2005 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Suboptimal dietary intakes of essential micronutrients have been statistically associated with chronic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and dementia. Further, national nutrition surveys indicate that dietary intakes of several essential minerals (e.g., calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc) are less than recommended in many segments of the U.S. population and that mild-to-marginal deficiencies in these and other micronutrients are particularly likely in at-risk and underserved groups (e.g., women, children, elderly, minorities). Unfortunately, controlled studies of the relationships between micronutrients and chronic disease are few and the roles of potential mediating factors such as age, sex, body composition, special diets, lifestyle and genetic factors are poorly understood. For most micronutrients, the potential health benefits and mechanisms of action for physiological (healthy body weight and composition, energy metabolism, brain and cardiac function) and psychological (cognition, emotional and social adjustment, school/work performance) function have not been determined. This project seeks to improve health and enhance quality of life by determining for healthy and at-risk groups micronutrient intakes that optimize physiological and psychological development, function and health. Specific project objectives are to: (1) develop new functional bases for establishing mineral element requirements; (2) identify mechanisms of action; and (3) determine the influence of mediating factors on mineral element requirements. This project is directly related to the following major components of the National Program Action Plan for Human Nutrition (107): Nutrient Requirements; Relationship between Diet, Genetics and Lifestyle and the Prevention of Chronic Disease; and Health-Promoting Interventions Strategies for Targeted Populations. The research addresses priority objectives including (1) determining functional markers of mineral intakes and status; (2) identifying mechanisms of action of mineral elements; (3) determining the influence of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors on obesity and prevention of chronic disease; (5) identifying dietary intervention strategies effective with minority populations; (6) characterizing the role of mineral elements in achieving and maintaining optimal physiological and psychological development, function and health. Controlled studies generate new knowledge to use in making recommendations for dietary intakes that promote optimal development, function and health throughout the life span. Dietary intakes and biochemical indices of mineral status are related to physiologic (e.g., healthy body weight and composition, physical fitness, energy metabolism, brain and cardiac function) and psychological (e.g., cognition, emotional and social adjustment, school/work performance) measures to determine importance of specific minerals for optimal function and development. A mobile field laboratory, community studies facilities, and a residential metabolic unit are used to conduct survey, supplementation, fortification, and controlled feeding studies with healthy and at-risk groups (e.g., school-aged children, rural elderly, minorities). Randomized controlled trials evaluate the effects of feeding graded dose amounts of minerals, such as iron, zinc, copper and magnesium, in the context of mediating factors (e.g., genotype, controlled stressors). Animal and cell culture studies enhance the efficacy of human studies and help determine the mechanisms of action of functional outcomes. This project provides experimentally-derived information needed to establish recommendations for dietary intakes of mineral elements throughout the life span and to help American consumers choose foods that optimize physical and mental performance, social and emotional adjustment, and prevent or ameliorate chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, depression and dementia. Resulting information is also useful for evaluating food assistance programs, special diets, the efficacy of taking dietary supplements, and the potential benefits of value-added foods to maintain health and well-being. Primary customers for the products of this research are agricultural and commodity groups, the food industry, supplement manufacturers, policy makers, health and nutrition professionals and the general public. 2.List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2005) • Plan, obtain institutional and school board approvals, and initiate studies for participation of children and adolescents to determine relationships among zinc and iron nutrition and cognitive function, psycho-educational performance, body composition and growth. • Develop experimental protocol, initiate contacts with participating institutions, obtain institutional and administrative approvals, and initiate a cross-sectional epidemiologic study of nutrition, health and function in institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly. • Plan and initiate study of the effects of dietary zinc and copper on mechanisms of adaptation to endurance exercise training among in-bred strains of rats with different phenotypes for running capacity. • Plan project and obtain approvals to initiate an observational study to determine the nutrient composition of foods in the food assistance programs and traditional foods on American Indian reservations. • Complete study to determine whether dietary boron restriction in rats influences eye development and behavioral changes induced by feeding diets high in omega-3 fatty acids and to relate any influence to a biochemical mechanism. Year 2 (FY 2006) • Conduct study to determine in adolescents relationships between zinc and iron nutrition and cognitive function, psychoeducational performance, body composition, growth, and physical fitness at first site. • Plan project and initiate study to determine magnesium requirements of postmenopausal women with outcomes of magnesium nutritional markers, inflammatory responses and cardiovascular risk factors. • Conduct study of relationships among zinc, copper and magnesium nutrition and physical and mental health of healthy elderly. • Analyze samples from study of effects of zinc and copper on mechanisms of adaptation to endurance exercise training among in-bred strains of rats with different phenotypes for running capacity; report results. • Plan project and initiate study of effects of different body composition phenotypes of rats on copper and zinc metabolism with increased physical activity in rats. • Complete the nutrient composition survey of components of food assistance program and traditional American Indian foods. • Plan and initiate study of interaction of dietary boron and essential fatty acids in rats. • Establish communication, trust and collaborative partnerships with American Indian communities to begin discussions of health promotion, including obesity prevention. Year 3 (FY 2007) • Conduct study of zinc supplementation of adolescents at second site. • Conduct study of magnesium requirements of postmenopausal women with outcomes of magnesium nutritional markers, inflammatory responses and cardiovascular risk factors. • Plan and initiate study of copper on adaptation to increased physical activity of out-bred rats with different phenotypes for aerobic capacity. • Develop nutrient database of commodity and traditional Native foods. • Initiate community focus groups to identify and report perceived health concerns/needs of tribal communities. • Analyze samples and data from observational study of the elderly; report results. • Plan experimental protocol for study of effects of graded zinc intake on adaptation to increased physical activity in humans. Year 4 (FY 2008) • Conduct study of zinc supplementation of adolescents at third site. • Complete study of magnesium needs of postmenopausal women; analyze samples and data, and report results. • Develop experimental protocol, prepare and receive approval from host institution(s) and institutional review boards; initiate nutritional intervention study of the effects on mental and physical functions of the elderly. • Apply results of formative evaluation to development of culturally-appropriate interventions approaches, materials and programs for health promotion and obesity prevention in American Indian communities. • Complete the study of copper on adaptation to increased physical activity of out-bred rats with different phenotypes for aerobic capacity. 4a.What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Copper Requirement for Men Controversy persists regarding the amount of copper needed to support health and optimal biological function. Because the recommendation for copper intake was empirically derived, we evaluated the effects of this recommended amount with a greater amount in men. We found increased losses of copper and increased energy needs during low-level physical activity in parallel with decreased activity of an energy-regulating copper-containing enzyme in muscle when 0.9 compared to 1.6 mg of copper was fed. These findings reveal that moderate copper intake adversely impacts the ability to perform work and relates this problem to the reduced activity of an important copper protein that regulates cellular energy production. This information will be useful to policy makers who make recommendations on nutrient intakes to promote health and well-being of the public. 4b.List other significant accomplishments, if any. Beneficial effects of fish oil on vision most evident when boron status is low The beneficial effects of fish oil, which is high in long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), on vision was more marked in rats with a restricted intake of dietary boron, and the beneficial effects of boron on vision was more evident in rats fed a diet high in omega-6 PUFA. Some studies show that, compared to diets high in omega-6 PUFA, diets high in long chain omega-3 PUFA enhance sensory functions, cognitive functions and brain development, but other studies do not. The inconsistency may be the result of different intakes of another nutrient, such as boron, shown to affect similar functions as long chain omega-3 PUFA. The beneficial effects of fish oil or long-chain omega-3 PUFA supplementation may be most evident when dietary boron restriction, combined with high omega-6 PUFA intake, has impaired behavioral and vision functions. 4c.List any significant activities that support special target populations. Scientists in the unit continue to work with American Indians to develop successful partnerships and to promote research on health promotion. An example is co-organization of the 3rd Annual American Indian Forum as part of the University of North Dakota’s Indian Association Timeout Celebration, whose theme was “Enhancing the Health of Northern Plains Indians”. More than a dozen speakers from throughout the region presented information on the current status of Native health in the Upper Midwest and research on physical and mental health, traditional diets and nutrition, and physical activity. Community efforts underway to promote improved health and major research needs were also identified and discussed. Products of the forum included improved communication and increased collaboration through networking of regional researchers and students interested in American Indian research, improved knowledge of ongoing AI research and barriers to future studies, and updating of the AIRO Directory and LSTSERV. This activity directly supports GFHNRC research to improve the nutrition and health of this at-risk and underserved population in our region, and facilitates accomplishment of the milestone related to health promotion and obesity prevention in American Indian communities. 5.Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. The major accomplishment was the development of trust and respect among the American Indian tribes in North Dakota that resulted in the completion of survey of Native American health, nutrition and physical activity and preparation of a report summarizing the findings. The report has been distributed to participating Indian tribes and communities. This accomplishment falls within the USDA, ARS Strategic Plan to Improve the Nation’s Nutrition and Health (Goal 4 of National Program 107 - Human Nutrition) and Objective 4.1.3: Determine food consumption patterns of Americans, including those of different ages, ethnicity, regions, and income levels. Provide sound scientific analyses of the U.S. food consumption information to enhance the effectiveness and management of the Nation’s domestic food and nutrition assistance programs. It also addresses Action Plan component of Health Promoting Strategies for Targeted Populations and focuses on this at-risk and underserved population in our region; it also facilitates accomplishment of the milestone related to health promotion and obesity prevention in American Indian communities. A secondary accomplishment was the identification of the specificity of muscle cytochrome c oxidase activity as a marker on copper nutritional status and its potential for future research to determine the interaction of dietary copper restriction and supplementation on adaptation of muscle metabolism to increased physical activity. This work has lead to a study in men which confirmed that the activity of the enzyme is decreased when dietary copper is low and results in decreased copper nutritional status. This accomplishment falls within the ARS Strategic Plan to Improve the Nation’s Nutrition and Health (Goal 4 of National Program 107 – Human Nutrition) and Objective 4.1.2: Define functions, bioavailability, interactions, and human requirements (including effects such as genetic, health status, and environmental factors) for known, emerging, and new classes of nutrients. It also addresses as the milestone (FY 2005) to relate dietary copper and physical activity. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? There are no CRADAs, licenses or patents to report. Transfer of technical information to other scientists occurred through presentations at national and international meetings and professional publications. Knowledge about the health benefits of mineral nutrients was transferred by routine contacts to representatives of industry and policy-making and regulatory federal agencies. Transfer of knowledge to the public occurred through contacts with media representatives and by direct contacts with the public. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Popular Press Lukaski, H.C. Coalition Provides Wealth of Health Advice. Grand Forks Herald, July, 2005. Nielsen, F.H. Don’t Overlook Benefits of Diets that Contain Fish. Grand Forks Herald. March 2005. Penland, J.G. Cold Weather and Nutrition Go Hand in Hand. Grand Forks Herald. February 2005. Media Coverage H. Lukaski summarized research findings that were described in stories on zinc, health and performance by Reuters news service, Women’s Health and Self. J. Penland was cited in numerous stories on minerals (boron, calcium, copper, magnesium and selenium) and sleep, brain function and menstrual symptomology, appearing in magazines such as Organic Style, First for Women, and Natural Health. In addition, the media extensively covered his work on zinc and cognitive function in young adolescents. He conducted interviews with representatives of more than 20 media outlets, including Associated Press, Reuters News Service, Bloomberg News, New York Science News, Los Angeles Times, Reader’s Digest, ABC and BBC, and this work was reported by more than 30 additional wire service, television, radio, newspaper, magazine and internet outlets. Presentations We made 23 presentations to industry, governmental and educational entities, 8 of which occurred during the 4th Quarter of FY-04, and 15 during the 1st-3rd Quarters of FY-05. The most important presentations included: Lukaski, H.C. and Penland, J.G. Diet, Physical Activity and Health Among Northern Plains Indians. American Indian Living Radio Broadcast, September 28, 2004. Lukaski, H.C. Zinc, Magnesium and Copper Requirements and Exercise. National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, Committee on Military Nutrition Research, Workshop on Mineral Requirements for Cognitive and Physical Performance of Military Personnel, Washington, DC, June 15, 2005. Nielsen, F.H. Magnesium Balance as an Indicator of Magnesium Status and Experimental Magnesium Depletion in Humans. Gordon Research Conference on Magnesium in Biochemical Processes and Medicine, Ventura, CA, February 10, 2005. Penland, J.G. Zinc and Other Mineral Nutrients Related to Cognition and Behavior. National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, Committee on Military Nutrition Research, Workshop on Mineral Requirements for Cognitive and Physical Performance of Military Personnel, Washington, DC, June 15, 2005. Review Publications Clodfelder, B.J., Gullick, B.M., Lukaski, H.C., Neggers, Y., Vincent, J.B. 2005. Oral administration of the biomimetic [Cr3O(O2CCH2CH3)6(H2O)3]+ increases insulin sensitivity and improves blood plasma variables in healthy and type 2 diabetic rats. Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry. 10:119-130. Johnson, W.T., Johnson, L.K., Lukaski, H.C. 2005. Serum superoxide dismutase 3 (extracellular superoxide dismutase) activity is a sensitive indicator of Cu status in rats. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 16:682-692. Kyle, U.G., Genton, L., Lukaski, H.C., Dupertuis, Y.M., Slosman, D.O., Hans, D., Pichard, C. 2005. Comparison of fat-free mass and body fat in Swiss and American adults. Nutrition 21:161-169. Lukaski, H.C. 2005. Assessing Muscle Mass. In: Heymsfield, S.B., Lohman, T.G., Wang, Z.M., Going, S.B. (Eds.) Human Body Composition. Second Edition. Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics. p. 203-218. Lukaski, H.C. 2005. Low dietary zinc decreases erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase activities and impairs cardiorespiratory function in men during exercise. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 81:1045-1051. Lukaski, H.C., Johnson, P.E. 2005. Dietary copper (Cu) at the recommended intake decreases muscle cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity and alters metabolic responses during exercise in men [abstract]. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal. 19(5):A982. Lukaski, H.C., Penland, J.G. 2006. Zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, selenium, and calcium: Roles in promotion of physical and mental performance. In: Institute of Medicine (Editor), Nutrient Composition of Rations for Short-Term, High Intensity Combat Operations. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. p. 256-270. Moulton, P.L., Petros, T.V., Apostal, K.J., Park, R.V., II, Ronning, E.A., King, B.M., Penland, J.G. 2005. Alcohol-induced impairment and enhancement of memory: A test of the interference theory. Physiology and Behavior. 85(3):240-245. Penland, J.G., Lukaski, H.C., Gray, J.S. 2005. Zinc affects cognition and psychosocial function of middle-school children [abstract]. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal. 19(5):A973. Schoeller, D.A., Tylavsky, F., Baer, D.J., Borrud, L., Chumlea, W.C., Earthman, C., Fuerst, T., Harris, T., Heymsfield, S., Horlick, M., Lohman, T.G., Lukaski, H.C., Shepherd, J., Siervogel, R.M., Borrud, L.G. 2005. QDR 4500A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer underestimates fat mass in comparison with criterion methods in adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 81:1018-1025.