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Health literacy (HL) is a crucial factor influencing health-related decisions, including dietary patterns. The Mediterranean diet is widely recognized as one of the healthiest eating patterns. This study aims to explore the association between HL levels among adults in socially vulnerable contexts and their adoption of the Mediterranean diet. Conducted as part of a cluster-randomized trial in primary schools, the research involved 557 parents of children aged 6 to 10 who consented to participate. HL was assessed using the HLS questionnaire, while adoption of the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the MEDAS questionnaire. Participants also provided anthropometric and sociodemographic data via a questionnaire, from which BMI was calculated (weight/height2). Education level was categorized as higher education or lower and professional status was classified based on occupational categories. Generalized linear models and logistic regression were employed for analysis. The findings indicate a direct association between HL level and adoption of the Mediterranean diet (B = 0.022, 95% CI 0.010–0.035, p < 0.001), underscoring the influence of HL on dietary choices. Specifically, the healthcare dimension of HL emerges as pivotal in shaping dietary behaviors, particularly towards the Mediterranean diet. These results underscore the importance of policies and programs aimed at enhancing HL, especially among socially vulnerable populations. Prioritizing public health interventions to improve HL is critical for promoting better dietary decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family context has been associated with children's weight status. This study aims to investigate the association of parents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet and family time with the weight status of children. The research is part of BeE-school, a cluster-randomized trial implemented in primary schools located in socially vulnerable contexts. A total of 735 children (380 boys and 355 girls) aged 6 to 10 participated in the study. Anthropometrics were assessed during school time, and weight status was categorized, while parents self-reported sociodemographic variables, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS questionnaire), and family time. Children from families with higher education levels whose parents have a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet have lower odds of overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR) 0.301, 95% CI 0.143–0.634, p = 0.002). Also, children from families with lower education levels who have more time together with their family have lower odds of overweight/obesity (OR 0.731, 95% CI 0.573–0.934, p = 0.012). The family environment, mainly family time together and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, exerts a significant influence on children's weight status. Professionals working in children's health should consider the family when fostering health-promoting behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the potential associations between neurodevelopment, dietary diversity and food processing in the toddler period. This study aimed to estimate the association between these dietary quality dimensions and neurodevelopment in toddlers. Data for this cross-sectional analysis came from the Healthy Children 2021 project and included 212 toddlers (51.9% females, aged 12–36 months) from 15 Portuguese childcare centers. Neurodevelopment was assessed through Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Dietary intake was gathered by a two-day non-consecutive dietary recall. The food items were categorised with NOVA classification. Dietary diversity was explored through Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were performed. Girls with a higher energy contribution of unprocessed/minimally processed foods and with an above median MDD score had higher odds of achieving a higher neurodevelopment score (aOR:1.04; 95%CI 1.01; 1.08 and aOR:2.26; 95%CI 1.01; 5.06, respectively); no significant association was observed in boys. Our findings suggest that these dietary dimensions are associated with a higher neurodevelopment in toddler girls. This should be further studied as a possible early link between dietary factors and neurodevelopment. Promotion of healthy eating can be promising in improving neurocognitive development and might help to introduce public health recommendations for toddlers' nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]