September Discussion Question 3
In Song’s research Kcal levels of cereal eaters was greater than non cereal eaters which is opposite the results of Melanson’s research. On the other hand Song’s research shows a decrease in fat, and higher fiber with cereal eaters both of which are consistent with Melanson’s research. Why do you think there is an “inconsistency” between the variables of the to studies?
posted by Anonymous @ 7:13 PM
13 comments
13 Comments:
I think that these differences could be accounted for if there was more specification on the portions and type of cereals consumed. As I discussed in the response to Q1, not all high fiber cereals are created equal. While they may be high in fiber, some are also high in calories and added sugars or dried fruits and nuts. I do think that if there was more attention paid to these factors the results would be more consistent.
I believe the inconsistencies are due in part to the study subjects and the study design. Melanson et al. recruited subjects who were placed in two of three groups directed to consume a hypocaloric diet, therefore it is not a surprise that they consumed fewer calories while still eating cereal. Song’s subjects were not being placed on any form of diet or exercise pilot study; instead they were answering a survey that captured their current habits. In addition, to achieve a greater ability to compare study to study, it would be beneficial to create qualifications for high versus low quality RTEC. I would hardly assume that just because someone eats CoCo Puffs daily for breakfast, they are more likely to have a lower BMI.
Nisa, good point they probably should have assessed which they quality of the cereal consumed.
Breine,
I am glad that you noticed those major differences between the studies, and why it is important to be a critical reader when assessing research because people may have tried a CoCo puffs diet after reading about a study.
When looking at Song’s research I do not see the inconsistencies. When looking at table two I see that those who had cereal plus exercise the calories were higher than those who just had diet plus exercise. So that would mean they both showed that those who eat cereal tended to have a higher calorie intake then those who did not eat cereals. In both studies it did state that those who consumed RTEC decreased fat intake and had a higher fiber and vitamin b-6 intake. While in Song’s study he divided the groups up into whether they ate breakfast or did not and Melanson focused more on low calorie intake plus exercise and cereal consumption to determine weight loss. There were more factors to consider in Melanson’s research.
Everyone seems to have valid points that I agree with. However, the inconsistency I keep getting hung up on is the energy intake for breakfast was estimated from a dietary recall. There would be more accuracy through food diaries. Not to mention, the portion sizes and the types of cereal.
Brittany,
Good point about the differences between the studies, and how the information was collected.
Suzie,
Good suggestion about the food diaries, I wonder why they did not consider this.
The subjects in the Melanson study were following a hypocaloric diet with the addition of whole grain cereal. The Song study evaluted the dietary quality of all NHANES partipants who fit the criteria of being a cereal breakfast eater. The participants in the Song study were not necessarily following a hypocaloric diet and therefore, it would make sense that their caloric intake was found to be higher.
It seems that in both studies the quality of the diet was improved with the inclusion of ready to eat cereal. This may be the case becuase of the nutrients in ready to eat cereal or for other reasons such as the characteristics of ready to eat cereal consumers.
I find that it states on page 1375 that "Mean daily total energy intake for RTEC breakfast consumers did not exhibit a significant difference from that for non-RTEC breakfast consumers among either men or women".
The mean daily energy intake was noted to be higher for breakfast consumers than for breakfast nonconsumers. This could make sense if a person did not consume breakfast and did not overcompensate calories during the rest of the meals/snacks.
Lisa
Good points. What characteristics of RTEC consumers do you think are consistent across the board?
Andrea
Thanks for pointing that out, do you think that most people who don't consume breakfast would not overcompensate later. I think that metabolism also plays a big role because if you don't eat breakfast then your metabolism doesn't have a "kickstart"
I would tend to agree about a possible connection with metabolism as a reason for the association seen in some research between breakfast nonconsumers and diminished weight loss when compared to the amount of weight lost by breakfast consumers.
It would be interesting to see if there is more research regarding total daily caloric intakes of breakfast consumers vs breakfast nonconsumers that correlate with Song. I also wonder how many people that are trying to lose weight are skipping breakfast as a perceived 'easy' way to reduce total daily caloric intake. This is a group that may be skipping breakfast regularly, but making sure not to overcompensate later in the day.
Mary Ellen,
I think that it could be any number of things. Breakfast eaters may be more likely to not skip other meals throughout the day, they may be more likely eat balanced meals, drink milk, eat frutis and veggies etc. than non cereal eaters.
Lisa,
I must say, that was a point I completely overlooked; subjects on hypocaloric diets.
Regarding your last comment about those who skip breakfast could have been eating healthier for the remainder of the day. Do you think that could be why? I know I could not personally do that. Probably because I am normally around the kitchen at Unit 5 daily "leading (me) into tempation"!!! Interesting!
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