessary for the prevention and good management of chronic conditions in the world population. In a recent study [1] involving Haitian-Americans, African-Americans, and Cuban-Americans, the researchers explored if any differences existed in the level of nutrients intake between the participants who were not diabetic and those who were. The level of adequacy of nutrient intake was also analyzed between the members of these three ethnic groups. 

A total of 868 people, including the Haitian-Americans (n = 258), the African-Americans (n = 249), and the Cuban-Americans (n = 361), were involved in this study. These study participants were randomly recruited through mailing, except for the Haitian-Americans who were recruited through local community stakeholders’ referrals and advertising. All participants had to meet certain criteria for inclusion in the study (e.g., being 35 years of age or older and not having other chronic conditions). The following assessments were performed: Diabetes testing, physical activity level using the modifiable activity questionnaire (MAQ), dietary intake using the semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and micronutrient intakes based on the recommended daily allowances (RDA).
  
The data were analyzed using a variety of statistical methods. Regardless of ethnicity, males living with diabetes were “significantly less active than those without diabetes”. Overall, “half of each racial/ethnic minority in this study had type 2 diabetes”. The determination was made of the likelihood that micronutrient deficiency was found either among the Haitian-Americans, African-Americans, or the Cuban-Americans living with or without diabetes.
 
Among the African-Americans who were born in the U.S. (98%), Haitian-American immigrants (100 %), and Cuban-American immigrants (98%), a reported 40% of them had “insufficient intakes of vitamins D and E, and calcium”. The researchers noted that “Haitian-Americans were more likely to have insufficiencies in iron, B-vitamins, vitamin D, and vitamin E and less likely to have inadequate intake of saturated fat as compared to Cuban-Americans. Vitamin D insufficiency was more likely for Haitian-Americans as compared to African-Americans”. Additionally, “Haitian-Americans with no diabetes were more likely to be insufficient in calcium”. Haitian-Americans were less prone to consuming foods that were rich in fiber compared to the Cuban-Americans.
           
Reflecting on these findings and based on the literature, the low intake of micronutrients among the Haitian-Americans who participated in this study could be due to their diet, which is primarily rich in carbohydrate. These Haitian-Americans could have been experiencing a lack of access to fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods, due to financial hardships, lack of proximity to (healthy) grocery stores, and low literacy level. The selection process of the study participants and errors made by the participants in their questionnaire responses could have also influenced the results of this study.

Nevertheless, “prekosyon pa kapon”, a saying in creole that literally means "precaution is not cowardice”. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber, besides adequate exercising, hygienic sleeping habits, and adherence to a lifestyle without (bad) stress, can help prevent and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Fruits and vegetables consumed regularly provide the daily recommended amount of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). As the latest research reminds us, vitamin and mineral supplements are still not the best sources of micronutrients to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer [2].


References

1.  Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Biller, D., & Dixon, Z. (2012). Inadequacy of micronutrients, fat, and fiber consumption in the diets of Haitian-, African-and Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 82(4), 275-287. doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000120

2.  Fortmann, S. P., Burda, B. U., Senger, C. A., Lin, J. S., & Whitlock, E. P. (2013). Vitamin and mineral supplements in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: An updated systematic evidence review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Annals of Internal Medicine, 159(12), 824-834. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-159-12-201312170-00729