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Background: Previous studies have suggested a significant association between diet quality and mental health. However, a limited number of studies have utilized the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) to examine this association. Additionally, no study has yet compared the PDQS and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) in terms of their association with depression and anxiety. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality, measured by the PDQS and HEI-2015, and the odds of depression and anxiety in adults. Methods: This study utilized data from the LIPOKAP study, which was conducted between February 2018 and July 2019 in five cities in Iran. We included 1994 adults aged 18 and above who were selected through a multistage cluster sampling method. Participants completed a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to evaluate their dietary intake. The FFQ was used to calculate the PDQS and HEI-2015. Depression and anxiety levels were determined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The participants had a mean age of 39.79 ± 13.87 years, with females accounting for 1,041 (52.2%) of the total population. PDQS showed a significant inverse association with the odds of depression (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28–0.71) and anxiety (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.62) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, the highest quartile of HEI-2015 showed a significantly lower odds of depression (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40–0.90) and anxiety (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42–0.92) compared to the lowest quartile. Conclusion: Both PDQS and HEI-2015 were associated with a reduced risk of depression and anxiety. However, the PDQS demonstrated a stronger inverse association with these risks compared to the HEI-2015. This suggests that the PDQS could be a more beneficial dietary pattern for preventing depression and anxiety compared to HEI-2015. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study investigates diet quality across four popular dietary patterns: Ketogenic Diet, Low‐Carbohydrate Healthy‐Fat, Vegetarian, and Vegan, employing the NOVA and Human Interference Scoring System (HISS) classification systems. Utilizing a modified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and analyzing 168 participants' dietary habits, the research identifies notable differences in dietary quality among the dietary patterns. While all groups reported lower consumption of UPFs than the general population, plant‐based diets demonstrated higher UPF consumption than ketogenic and low carbohydrate diets. The study reveals that both NOVA and HISS effectively identify UPFs, with significant differences observed at various processing levels, except for UPFs where both systems showed similarity. This research contributes to the detailed understanding of diet quality within popular dietary patterns, highlighting the importance of considering food processing in dietary choices and the need for ongoing research to further elucidate the health implications of different types of UPFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although national food guides are designed, ostensibly, to translate scientific evidence with respect to food, dietary patterns, and health, their development has increasingly become a corporate/political process as well as scientific one; often with corporate/political influences overriding science. Our aim was to construct an unbiased, sustainable, evidence-informed Universal Food Guide to serve as a template for countries to develop their unique guides, thereby, provide a valid resource for health professionals, health authorities, and the public. Methods: To address our aim, we conducted an integrative review of multiple evidence-informed sources (e.g., established databases, evidence syntheses, scholarly treatises, and policy documents) related to four areas: 1. Food guides' utility and conflicts of interest; 2. The evidence-based healthiest diet; 3. Constituents of the Universal Food Guide template; and 4. Implications for population health; regulation/governance; environment/climate/planetary health; and ethics. Results: The eating pattern that is healthiest for humans (i.e., most natural, and associated with maximal health across the life cycle; reduced non-communicable disease (NCD) risk; and minimal end-of-life illness) is whole food, low fat, plant-based, especially vegan, with the absence of ultra-processed food. Disparities in national food guide recommendations can be explained by factors other than science, specifically, corporate/political interests reflected in heavily government-subsidized, animal-sourced products; and trends toward dominance of daily consumption of processed/ultra-processed foods. Both trends have well-documented adverse consequences, i.e., NCDs and endangered environmental/planetary health. Commitment to an evidence-informed plant-based eating pattern, particularly vegan, will reduce risks/manifestations of NCDs; inform healthy food and nutrition policy regulation/governance; support sustainable environment/climate and planetary health; and is ethical with respect to 'best' evidence-based practice, and human and animal welfare. Conclusion: The Universal Food Guide that serves as a template for national food guides is both urgent and timely given the well-documented health-harming influences that corporate stakeholders/politicians and advisory committees with conflicts of interest, exert on national food guides. Such influence contributes to the largely-preventable NCDs and environmental issues. Policy makers, health professionals, and the public need unbiased, scientific evidence as informed by the Universal Food Guide, to inform their recommendations and choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snacking is a common dietary behaviour among adolescents contributing to more than one quarter of their total energy intake; however, the relationship between snacks and diet quality remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to examine the characteristics of snacks among adolescents with different levels of diet quality. Dietary data collected from a nationally representative sample of Australian adolescents (12–18 years old, n = 935) using one 24-hour dietary recall in the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were analysed. Snacks were defined based on participant-identified eating occasions, and diet quality was assessed using the Dietary Guideline Index for Children and Adolescents (DGI-CA). Marginal means and proportion of snack characteristics including snack frequency, snack energy density (ED), and commonly consumed foods at snack from the five food groups and discretionary foods at snack across DGI-CA tertiles (highest tertile indicating high guideline adherence) were estimated for both boys and girls using linear regression and logistic regression. Differences in means were tested using the F-test. The results showed no significant differences in the mean frequency of snacks across tertiles of DGI-CA scores. The mean ED of snacks decreased as DGI-CA scores increased in both boys (lowest tertile = 8.4, 95% CI [7.1, 10.0] kJ/g, highest tertile = 6.3 [5.4, 7.4] kJ/g) and girls (lowest tertile = 9.0 [7.8, 10.3] kJ/g, highest tertile = 5.9 [5.1, 6.9] kJ/g). As diet quality improved, the proportion of adolescents consuming discretionary (i.e., unhealthy) foods and foods from the five food group foods as snacks decreased and increased, respectively. In conclusion, adolescents with higher diet quality consumed snacks with a lower ED while lower proportion of them consume discretionary foods, and higher proportion of them consume from the five food groups. Encouraging the consumption of foods from the five food groups with lower ED as snacks presents an opportunity to enhance adolescent diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a widely cultivated legumes globally, is attracting interest as a functional food owing to its antioxidant properties derived from nutritional components such as polyphenols. We previously reported that yellow pea-based pasta (YPP) aids in controlling blood glucose and enhances the sensitivity to saltiness. This study examined the antioxidant effect of YPP and its effects on the salt intake and postprandial blood glucose levels by simulating a real-life scenario. In this open, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, 40 healthy adult men and women aged 20–65 years, whose salt intake exceeded the target salt equivalent level of the Japanese dietary intake standard, were allocated to the following groups (n = 20): the group consuming one serving of YPP per day and the group maintaining their regular daily dietary habits. The participants who were allocated to the YPP group showed significantly improved oxidative stress markers (BAP/d-ROMs ratio change: control = − 0.11, YPP = 0.27, p = 0.044; lipid peroxide change: control = 0.11, YPP = − 0.25, p < 0.001) than control participants. The effects on salt intake and blood glucose levels were limited. In conclusion, YPP may serve as a functional staple food that improves oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate Change and food security remain one of the topical issues discussed globally. In Ghana, the literature has reported on the effects of climate change on the food consumption patterns of many households due to low adaptive capacity and inefficient food production systems. In addition to climate change as a threat to food security, funeral rites also play a major role in household food insecurity. However, the link between climate change, funeral rites and food security as indices of social vulnerability has been less investigated. Using a qualitative-dominance approach to research with 8 key informant interviews, 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) and a questionnaire, the analysis revealed that climate change and funeral rites are critical determinants of food insecurity in the Kassena Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The results show that while climate change affects the food production systems, the poorly harvested farm produce and livestock are used for the funeral rites of the deceased’s household family. While being sensitive to the cultural aspects of the uses of farm produce and livestock for funeral rites, and given the prevailing climatic conditions, the study recommends the need for traditional authorities and households to consider holding less expensive funeral rites which do not expend future food needs and resources. Again, localised climate change adaptation strategies need to be developed by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support the activities of agriculture in the municipality which is widely known to be susceptible to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Vitamin D has a crucial role in our metabolic health. We aimed to examine associations of vitamin D status and its related dietary pattern (DP) with prevalent risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 9,237 Korean adults aged 19–64 years based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: Vitamin D status was examined by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). A vitamin D-related DP associated with 25(OH)D levels was derived using reduced rank regression (RRR). Associations of vitamin D status and its related DP with MetS prevalence were examined using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Men with sufficient vitamin D status had a 44% lower risk of MetS prevalence (OR: 0.56; 95%CI: 0.36–0.87) compared to those with deficiency. A vitamin D-related DP derived using RRR was characterized by high intakes of vegetables, fish, fruits, and nuts and low intakes of eggs, oils, and mushrooms in this study population. Among men, the DP was significantly associated with a lower risk of MetS prevalence, showing a 12% (95%CI: 4–20%) reduction in risk for a one-unit increase in the DP score. However, there was no significant association among women. Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that a sufficient vitamin D status and a related DP with high intakes of vegetables, fish, fruit, and nuts were associated with the risk of MetS, particularly in Korean male adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We quantified levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and investigated consumption patterns in a representative sample of UK adolescents. Methods: We used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/09–2018/19). UPF were identified using the NOVA classification. We estimated the percentage of Total Energy Intake (%TEI) and the absolute weight (grams). Linear regression models quantified differences in UPF consumption across survey years and its association with participant's individual characteristics. This was an analysis of the repeated cross-sectional data from the UK NDNS Rolling Programme waves 1–11 (2008/09–2018/19). A total of 2991 adolescents (11–18y) with complete information on dietary intake were included. Results: Mean UPF consumption was 861 (SD 442) g/d and this accounted for 65.9% (SD 13.4%) of TEI. Between 2008 and 2019, mean UPF consumption decreased from 996 to 776 g/d [ – 211 (95%CI – 302; – 120)] and from 67.7% to 62.8% of TEI [ – 4.8% (95%CI – 8.1; – 1.5)]. Higher %TEI was consumed by adolescents with lower socioeconomic status; white ethnicity and living in England North. A higher weight of UPF consumption (g/d) was associated with being male, white, age 18y, having parents with routine or manual occupation, living in England North, and living with obesity. Conclusion: Average energy intake from UPF has decreased over a decade in UK adolescents. We observed a social and regional patterning of UPF consumption, with higher consumption among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, from a white ethnicity and living in England North. Our findings suggest inequalities associated with UPF intake and factors that might lie beyond individual choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut–brain axis plays a pivotal role in the finely tuned orchestration of food intake, where both homeostatic and hedonic processes collaboratively control our dietary decisions. This interplay involves the transmission of mechanical and chemical signals from the gastrointestinal tract to the appetite centers in the brain, conveying information on meal arrival, quantity, and chemical composition. These signals are processed in the brain eventually leading to the sensation of satiety and the termination of a meal. However, the regulation of food intake and appetite extends beyond the realms of pure physiological need. Hedonic mechanisms, including sensory perception (i.e., through sight, smell, and taste), habitual behaviors, and psychological factors, exert profound influences on food intake. Drawing from studies in animal models and human research, this comprehensive review summarizes the physiological mechanisms that underlie the gut–brain axis and its interplay with the reward network in the regulation of appetite and satiety. The recent advancements in neuroimaging techniques, with a focus on human studies that enable investigation of the neural mechanisms underpinning appetite regulation are discussed. Furthermore, this review explores therapeutic/pharmacological strategies that hold the potential for controlling food intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In parallel to the legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes, cannabinoid use has steadily increased over the last decade in the United States. Cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol and anandamide, bind to the central cannabinoid‐1 (CB1) receptor to impact several physiological processes relevant for body weight regulation, including appetite and energy expenditure. The hypothalamus integrates peripheral signals related to energy balance, houses several nuclei that orchestrate eating, and expresses the CB1 receptor. Herein we review literature to date concerning cannabinergic action in the hypothalamus with a specific focus on eating behaviors. We highlight hypothalamic areas wherein researchers have focused their attention, including the lateral, arcuate, paraventricular, and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei, and interactions with the hormone leptin. This review serves as a comprehensive analysis of what is known about cannabinoid signaling in the hypothalamus, highlights gaps in the literature, and suggests future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recent research has helped us understand more about the role of microbes in the health and disease of the lungs. The detection of microbes and microbial products in sputum may improve early lung cancer diagnosis. The monitoring of the microbiome of the lungs over time may help predict the response to and side effects of treatment. However, studies have not yet examined how diet and air pollution affect the lung microbiome and how it might be linked to the development and progression of lung cancer. By examining the lung microbiome, dietary patterns, and air pollutants, we hope to prevent and manage lung cancer in the future. The past several years have provided a more profound understanding of the role of microbial species in the lung. The respiratory tract is a delicate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Detecting microbial DNA, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and metabolites in sputum is poised to revolutionize the early diagnosis of lung cancer. The longitudinal monitoring of the lung microbiome holds the potential to predict treatment response and side effects, enabling more personalized and effective treatment options. However, most studies into the lung microbiota have been observational and have not adequately considered the impact of dietary intake and air pollutants. This gap makes it challenging to establish a direct causal relationship between environmental exposure, changes in the composition of the microbiota, lung carcinogenesis, and tumor progression. A holistic understanding of the lung microbiota that considers both diet and air pollutants may pave the way to improved prevention and management strategies for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although several studies have suggested a potential positive association between serum vitamin D levels and muscle strength in older adults, it remains unclear whether this relationship is sex-dependent. Aim: To evaluate the association between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and muscle strength in older adults and to assess whether this association is dependent on sex. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2001 and 2002. A total of 1173 individuals aged 50–85 years (630 men and 543 women) were included in the analysis. The peak isokinetic force of the knee extensor was assessed using a kinetic communicator isokinetic dynamometer. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using the standardized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate coefficients and 95% confidence intervals for muscle strength across tertiles of serum vitamin D levels, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Tertiles of serum vitamin D were positively associated with muscle strength in older men (p-trend = 0.007), whereas no association was observed in older women (p-trend = 0.140) or in the total sample (men and women together; p-trend = 0.139). Conclusion: Serum vitamin D levels were positively associated with muscle strength specifically in older men, whereas no association was observed in older women. These results suggest that the relationship between vitamin D and strength may be sex-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The nutritional status of seasonal migrant agricultural workers is negatively affected by problems with working conditions, wages, accommodations, and living conditions. This study aimed to investigate the living conditions, dietary habits, and food consumption frequency of seasonal migrant agricultural workers in Turkey. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in July and August 2022 in the neighborhoods of Akçadağ district in Malatya Province, Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 262 seasonal migrant agricultural workers aged 15 and over who came to the region for the apricot harvest. The data were obtained using the face-to-face interview technique via a two-part questionnaire including questions on socio-demographic characteristics, living conditions, dietary behaviors and food consumption frequency. Results: The mean age of the seasonal migrant agricultural workers was 24.16 ± 0.75, and they worked 12.01 ± 0.10 hours per day on average. It was determined 74.8% of the workers had access to clean water, and 50.4% did not think they had an adequate and balanced diet. It was found only 57.3% of the workers had a normal body mass index, 80.2% never ate fish, 53.8% never ate red meat, and 67.2% never drank milk, while only 34.4% were able to eat seasonal vegetables. Conclusion: The findings of the study show that seasonal migrant agricultural workers in Turkey do not have suitable conditions in terms of food and accommodations, and their working conditions, wages, and health conditions are inadequate. These deficiencies have a negative effect on workers' quality of life and health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Asians are among the fastest growing immigrant population groups in the United States. Their traditional diets are rich in minimally processed fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices. However, the proliferation of ultra-processed foods (highly processed, industrially manufactured formulations) around the globe may compromise the nutrition profile of South Asians, threatening to increase their risk of noncommunicable diseases. This commentary discusses the rise in ultra-processed food consumption among South Asians in the United States and hypothesizes that South Asians may be especially vulnerable to the effects of ultra-processed foods due to their unique cardiovascular disease risk profiles. Using these emerging data, we propose several strategies for preventing the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods among South Asian Americans. These include the implementation of policies to encourage the consumption of whole foods over ultra-processed foods and the development of culturally tailored interventions, which include promoting consumption of traditional diets, improving affordability of healthful, culturally appropriate foods, and cultivating healthier food environments for South Asians living in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC), which is linked to chronic oxidative stress, has been on the rise in Japan, attributed to the recent Westernization of dietary habits. Sulforaphane, which is abundant in broccoli sprouts (BS), has been shown to enhance antioxidant activity by up-regulating nrf2-mediated antioxidant enzymes. We have previously shown that the dietary intake of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts mitigates H.pylori-induced gastritis not only by enhancing nrf2-dependent anti-oxidant activity against oxidative stress from H.pylori infection, but also by directly inhibiting H.pylori activity (Cancer Prev Res 2:353-360,2009). In this study, we examined if the dietary approach with BS affects intestinal microbiota, thereby mitigating colonic inflammation in mesalazine-treated human UC patients. Objective: In this study, we examined if dietary intake of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts decreases fecal calprotectin levels in patients with ulcerative colitis Methods: This study was registered with the University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) in Japan under the Clinical Trial Registration Number, UMIN000041972. Twenty-eight mild UC patients treated with mesalazine were divided between the sulforaphane-rich BS group (n=14) or the sulforaphane-free alfalfa sprouts (AS) group (n=14). These subjects were instructed to take 20 g of raw BS or AS daily for 8 weeks, with BS containing 4.4 mg/g glucoraphanin, a precursor of sulforaphane, and AS containing no glucoraphanin. Stool samples were obtained just before and after the 8 weeks sprouts treatment. Levels of fecal calprotectin were measured as the quantitative indices for colonic mucosal inflammation. We conducted an examination of gut bacteria through a method called terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TR-FLP) analysis of fecal samples. Results: 1. Twelve patients from the BS group and 11 from the AS group completed the intervention study as requested. 2. Only the treatment with BS caused a significant decrease in the level of fecal calprotectin as well as an increase in the fecal component of Clostridium subcluster IV and XIVa, which have been reported to enhance butyrate production. 3. There was no change in the clinical activity index after intake of either the BS or the AS. Conclusion: These results indicate that dietary approach with sulforaphane-rich BS mitigates colonic inflammation in mesalazine-treated UC patients. Our data also suggest that the beneficial effects of the BS may be related with the increase in butyrate-producing intestinal microbiota by dietary approach with sulforaphane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Retail workers comprise millions of people, but little is known about their eating behaviors and food consumption patterns. OBJECTIVE: To examine the healthy eating behaviors and food consumption frequencies of retail workers in shopping malls. METHODS: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 385 retail employees working in ready-made garment stores of shopping malls in Istanbul (42% of those eligible). A descriptive information form, the nutrition subscale of the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), and the Food Consumption Frequency Survey were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: It was determined that more than half of the participants skipped breakfast and other meals and consumed fast food and packaged and acidic drinks five to six days a week. The mean score of the participants on the HPLP-nutrition subscale was determined to be 11.79±3.29. CONCLUSIONS: The retail workers in shopping malls were found to have insufficient healthy eating behaviors, a low frequency of healthy food consumption, and a high level of fast-food consumption. Maintaining healthy eating habits is crucial for the health of employees. It is necessary for workplaces to take steps to help their employees become aware of and practice healthy eating. Workplaces should also be encouraged to provide healthy food options for their employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose was to examine the prevalence of low energy availability (LEA), explore dietary behaviors in men collegiate gymnasts (n = 14), and investigate the relationships between energy availability (EA), body composition, and plyometric performance. Methods: Body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography. Lower- and upper-body peak power (PWRpeak) and modified reactive strength index (RSImod) were calculated from countermovement jump (CMJ) and plyometric push-up (PP) assessments. Energy expenditure was tracked over 3 days, while daily energy and macronutrient intake were recorded. EA was calculated and used to categorize athletes into LEA and non-LEA groups. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between EA, body composition, and performance metrics. Results: 85.7% of athletes (n = 12) exhibited LEA (20.98 ± 5.2 kcals/kg FFM), with non-LEA athletes (n = 2) marginally surpassing the <30 kcal/kg of fat-free mass (FFM) threshold (30.58 ± 0.2 kcals/kg FFM). The cohort (n = 14) consumed insufficient energy (30.5 ± 4.5 kcal/kg/day) and carbohydrates (3.7 ± 1.1 g/kg/day), resulting in LEA (22.36 ± 5.9 kcal/kg/FFM). EA was not correlated with body composition or performance metrics. Discussion: A high prevalence of LEA may exist in men gymnasts, largely due to a low relative energy and carbohydrate intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the timing of food introduction in infants is essential for promoting optimal complementary feeding practices. However, existing studies often rely on cross-sectional data, limiting the ability to capture age-specific patterns. We aimed to describe food introduction during the first year of life by identifying patterns related to age at food introduction and associated factors in a cohort of Brazilian infants. Methods: Data were collected through standardized questionnaires administered to mothers via face-to-face interviews during the infant's first month of life and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. Additionally, two telephone interviews were conducted at 2 and 4 months of age. Information regarding food intake was assessed using a list of 48 foods, with two key aspects recorded: whether the food was introduced (yes/no) and the age at introduction. To define food introduction patterns, we employed k-means cluster analysis. Hierarchical Poisson multiple regression was employed to examine the associations between sociodemographic, biological, and healthcare factors and patterns of food introduction. Results: Three distinct patterns were identified and named according to their main characteristics: Pattern 1 – "Low Infant Formula and Timely CF Introduction"; Pattern 2 – "High Infant Formula and Early CF Introduction"; and Pattern 3 – "High Infant Formula and Later Ultra-processed Food Introduction". Breastfeeding at six months showed a positive association with Pattern 1 (PR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.10–1.80), while bottle use at four months was negatively associated with Pattern 1 (PR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.53–0.87). No variables studied exhibited an association with Pattern 2. For Pattern 3, higher prevalences were observed among children whose mothers were aged < 20 years (PR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.13–2.01) or > 34 years (PR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.04–1.93). Not receiving guidance on the recommended duration of breastfeeding and complementary feeding during prenatal care was associated with a higher prevalence of children in this pattern (PR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.01–1.80). Conclusions: We identified three distinct patterns of age at food introduction in the study population, although none perfectly aligned with Brazilian or WHO dietary recommendations. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote timely and healthy complementary feeding practices in Brazilian infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted in all facet of human being. The lifestyle of people has affected in the world to large extend. Due to severity, speedy spread and uncertainty forced countries to impose lockdown, the lockdown created concern on basic needs. Considering food is one of the basic needs, the present study was conducted to understand food consumption in COVID-19. The descriptive cross sectional research design was employed in present study. The data from 150 respondents were collected using online data collection tool. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis and binary logistic regression. The study found that 88 percent respondents were agreed on their food consumption practices were changed and 12 percent respondents were disagreed. The three factors which determine food consumption were product attributes, peer influence and lifestyle changes in COVID-19 and price. The binary logistic regression found that for changes in the COVID-19 impact on food consumption the peer influence and lifestyle changes in COVID-19 and price plays a significant role whereas the product attributed does not play significant role. The outcome of the study will be helpful to marketers in designing strategies to market food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Limited evidence exists on the relationship between ultra‐processed food (UPF) consumption and overweight/obesity amongst young children. This study aimed to assess UPF consumption, its socioeconomic correlates and its association with overweight/obesity amongst under‐five children in Lebanon.Data pertinent to children aged 6 months to 4.9 years (n = 893) from a cross‐sectional national survey were used. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and multi‐component questionnaires were administered to mothers. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24‐h recall approach. NOVA classification was used to assign food items into four groups according to the extent of industrial processing. Contributions of each group to total energy intake (EI) and macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were estimated. Regression models were conducted to explore the correlates of UPF consumption as well as the association between UPF consumption and overweight/obesity status.UPFs were found to contribute 47% of daily EI. Girls and children with higher household income had significantly higher UPF intakes. Children whose mothers had an intermediate, high school, or technical diploma and were employed and whose fathers had higher education levels consumed significantly less EI from UPFs. Children whose %EI fell within the second and third tertiles of UPF intake had significantly higher odds of overweight/obesity as compared to those in the first tertile (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09, 1.32 and AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.47, 1.76, respectively), after adjusting for confounders.The high intake of UPFs coupled with its association with overweight/obesity call for public health nutrition interventions aimed at improving feeding and dietary practices in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal feeding practices play a major role in children's dietary intakes. However, there is limited data on the associations between trajectories of dietary patterns (DPs) and patterns of maternal feeding practices during early childhood. Methods: Using data from a multi-ethnic Asian cohort study, namely the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO), dietary intakes were measured using Food Frequency Questionnaires in children at 18 months, 5 and 7 years of age. Maternal feeding practices were assessed using validated questionnaires at 15 months, 3 and 5 years of age. Principal component analysis was used to derive 2 major DPs at all time-points as well as patterns of maternal feeding practices. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify trajectory groups for the derived DPs. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between patterns of maternal feeding practices and DP trajectory groups. Results: Two DPs, namely the 'healthy' and 'less healthy' were consistently derived at 18 months, 5 and 7 years of age. From each DP, 2 stable DP trajectory groups were further identified between 18 months and 7 years of age. For the 'healthy' DP trajectory, majority of the children (Group 1) formed a consistent average adherence trajectory group (91.8%) while the remaining children (Group 2) showed a higher but decreasing adherence (8.2%) to this DP. For the 'less healthy' DP trajectory, most children (Group 1) formed a consistent average adherence trajectory (95.5%), while the remainder (Group 2) showed consistent higher adherence to this 'less healthy' DP (4.5%). Two patterns of maternal feeding practices were derived and labelled as 'structured with autonomy support' and 'coercive control', respectively, at ages 15 months, 3 and 5 years. Children whose mothers showed high adherence to the structured with autonomy support feeding practices at age 5 years were significantly more likely to be associated with the higher but decreasing 'healthy' DP trajectory group [OR = 3.62 (95% CI: 1.64, 7.99)]. Conclusions: A small number of children in this multi-ethnic study showed high adherence to the 'healthy' or 'less healthy' DP trajectory groups, respectively, while the majority showed average adherence to either of these trajectories. The positive association between structured with autonomy support maternal feeding practices and higher z-scores for the healthy DP trajectory highlights the importance of guiding parents on appropriate feeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering the increasing prevalence of fast food consumption among teenagers, providing the necessary training and self-awareness is the best solution for institutionalizing the prevention of fast food consumption by this group. Therefore, this issue should be taken seriously, as should the implementation of educational interventions to prevent the consumption of fast food. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the various health education styles and methods that works well. However, given that a number of local data points are crucial in establishing the efficacy of the model employed, this study looks into the impact of TPB-based education in preventing fast food intake among teenagers. Methods: A total of 180 male students, ages 15 to 18, participated in this quasi-experimental study in Shiraz, Iran. Cluster sampling was used in the study, and participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n = 90) and the control group (n = 90). A theory-based questionnaire was used to gather data, and both the control and experimental groups had to complete it before and three months after the intervention. The data were examined using paired t, independent t, and chi-square statistical tests after being entered into SPSS-24. Results: The results of the independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the two study groups before the intervention in terms of knowledge (P = 0.14), attitude (P = 0.57), subjective norms (P = 0.94), perceived behavioral control (P = 0.81), behavioral intention (P = 0.42), or behavior (P = 0.25). However, following the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to the noted variables (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the McNemar test results demonstrated that the experimental group's consumption of fast food varied significantly before and after the intervention (P = 0.001), but not in the control group (P = 0.07). Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrated that TPB-based treatments are successful in helping male students change their habits of consuming fewer amounts of fast food. This study demonstrated that the instructional techniques employed improved the fast food consumption behavior of the intervention group as well as the TPB's structure (attitude, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and perceived behavioral intention). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effects of confounders on associations between diet and colorectal cancer (CRC) in observational studies can be minimized in Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. This study aimed to investigate observational and genetically predicted associations between dietary intake and CRC using one-sample MR. Methods: Using genetic data of over 93 million variants, we performed a genome-wide association study to find genomic risk loci associated with dietary intake in participants from the UK Biobank. Then we calculated genetic risk scores of diet-related variants and used them as instrumental variables in the two-stage least square MR framework to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations. We also performed observational analyses using age as a time-scale in Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Allele scores were calculated from 399 genetic variants associated with the consumption of of red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and alcohol in participants from the UK Biobank. In MR analysis, genetically predicted fruit intake was significantly associated with a 21% decreased risk of CRC (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.66–0.95), and there was a marginally inverse association between vegetable intake and CRC (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.71–1.02). However, null findings were observed in multivariable analysis, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.99 (0.98–1.01) and 0.99 (0.98–1.00) per increment of daily servings of fruits and vegetables, respectively. Conclusion: Dietary habits were attributable to genetic variations, which can be used as instrumental variables in the MR framework. Our study supported a causal relationship between fruit intake and a decreased risk of CRC and suggested an effective strategy of consuming fruits in the primary prevention of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food overconsumption is being addressed increasingly in the policy agendas of many advanced economies to achieve sustainable consumption. Yet, few studies define and research sustainable food consumption, particularly in understanding socioeconomic and environmental challenges and opportunities in urban environments. This paper evaluates 500 online surveys conducted in Brisbane, Australia, to explore public perceptions of food consumption and the underlying challenges and opportunities. A key finding is the co-existence of over- and underconsumption prevailing over the traditional focus on unhealthy food overconsumption. The challenges of affordability, access to healthy foods, limited retail options, and increasing carbon urban footprints complicate food consumption as a demand issue more conditional to the socio-spatial characteristics of urban environments. Opportunities for sustainable food consumption also arise in high health awareness and willingness to change dietary habits if facilitated by improved urban food provisioning. We argue that food diversity and accessibility-conducive urban environments can help transform food consumption by enabling enhanced access to affordable and nutritious foods, diversified food retail options and variety, and reduced food waste and loss-associated carbon emissions. To do so means improved global equity in food consumption and carbon footprint can optimistically reduce global food demand by 9% and generate better environmental outcomes, positively contributing to the UN's Responsible Consumption (SDG12) and Climate Action (SDG 13) for 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary intake has an undeniable role in the development and progression as well as the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the association between dietary inflammatory indices and total mortality in patients with cirrhosis. A total of 166 outpatients with cirrhosis who were diagnosed within the last 6 months were followed up for 48 months in this cohort study. A 168-question valid food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate dietary intake. Accordingly, the dietary inflammatory index (DII), empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) and dietary inflammatory score (DIS) were calculated. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through cox proportional hazards regression models for an association of cirrhosis mortality and three dietary inflammatory indices. After full adjustment for confounders, the results showed that mortality risk increased significantly with increasing dietary inflammatory indices. Compared to the first tertile, the risk of mortality due to cirrhosis was associated with 4.8 times increase in the third tertile of DII (HR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.1–19.8, p trend = 0.029), 3.3 times in the third tertile of EDIP (HR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.3–8, p trend = 0.004), and 2.2 times increased in the third tertile of DIS (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1–4.7, p trend = 0.032). The results of the present study indicated a significant association between dietary inflammatory indices and total mortality among patients with cirrhosis. Additional research is necessary to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trends of diversified diets in China have generated a growing number of nutritional health problems, and healthcare investment is bearing a large burden from the diets, hindering the economic progress of the country and its residents toward affluence. This study linked the evolution of the Chinese dietary structure to changes in health expenditures and predicts future dietary patterns and their impact on health costs over the next 30 years. We found that in the past 30 years, the Chinese dietary structure has shifted towards a nutritional surplus type, and the structure of health expenditures has also shown a trend of two increases and one decrease. The consumption of plant-based foods is significant correlated with lower health expenditures, and animal-based foods show a significant impact on increase of health expenditures. Among nutrients, fat is significant correlated with increased health expenditures, whereas calorie intake is significant correlated with lower health expenditures. By 2030, the Chinese dietary structure will still evolve to a high-protein and high-fatty type. This shift will result in a decrease in per capita healthcare expenditure by 41.66 yuan and increases in household, state, personal, and total healthcare expenditures by 76.83 yuan, 18.76 billion yuan, 95.28 billion yuan, and 17.67 billion yuan, respectively. These findings demonstrate that adjusting dietary structures will bring the dual benefits of improved national health status and a favorable cycle of health expenditures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Erosive tooth wear is an increasingly common pathology in the youth population. It refers to the chronic, localized, painless loss of dental hard tissues caused by non-bacterial acids, often originating from external sources like acidic beverages. Energy drink consumption is on the rise, frequently preceding physical exercise to enhance perceived energy levels. However, there are other types of beverages that also provide energy, such as pre-workout drinks, classified as sports drinks. The main objective of this research study has been conducted with the purpose of analyzing the pH of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages, and studying the frequency of consumption of such beverages in amateur athletes who practice sports. Methods: A total of 67 beverages were examined, comprising 43 energy drinks and 24 sports supplementation beverages, also known as pre-workout or pre-training beverages. The participants were given a survey to complete. They were asked to respond whether they consumed any type of pre-workout or energy drink, and they were also asked about the timing of consumption. Results: The findings indicated an average pH of 3.3 among the studied beverages, indicating a pH below the critical threshold. Out of the 113 participants, 51% reported taking some form of supplementation. Conclusions: Consequently, it was concluded that most of the analyzed beverages recorded pH values low enough to classify them as erosive, posing a threat to enamel surface. When analyzing the frequency of consumption of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages in amateur athletes, we observed that most participants aged 29 years or younger took supplements 3 to 5 times a week, while the older age groups more frequently took supplements 1 to 2 times a week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The pattern of diet intake is associated with food availability and the intake of nutrients from different food groups and is an important component of nutritional status. The dietary habits of individuals are integral to understanding their nutritional wellbeing, making this assessment crucial for public health interventions. The objective of the study was to assess the dietary intake pattern and nutritional status among women of reproductive age in slum areas of Pokhara Metropolitan. Methodology. A cross‐sectional analytical study was conducted to assess the dietary intake pattern and nutritional status among 404 women of reproductive age in the slum area of Pokhara from June 2019 to December 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the wards while a purposive sampling technique was used to collect the samples. 24‐hour recall meal‐based questions and anthropometric measurements were used for collecting data. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS version 16 software for analysis. Frequency and mean, median, chi‐square test, and logistic regression were performed. Results. The mean (±SD) age (SD) of the participants was 31 (±9.25) years, and most of the participants belonged to the age group 25–35 years. Out of 404 women of reproductive age, 99% of the participants consumed starchy staple foods daily, while 56.7% ate vegetables daily, and nearly half frequently consumed prepackaged foods and soft drinks. Among the total participants, 41.3% were found with a normal BMI, 37.6% were overweight, and only 12.4% were underweight. There was a significant association between underweight and age, women's occupation, and frequency of food consumption per day. Age, knowledge of nutrition, and frequency of food consumption per day were found to be associated factors with being overweight at a p value <0.05. Conclusion. Age, occupation status, and frequency of food consumption were the key predictors of being underweight, and age, knowledge regarding nutrition, and frequency of meals were the key predictors of being overweight. Developing countries must emphasize the importance of considering these factors in public health interventions and strategies aimed at promoting healthy weight management. More studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutrition transition in sub‐Saharan Africa has led to increased consumption of ultra‐processed foods in infancy, especially sweet foods. This has heightened the risk for nutrition‐related non‐communicable diseases, including dental caries and overweight/obesity, and promotes poor food choices later in life. The present study used a cross‐sectional design to investigate the consumption frequency of ultra‐processed foods and beverages among urban 6‐ to 36‐month‐olds attending four selected health facilities in Kampala using a standardised questionnaire and 24‐h diet recall record. The primary outcome was the consumption of at least one ultra‐processed food or beverage (UPFB) the previous day, and frequency of UPFB consumption of the week before was the secondary outcome. Four hundred and ten caregiver–child pairs were randomly recruited, 94% of caregivers being mothers with a mean age of 30.7 (±5.3) years. Fifty‐nine per cent of mothers and 73% of fathers had attained a college education. The median age of children was 18 months and 51% were female. Most children (57%) consumed at least one UPFB the previous day. In the week before, 69% had consumed UPFB frequently (4–7 days) which was significantly positively associated with maternal education (odds ratio [OR] = 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–7.96, p = 0.045) and child's age ([OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.62–5.08, p < 0.001], [OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.88–7.20, p < 0.001]). In conclusion, the dietary habits of the surveyed Ugandan population were unhealthy, characterised by the frequent consumption of UPFB with added sugar. There is an urgent need to re‐enforce existing Ugandan food regulation guidelines and policies and to build strong nutritional education programmes to enhance health‐promoting environments in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Method Results Conclusions People diagnosed with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often have severe dietary restrictions and avoidance due to the uncertainty of intestinal symptoms. Inadequate dietary intake may increase the risk of malnutrition and result in impaired food‐related quality of life (FRQoL). Few studies investigated factors influencing FRQoL in patients with IBD. This study aimed to synthesize the existing evidence regarding FRQoL among patients with IBD, including the current situation, measurement instruments, and related influencing factors.The comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, as well as the most commonly used Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang and CBM). Studies published between January 2015 and December 2023 on FRQoL in patients with IBD were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was utilized to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected studies.Finally, only five studies met the inclusion criteria were reviewed, including three cross‐sectional studies and two case‐control studies. The Food‐related quality of life‐29 Scale (FR‐QoL‐29) with a total core of 145 was the most used instrument measuring FRQoL in patients with IBD. The mean scores of FRQoL ranged from 69.9 to 102.3 in adult patients with IBD and 94.3 in children. A diverse range of factors were associated with FRQoL, including socio‐demographic, clinical, psychological, diet‐related, and nutrient intake factors.The main influencing factors of FRQoL among patients with IBD included disease activity status, severe symptoms, history of IBD surgery, negative emotion reaction, and restrictive eating behaviour. Clinicians should work in concert with dietitians, keeping an eye on the disease status, nutrition intake, and restrictive eating habits, assessing FRQoL and providing personalized dietary recommendation for the patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The relationship between dietary patterns and cirrhosis is undeniable. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis prospectively. Methods: In this cohort study, 121 cirrhotic patients were enrolled and followed up annually for four years. Nutritional status and dietary intakes were assessed initially, and the DASH score was calculated accordingly. Crude and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard analyses. Results: DASH components including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and low-fat dairy products were significantly associated with lower mortality risk in cirrhotic patients. Also, a higher DASH score was significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis, so that after adjusting for all confounders, the risk of mortality in the upper tertile was 89% lower than the first tertile (HR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03–0.42, P trend < 0.001). The 4-year survival rate among patients across tertiles of DASH was 32%, 37%, and 46%, respectively (P = 0.005). Conclusion: It can be concluded that a higher DASH diet score may be associated with a reduced risk of mortality in cirrhotic patients. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the findings and determine their potential mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known on the prospective associations between an empirically derived dietary pattern (DP) and life satisfaction among adolescents. This PUTRA-Adol follow-up study aimed to assess the prospective associations between the empirically derived DP and life satisfaction during adolescence. Methods: A total of 585 and 262 adolescents participated in the baseline PUTRA-Adol study in 2016 and PUTRA-Adol follow-up study in 2019–2020, respectively. These adolescents were recruited from three southern states in peninsular Malaysia, namely Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. Dietary assessments were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) while a Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) was used to measure life satisfaction at baseline in 2016 as well as at follow-up in 2019–2020. A DP characterised by foods high in free sugar and energy dense was identified using reduced rank regression (RRR), cross-sectionally at baseline and was reported elsewhere. Similar RRR analysis was used to find a DP that best explained the variation in response variables linked to poorer life satisfaction, including dietary energy density (DED), fiber density, and percentage of energy from total fat and sugar at the PUTRA-Adol follow-up study. Prospective relationship between adherence to the identified DPs and overall life satisfaction scores as well as its domains between 2016 and 2019–2020 were evaluated using generalized estimating equation models (GEE). Results: A DP characterized by high intakes of percentage energy from sugar, fibre and low in DED and percentage energy from total fat was identified at the 2019–2020 follow-up. The identified DP explained 11% of total variations in the response variables and was characterized by high intakes of sweets, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and fruits. Female adolescents [67.6(8.9)] had a mean (SD) of life satisfaction that was higher than male adolescents [67.5(10.8)] p < 0.05 in 2019–2020. Prospective analysis found a significant positive association between the identified DP and school domain, in male adolescents (β = 0.117; 95% CI 0.001, 0.234) and an inverse relationship between the DP z-score and self-domain in all adolescents (β = − 0.060; 95% CI − 0.115, − 0.005) from 2016 to 2019–2020. Conclusions: An increasing score for the predominant 'High sugar and High fibre' DP was prospectively associated with increasing life satisfaction score for the school domain in male adolescents and decreasing score for self-domain in both male and females during adolescence. A lifestyle intervention targeting reduced dietary intakes, particularly sugar, may improve life satisfaction in adolescents and promote healthier future without compromising dietary intakes for chronic disease prevention later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the association among sun exposure time, vitamin D intake, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic status in Portuguese children. Methods: Participants aged 3–11 years (50.1% females) were recruited from public and private schools (n = 118) in the districts of Coimbra (n = 2980), Lisbon (n = 3066), and Porto (n = 2426). Parents reported their children's daily sun exposure time during the summer season and reported children's food consumption, including vitamin D food sources, using standardized questionnaires. Parents' education level was used as a proxy measure to the socioeconomic status (SES). The principal component factor analysis (PCA) method was used to identify dietary patterns. The eight dietary patterns identified were labeled in: "fast food", "rich in vitamin D", "sugary drinks", "vitamin D", "candies", "supplements", "rich in calcium" and "vegetables/healthy". Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between sun exposure time and dietary patterns according to SES. Results: A total of 4755 children were included. Children from high SES had significantly longer sun exposure time (p <.001) and more frequently consumed vitamin D supplements (p <.001). "Fast food" pattern showed a negative association with sun exposure time in medium and high SES (p =.014 and p <.001, respectively). Conclusion: Children with lower SES spend less time exposed to the sun, consume fewer dietary sources of vitamin D, and consume more foods rich in fat and sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores consumption patterns and food preferences across three East African cities through focus group discussions involving 70 adult men and women. The study reveals commonalities in food sources and staple foods among participants in Kampala, Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam. While most foods prepared at home were sourced from local markets, street vendors, and general shops, supermarkets played a significant role in introducing new processed and nutritious products. The rise in supermarket usage in East African cities has been associated with contemporary health issues such as obesity, prompting concerns about food quality from other sources like street vendors and traditional markets. Participants across the cities showed a preference for energy-dense staple foods like rice, Ugali, cassava, and beans, often accompanied by meat, vegetables, or fish. Differences in staple foods and eating preferences were observed, with Kampala offering a wider variety of options compared to Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. The consumption of meat and meat products was influenced by participants' income levels, with affordability playing a significant role in food choices. Street foods emerged as a common feature in all three cities, with unique offerings like Chips Mayai in Dar es Salaam, Kikomando and Rolex in Kampala, and Mutura in Nairobi. Participants' food choices were influenced by factors such as affordability, accessibility, taste preferences, and cultural norms. The study also highlighted the importance of urban agriculture in some households, emphasizing selfsustainability in food production. Overall, the study provides insights into the diverse food consumption trends and patterns in East African urban settings, shedding light on the role of different food sources, staple foods, and street foods in shaping dietary practices among residents. Further research is needed to explore the impact of these consumption patterns on health outcomes and to develop strategies for promoting healthy eating habits in urban populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed changes in ultra-processed food consumption patterns during weekends in patients in the post-metabolic and bariatric surgery periods. It is a cross-sectional study, which recruited and collected data via social media from adults who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery. The Brazil Food and Nutritional Surveillance System markers of dietary consumption and the NOVA Ultra-Processed Food Screening tools were applied to evaluate dietary patterns and ultra-processed food consumption from the previous day. A total of 1525 participants were included, with a mean age of 38 ± 8 years and a mean body mass index of 29.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2. From these, 766 (50.3%) individuals answered the questionnaire referring to a weekend day. After adjusting for confounders, ultra-processed food consumption was higher on weekends compared to weekdays (NOVA Score 3.07 vs. 2.42; p < 0.01). The consumption of fruits and vegetables was lower on weekends, whereas the consumption of hamburgers/sausages, sugar-sweetened beverages, boxed/canned juice, and frozen pizza increased on weekends. Instant noodles and sandwich cookies did not show differences between weekdays and weekend days. This pattern suggests the need to monitor eating habits on weekends in individuals after metabolic and bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite scholarly consensus on the harmful effects of economic sanctions on civilians, there is little micro-level empirical research on how and to what extent economic sanctions affect the food consumption of citizens in sanctioned countries. One of the methodological barriers to studying the micro-level dynamics of sanctions is the limited availability of reliable data in sanctioned countries, which are often governed by authoritarian leaders. Our study leverages an original dataset comprising approximately 1 million observations related to the income and expenses of Iranian households from 1991 to 2021. We assess the impact of economic sanctions on individual food consumption at the national level and among distinct demographic segments. To illustrate how and to what extent international sanctions affected citizens' eating habits, we pay particular attention to 2012–2015 and 2018–2021, when Iran was subject to the most severe sanctions. Our findings demonstrate that while all segments of society feel the effects of economic coercion, low-income citizens' food consumption is more likely to deteriorate due to sanctions. Nonetheless, the geographical impact of sanctions presents a mixed picture, with rural and urban areas each exhibiting specific vulnerabilities to certain food items. We discuss the implications of our findings for sanctions policy and human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A mother's diet during pregnancy may influence her infant's immune development. However, as potential interactions between components of our dietary intakes can make any nutritional analysis complex, here we took a multi‐component dietary analysis approach. Methods: Nutritional intake data was collected from 639 pregnant women using a validated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire to reflect their dietary intakes during 32–36 weeks of gestation. To investigate their dietary intake pattern, we calculated Dietary Inflammatory Index scores. Maternal consumption of 12 food groups, 20 individual whole foods, and 18 specific nutrient intakes, along with any vitamin and mineral supplementation, were determined. Infant outcomes included eczema, allergen sensitization, and IgE‐mediated food allergy. Regression‐based analyses with covariates adjustment were applied. Results: Women with higher white bread consumption were more likely to have an infant with doctor‐diagnosed eczema (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.16; 95% CI 1.08, 1.24; p <.001) and IgE‐mediated food allergy (aRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02, 1.28; p =.02). Higher maternal intakes of fiber‐rich bread (aRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04, 1.25; p =.01) and legumes (aRR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02, 1.21; p =.02) were also associated with infant doctor‐diagnosed eczema. Higher maternal thiamine intakes were associated with increased parent‐reported infant eczema (aRR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03, 1.12; p <.001). Conclusion: In Australia, where bread flour is fortified with thiamine, we identified consistent links between higher maternal thiamine‐rich diets and increased risk of infant eczema and food allergy. Our results highlight a need for further investigation of potential effects of high thiamine exposures on immune development, especially in‐utero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of tourists' neophobia and liminoid behavior tendencies on their food consumption behaviors in hotels offering all-inclusive services. Tourist's food consumption was operationalized in two domains amount (how much they consumed compared to their daily food intake) and content (whether they consumed local or familiar food compared to their routine food consumption patterns). The sample comprised 280 tourists staying in two all-inclusive holiday resorts in Antalya, Turkey. The reliability and validity of the measurement model was demonstrated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) before the four hypotheses in the research model were tested using structural equation modeling. In support of the hypotheses, the findings showed that neophobia significantly reduced the amount and novelty of tourists' food consumption whereas liminoid tendencies significantly increased them. In conclusion both neophobia and liminoid tendencies are significant predictors of tourists' food consumption behaviors in all-inclusive hotels operating in Antalya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine how a child’s dietary intake affected their growth and cognitive skills when physically challenged in Faisalabad City, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Tanzeem ul Lisan, the Government Special Education Center, Al Faisal Markaz e Nabina, and Government National Special Education Center. Period: January 2023 to December 2023. Method: One hundred special children were selected randomly, face-to-face interviews were conducted, and collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Indicated that male participants aged 10 to 15 years were prominent, whereas 20% each had ADHD, autism, blindness, and deafness. Many participants maintain an active or very active lifestyle despite a significant portion not engaging in regular exercise. Preference for home-cooked meals, moderate consumption of dietary supplements, variation in water intake, and frequency of eating out were found. Respondents’ Common issues include difficulty making decisions, remembering personal information, and learning new content. Based on the results, cognitive training programs are recommended to increase awareness among children and their families. Conclusion: In the nutshell, results concluded that dietary intake of special children were associated with physical growth and cognitive skills. Majority of the children were not following normal dietary pattern and the chances of micronutrient deficiencies was higher. Results showed that socioeconomic conditions, type of disorder/ disability, low education of parents, awareness about good nutrition were significantly associated with healthy eating habits and physical growth of special children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Research indicated that dietary antioxidants could improve immune system performance. This study aims to investigate the association of COVID-19 symptoms, total antioxidant capacity and serum inflammatory markers, with dietary antioxidants intake among angina patients. Design/methodology/approach: A food frequency questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study among 135 angina patients with COVID-19, to assess dietary antioxidants consumption. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1ß, malondialdehyde, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and total antioxidant capacity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Findings: Among study angina patients, 76.67% followed unhealthy food patterns and 23.33% followed anti-inflammatory dietary patterns before hospitalization. The angina patients with anti-inflammatory food pattern had less fever (p = 0.021), cough (p = 0.018), dyspnea (p = 0.024), diarrhea (p = 0.014) and pneumonia severity index (p = 0.014) compared to patients with unhealthy food pattern. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1ß, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, had a significantly negative association with dietary antioxidants intake (p < 0.05). Originality/value: There are significant association between antioxidant intake with serum inflammation markers in COVID-19 patients. There is a need for more clinical trial studies for approval of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate, in a cohort of young Portuguese adults, the environmental impact (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) of diet according to adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD). Methods: Data from 1554 participants of the Epidemiologic Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto (EPITeen) were analysed. Food intake and MD adherence were determined using validated questionnaires. The environmental impact was evaluated with the EAT-Lancet Commission tables, and the link between MD adherence and environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models. Results: Higher adherence (high vs. low) to the MD was associated with lower environmental impact in terms of land use (7.8 vs. 8.5 m2, p = 0.002), potential acidification (57.8 vs. 62.4 g SO2-eq, p = 0.001) and eutrophication (21.7 vs. 23.5 g PO4-eq, p < 0.001). Energy use decreased only in the calorie-adjusted model (9689.5 vs. 10,265.9 kJ, p < 0.001), and GHG emissions were reduced only in a complementary model where fish consumption was eliminated (3035.3 vs. 3281.2 g CO2-eq, p < 0.001). Meat products had the greatest environmental impact for all five environmental factors analysed: 35.7% in GHG emissions, 60.9% in energy use, 72.8% in land use, 70% in acidification and 61.8% in eutrophication. Conclusions: Higher adherence to the MD is associated with lower environmental impact, particularly in terms of acidification, eutrophication, and land use. Reducing meat consumption can contribute to greater environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive and mood status influence both personal and social daily activities, with great impact on life quality, particularly among the elderly population. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the psycho-affective status concerning eating habits within an elderly population of the Chania area in Crete, Greece. Methods: Cognitive status was assessed in 101 elderly subjects through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and mood was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Nutritional status was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: Multivariable statistical analysis, after adjustment for age, marital status, education, and comorbidity, highlighted among males a positive association of the MMSE score with vegetable consumption (RR 1.18; 95%CI 1.03‒1.34) and a negative association with potato consumption (RR 0.83; 95%CI 0.72‒0.95). Conversely, among females, no statistically significant association was observed for any food. Further, among males, a protective effect on affective status was identified for chicken meat (RR 0.45; 95%CI 0.27‒0.77), fish (RR 0.41; 95%CI 0.21‒0.82), fruit (RR 0.70; 95%CI 0.52‒0.94), cereals (RR 0.67; 95%CI 0.53‒0.87), and cheese (RR 0.78; 95%CI 0.63‒0.97) consumption. Among females, the adjusted model showed a significant detrimental effect of vegetable consumption (RR 1.33; 95%CI 1.02‒1.73). Conclusion: A predominantly vegetable-based diet—with the notable exception of fruits and legumes—was associated with better cognitive status in males, albeit not in females. A higher intake of fruit, as well as fish, chicken meat, and cheese among males was associated with a better affective status, indicating that adequate protein supply may play a role in maintaining emotional balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are conflicting reports both within the lay media and scientific literature regarding the use and benefit of dietary practices that aim to reduce CHO intake in endurance athletes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intentional reduction of CHO intake and fasted training in elite endurance‐based athletes using a semi‐quantitative questionnaire. Bone is a nutritionally modulated tissue; therefore, this study also aimed to explore if these dietary practices are potentially associated with bone injury incidence. The reported reduction of CHO intake was prevalent (28%) with the primary motivation being maintenance or manipulation of body composition. However, discrepancies in athletes' awareness of CHO intake were identified providing a potential avenue of intervention especially within applied practice. The use of fasted training was more prevalent (38%) with athletes using this practice for both body composition manipulation and promoting a desired adaptive response. Forty‐four per cent of participants had suffered a radiographically confirmed bone injury at some point in their career. There was no association between reduction in CHO intake and bone injury incidence; however, the incidence of bone injury was 1.61 times higher in those who currently use fasted training compared to those who have never used it or who have used it in the past. Although a direct causal link between these dietary practices and the incidence of bone injury cannot be drawn, it provides robust justification for future investigations of the potential mechanisms that could explain this finding. Highlights: The self‐reported use of reductions in CHO intake (28%) and fasted training (38%) is prevalent in elite endurance‐based athletes and comparable to previous investigations in this area. Controlling body composition and promoting adaptive responses were common rationales for use.The incidence of bone injury is also high (44%) and there may be some association between bone injury incidence and fasted training. Further controlled experimental studies are required to determine the direct effect of nutritional strategies commonly adopted by endurance athletes on bone metabolism both acutely and chronically.There appears to be a gap in some athlete's knowledge and awareness of CHO rich foods and appropriate consumption of CHO to support endurance training and performance according to current guidelines. Future work should aim to explore and address this area further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obesity prevalence in South Korea in 2021 stood at 38.4%. South Korea faces unique challenges in providing essential and emergency guidelines for weight management because of stepping into an aging society. We aimed to determine the daily diet patterns among the general Korean population and to investigate the association between such patterns and different obesity. Longitudinal prospective cohort study. A total of 6539 adult participants (mean age 50.8 years, 52.9% male) with normal-weight adults were included from the Ansan-Ansung cohort of 10,030 Korean adults aged 40 or older and followed for an average of 11 years. Obesity was defined according to the criteria from the Korean Society for The Study of Obesity. Baseline dietary intake was assessed using a validated 103-item food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived from k-means cluster analysis. In the multivariate analysis, referring to white rice + baechu kimchi, participants from multigrain rice + baechu kimchi showed lower HR for obesity development (waist circumference defined-obesity; HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.95; body fat percentage defined-obesity; HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.98). Further analysis documented that except for body fat percentage defined-obesity, consuming milk or dairy products was linked to a reduced incidence of the other three obesity (body mass index defined-obesity; HR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.99; waist circumference defined-obesity; HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.94; waist-to-hip ratio defined-obesity; HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.91). Following a diet that includes multigrain rice, fermented baechu kimchi, and dairy products is linked to a decreased risk of obesity in Korean adults. Public health programs and policies could incorporate these dietary recommendations, targeting specific population groups such as schoolchildren, adults, and the elderly. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the synergistic effects of various foods and their interactions within dietary patterns on obesity outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood is a critical developmental stage where established dietary patterns can impact lifelong health outcomes. This study investigates dietary patterns and their relationships with sociodemographic factors among Malaysian preschoolers. A total of 643 preschoolers of Malay, Indian, Chinese and other ethnicities participating in South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS II) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a single triple‐pass 24‐h dietary recall method. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis and their association with sociodemographic factors was determined using complex sampling logistic regressions. Five dietary patterns were identified: "healthy eating," "wholegrains and starchy vegetables," "high salt and sugar," "Western food," and "sugary drinks and legumes". Having older siblings was inversely associated with a "healthy eating" pattern (adjusted OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33–0.87). Malay ethnicity was associated with higher odds of adhering to the "high salt and sugar" pattern (adjusted OR: 4.12, 95% CI: 2.20–7.75). Meanwhile, children living in urban areas (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.03–3.01), those from middle‐income families (adjusted OR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.38–7.40) and whose fathers were overweight (adjusted OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.58–4.94) showed a higher association with "Western food" pattern. Conversely, children whose mothers had overweight were less likely to adhere to the "Western food" pattern (adjusted OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.83). Older age was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of the "sugary drinks and legumes" pattern (adjusted OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.75–9.06). There was no significant association between "wholegrains and starchy vegetables" pattern with sociodemographic characteristics (all p > 0.05). These findings suggest that ethnicity, age, residence area, having older siblings, parental weight status and household income level are associated with dietary patterns among multiethnic preschoolers in Malaysia. Thus, these sociodemographic characteristics should be considered when designing targeted dietary strategies and interventions for preschoolers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies investigating the quality of the diet and dietary intake of children with Down syndrome (DS) are required because the features attributed to the syndrome can affect growth, development and quality of life. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 77 Brazilian children with DS between 5 and 36 months of age receiving care at the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic of the University Hospital. Participants' sociodemographic, dietary and anthropometric data were collected from the care protocols. Dietary data were collected from 24‐h recalls and dietary practices were assessed according to the WHO dietary guidelines. Associations between inadequate feeding practices and demographic variables were assessed using logistic regression models. Results: Fruits, milk or infant formula, vegetables, beans and meat were among the five most consumed foods by the children investigated. Overall, we observed a high number of cases of early weaning (50.6%), low minimum dietary diversity (MDD; 40.3%), inadequate consistency for age (64.9%), early presence of ultra‐processed foods (76.6%), sugars and sweets (33.8%) in the diet of the children with DS. In the associations of inadequate feeding practices by age group, low MDD [odds ratio (OR): 18.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.4; 57.1] and inadequate consistency (OR: 6.65; 95% CI: 1.8; 24.7) were more frequent among children aged below 12 months while this relationship was inverse for early introduction of sugar and sweets (OR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.29). Conclusion: Our findings showed a high number of cases of inadequate dietary practices in children with DS investigated, which could adversely affect the long‐term health of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A healthy diet is essential for preventing chronic disease and promoting overall health. Translating one's intention to eat healthy into actual behaviour has, however, proven difficult with a range of internal and contextual factors identified as driving eating behaviour. Design: We leverage Temporal Self‐Regulation Theory to examine these momentary determinants' direct and moderating effects on the intention–behaviour relation with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Methods: Eighty‐seven healthy participants (mage = 24.1 years; 59 women, 28 men) reported, 5 times daily for 10 weekdays, their intentions to stick to a self‐set dietary restriction goal for the next 3 hr, the goal congruency of their eating behaviour in the past 3 hr, and a range of factors potentially influencing food intake, such as stress, emotions and environmental eating cues. Results: Two‐part multilevel modelling revealed that craving, availability of goal‐incongruent foods, social eating cues, giving in to other temptations and weaker momentary intentions directly increased the risk and severity of goal‐incongruent intake within the next 3 hr. Social cues, stress and craving further influence behaviour through altering intention implementation. Conclusions: Results imply that people regularly fail to implement intentions for 3‐hr periods and that a range of factors influences this, both directly and by disrupting intentional processes. While for some barriers, fostering strong intentions throughout the day could be beneficial, others require different strategies for dietary adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the RAM 2024 Special Issue on Marketing and Food, designed to report on and stimulate new scientific advancements in the field. It discusses the conflicting concerns related to food consumption and the emerging practices of consumers and industry players. The Special Issue explores how consumers react to new technologies used in post-purchase situations through the representation of experiences via social media (David et al., 2024). Food is at the heart of today's sustainability issues, and this Special Issue shows that the environmental impact of food consumption is influenced by the provisioning systems geographically available for consumers (Mourre et al., 2024) and by the perceived and objective accessibility of local food at the moment of choice (in supermarkets or restaurants; Garcia et al., 2024). Consumers' reactions to retailers' sustainable initiatives to manage and prevent food waste are shown to be ambivalent (Hanan et al., 2024), revealing a complex relationship. Finally, the Special Issue explores consumers' reconnection with food consumption through mindful eating, allowing a greater focus on internal sensations and fostering awareness of both personal motivations and the environmental impact of consumption (Dupont Le Priol and Schmitt, 2024). Avenues for future research and implications for practice and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]