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Front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) systems, such as the Nutri-Score, play a crucial role in promoting healthy diets and raising consumer awareness. Our study aimed to gather the opinions of Polish experts on the Nutri-Score and its relation to an ideal information system. We conducted a Poland-wide expert opinion study using a cross-sectional design survey with 75 participants, who had an average of 18 ± 13 years of experience and were mainly employed at medical and agricultural universities. The data were collected with the CAWI method. The results showed that the most important features of an FOPL system were clarity, simplicity, consistency with healthy eating recommendations, and the ability to objectively compare products within the same group. While more than half of the respondents believed that the Nutri-Score provides an overall assessment of a product’s nutritional value and facilitates quick purchasing decisions, it falls short in helping consumers compose a balanced diet and cannot be applied to all product groups. The experts also expressed concerns about the system’s ability to account for a product’s degree of processing, full nutritional value and carbon footprint. In conclusion, Poland’s current labelling system needs expansion, but the Nutri-Score requires significant and detailed changes and validation against national guidelines and expert expectations before implementation.

Taste function impairment is observed in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It is most often related to sweet taste. It is associated with such factors as diabetic neuropathy, smoking, age, duration of the disease and a rigorous diet that eliminates easily digestible carbohydrates. The aim of the study was to compare sensitivity to sweet and salty tastes between healthy children and adolescents and children and adolescents with T1D. The study group consisted of children with T1D (n = 35), with at least 5 years of disease history, while the group of healthy children included 46 individuals selected in terms of age, gender and BMI. A study concerning the perception of sweet and salty taste was carried out with the use of the specific gustometry method (examining the recognition and assessment of the intensity of taste sensations, performing a hedonic assessment). Children and adolescents from both groups had trouble recognising tastes. Children and adolescents with T1D were more likely to recognise sweet taste correctly even at its lower concentrations compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.04). Salty taste was significantly more often correctly identified by healthy children compared to T1D patients (p = 0.01). Children and adolescents with T1D reported a stronger intensity of perceived tastes than healthy ones. No significant differences in perceived pleasure were noted at lower sucrose concentrations in any group. The intensity score was higher in individuals with T1D at higher sucrose concentrations. No significant differences occurred in the assessment of salty taste intensity. The hedonic scoring of solutions with higher concentrations of sweet taste was higher in people with T1D than in healthy ones, while salty taste was assessed neutrally. Children and adolescents with T1D were demonstrated to have some taste recognition disorders. Therefore, monitoring taste function in pediatric diabetic clinical practice seems relevant, as it may be associated with important implications for the intake of a particular type of food and for the development of eating habits and preferences.

Background: Self-control/self-care means the active participation of a diabetic patient in therapy. It involves making numerous decisions and undertaking actions independently. The primary activities under the patient’s control include adherence to medication regimens and maintenance of a health-promoting lifestyle, especially a healthy diet. However, the sense of responsibility for one’s own health, i.e., high sense of responsibility (HSR), is an important element in the treatment of diabetes and in undertaking pro-health behaviors. The study aimed at analyzing adherence to dietary recommendations in the context of HSR in patients with type 1 diabetes. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of 394 adults. The assessment of adherence to dietary recommendations was performed with the present authors’ Diabetes Dietary Guidelines Adherence Index (DDGA Index). The measurement of HSR was performed with the standardized Sense of Responsibility for Health Scale (HSRS). The assessment of the multifactorial influence of independent variables on the DDGA Index, including the “responsibility for health” variable, was conducted with the use of a linear regression model. Results: The mean DDGA value was 18.68 (SD = 3.97). The patients significantly more often avoided unhealthy products than included recommended products into the diet at a required frequency. A positive correlation was demonstrated between HSR and adherence to dietary recommendations (βstd. = 0.43, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The sense of responsibility for one’s health plays a main role in adherence to dietary recommendations in diabetes. Our study showed that a higher sense of responsibility for health was associated with a higher level of adherence to dietary recommendations. Patients with a high sense of responsibility for one’s health will be more involved in the therapeutic process, including adherence to dietary recommendations. Therefore, all education actions should comprise not only dietary knowledge transfer and shaping appropriate skills, but they should also strengthen the sense of responsibility for one’s health.

Obesity is one of the important risk factors for a severe course of COVID-19. Maintaining a healthy body weight through diet and physical activity is a reasonable approach to preventing a SARS-CoV-2 infection or in alleviating its course. The goal of the study was to determine the influence of obesity on nutrition and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 964 respondents, including 227 individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 were evaluated in this study. In the case of 482 respondents, including 105 individuals (21.8%) with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, the data were collected during the pandemic period from 1 June to 31 August 2020. The remaining 482 individuals were the “pre-pandemic” group, selected via propensity score matching (PSM) out of the 723 National Health Program study participants whose data was collected in 2017–2019. The evaluated dietary health factors were quantitatively similar in patients with BMI of either

Atherogenesis leads to the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive chronic disease characterized by subendothelial lipoprotein retention and endothelial impairment in the arterial wall. It develops mainly as a result of inflammation and also many other complex processes, which arise from, among others, oxidation and adhesion. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are abundant in iridoids and anthocyanins—compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to determine the effect of two different doses (10 mg and 50 mg per kg of body weight, respectively) of iridoid and anthocyanin-rich resin-purified Cornelian cherry extract on the markers that are important in the progress of inflammation, cell proliferation and adhesion, immune system cell infiltration, and atherosclerotic lesion development in a cholesterol-rich diet rabbit model. We used biobank blood and liver samples that were collected during the previous original experiment. We assessed the mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-6, NOX, and VCAM-1 in the aorta, and the serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CRP, PON-1, MCP-1, and PCT. The application of the Cornelian cherry extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw resulted in a significant reduction in MMP-1, IL-6, and NOX mRNA expression in the aorta and a decrease in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, PON-1, and PCT serum levels. The administration of a 10 mg/kg bw dose caused a significant decrease in serum ICAM-1, PON-1, and MCP-1. The results indicate the potential usefulness of the Cornelian cherry extract in the prevention or treatment of atherogenesis-related cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

The paper presents the designs and methods of a cross-sectional study of two groups of randomly selected Polish inhabitants aged 19–64, and 65 and over, carried out as part of the National Health Program. The aim of the study was to illustrate the current health situation of the respondents in terms of nutrition and physical activity level. The quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The Computer Assisted Personal Interview technique was used. The dietary research was carried out through repeated interviews about the frequency of food consumption, and about what food had been consumed in the previous 24 h. In addition to the questionnaire studies, anthropometric data, blood pressure and the level of physical activity were measured. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some methods were modified according to hygiene rules. The Computer Assisted Telephone Interview technique was used to collect the data, and the anthropometric data were obtained via measurements made by the respondents themselves based on detailed instructions. The results will be used to present representative data for the Polish population, describing a wide range of eating behaviours and other lifestyle elements, food and nutrition knowledge, dietary supplement use, the occurrence of diet-related diseases, nutritional status and, in the seniors group, the risk of sarcopenia.

Background and aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of individualised nutritional intervention based on the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) on the nutritional status, blood pressure, and selected biochemical parameters of obese/overweight patients with primary arterial hypertension. Methods: A total of 131 participants were randomised to the DASH intervention group (DIG; n = 69, 33 males) or the control group (CG; n = 62, 32 males). A three-month nutritional intervention was carried out in the DIG group, while the control group received only standard recommendations. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference, body composition, blood pressure, serum glucose, and insulin and leptin concentrations were measured at the baseline and after the intervention. Results: Sixty-four (92.8%) participants in the intervention and 62 (100%) in the control group completed the study. In the DIG group a significant decrease in body mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat content, fasting glucose, insulin, and leptin concentrations were observed in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The DASH dietary intervention provides significant benefits to overweight/obese patients with primary hyper¬tension.

Little has been reported regarding the level of students’ authentic leadership (AL) in a medical and health sciences universities. We still do not know much about AL skills in dietetics students (DS), especially about moral aspect. The aim of this study was to look for potential determinants of moral aspect of AL skills in DS. There were analysed: transparency, balanced processing, perfectionism and general self-efficacy. The general characteristics of DS in the context of AL skills was also made. The study was conducted with 326 DS. Data was collected from April 2018 to October 2018 with the use of the paper-and-pencil interviewing (PAPI) method in Medical University of Warsaw (MUW) (convenience sampling). Following research tools were used: Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), General Self-Efficacy Scale. The STATISTICA program, version 13.1 (StatSoft Inc.) was used. In DS, moral aspect of the AL skills positively correlated with transparency (r=0.52, p0.05), balanced processing (r=0.47, p0.05) and two dimensions of perfectionism – standards (r=0.26, p0.05) and order (r=0.11, p0.05). The relationship between self-efficacy and moral aspect of AL skills was also noted (r=0.23, p0.05). A special curriculum must be developed for strengthening the leadership skill in context of dieticians clinical practice. In the development of AL skills, special attention should be paid to strengthening the level of adaptive perfectionism and self-efficacy.

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exerts a negative influence on dietary behaviors, which may lead to health deterioration. Dietary behaviors may be determined by psychological characteristics, such as basic hope and resilience, which facilitate the effective adjustment to new difficult conditions. The professional literature includes no research on the role of basic hope and resilience in the context of undertaken dietary behaviors in the situations of mental load associated with pandemics. The study aimed at the description of the dietary behaviors of individuals with various intensities of the discussed psychological characteristics (basic hope and resilience), (2) The observational cross-sectional online questionnaire study was conducted with the participation of 1082 adult Polish inhabitants. Three psychological scales were used: PSS-10, the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) and BHI-12 questionnaire. The assessment of the adherence to dietary recommendations was performed with the present authors’ Dietary Guidelines Adherence Index (DGA Index), (3) Results: The value of DGA Index was variable depending on the psychological profile of study participants. The highest adherence to the principles of appropriate nutrition was observed in individuals characterized by the ability to cope with difficult situations and those who quickly adapted to new changing circumstances. The DGA Index values became poorer with the deterioration of the coping ability as regards stress and mental load, (4) Conclusions: Nutritional education during pandemics should encompass the psychological profile of the patients. It requires the implementation of a different psychodietetic approach which will facilitate a more effective introduction of a well-balanced diet.

BACKGROUND The potential influence of disorders of acid/base homeostasis on cardiovascular risk factors has been suggested. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to estimate the relationship between dietary acid load and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and the prevalence and intensity of cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, overweight and obesity, dyslipidemia) in the Polish adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data was derived from a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 6,170 Polish residents aged 20+ (Multi-Center National Population Health Examination Survey, WOBASZ II study), including anthropometric and laboratory measurements, and estimates of nutrient intakes by 24-h recall. Dietary acid/ base load was assessed as potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). RESULTS The median PRAL and NEAP values for the whole study population were: PRAL -3.85 mEq/day and NEAP 39.79 mEq/day. The prevalence of overweight and obesity, both in males and females, tended to decrease across tertiles of PRAL and to increase across tertiles of NEAP. In females, the values of several metabolic characteristics differed across tertiles of NEAP. After adjustment for age and waist circumference, these relationships did not persist, but the prevalence of diabetes was found to increase across tertiles of PRAL (p for trend

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease which affects the central nervous system and is linked to autoimmune disorders. Although the precise causes of multiple sclerosis remain unknown, some evidence points towards hypovitaminosis D. Apart from the maintenance of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, vitamin D also plays a major role in other aspects of human health. It is caused by the vitamin D receptor, which is present in many human organs and tissues. Vitamin D is an immunomodulating factor and accordingly has a potential to be effective in both preventing and treating autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. The aim of this review was to present up-to-date knowledge about vitamin D, especially its impact on risk of multiple sclerosis onset, relapses, and potential to modify the immune response. A further objective was to describe the role of vitamin D supplementation and its provision in the everyday diet for both prevention and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Hyperuricemia and gout are a growing health problem worldwide. Their etiology is complex, and usually caused by excessive production of uric acid and/or impaired excretion. Some drugs used in the treatment of high blood pressure furthermore increase the risk of hyperuricemia. An additional risk factor for hyperuricemia is obesity. Thus far, there is no consensus on the treatment of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, despite a large number of studies conducted worldwide.To evaluate the prevalence of hyperuricemia among patients with essential hypertension and obesity, pharmacologically treated with combination therapy.A total of 109 obese patients (mean BMI=34.6±3.5 kg/m2) were included in this study, selected from the outpatients at the Clinic of Arterial Hypertension, the unit of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw. Patients were treated with at least two antihypertensive drugs. Blood pressure, uric acid and insulin levels were measured among patients.The average systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were of 131±5,9 and 84.6±3.6 mmHg respectively, the average uric acid level of 6.4±1.5 mg/dl, and the average level of insulin 17.6±11.0 mU/L. Hyperuricemia was found in 33 patients (27.5% of subjects). The uric acid level was significantly higher among men. A positive correlation between the serum uric acid concentration of serum insulin (r = 0.27, p0.001), age (r = 0.21, p0.002) and BMI patients (r = 0.26, p0.002) has been shown. There were no significant differences in the concentration of uric acid among patients receiving multiple antihypertensive agents.The incidence of hyperuricemia demonstrated in this study confirms the findings of other authors and indicates a fairly common prevalence of this phenomenon among a population of patients with hypertension. Individually adjusted multidrug antihypertensive therapy does not seem to affect significantly the concentration of uric acid, but further research is needed in this respect.

Intrroduction: Incorrect eating habits are a significant risk factor for breast tumours. An appropriate diet is a vital part in the treatment of such a disorder.The aim of the study was to assess current eating habits in women diagnosed with breast tumours and the changes introduced after diagnosis.The survey was conducted among 200 women aged 59±11.2 with a diagnosed breast tumour. An original survey questionnaire was used to assess the respondents' dietary habits. Questions pertained to the frequency of consumption of certain food groups, changes in diet since the moment of diagnosis and sources of knowledge about nutrition.A number of current incorrect eating habits became apparent (namely, low frequency of eating wholemeal products, legumes, fish, vegetables, fruit and high frequency of eating sweets), as well as many beneficial changes introduced after the diagnosis (more frequent consumption of wholemeal products, poultry, vegetables and fruit and lower frequency of consumption of red meat, meat preserves, sweets, sweetened drinks and alcohol), with no difference in age, education or time elapsed since the diagnosis. Less than one third of respondents have received nutrition advice after their diagnosis.In spite of the beneficial changes in dietary habits there is a need for widely available, reliable nutrition education amongst all women diagnosed with a breast tumour.

Research increasingly provide evidence that vegetarian diet can have a positive impact on health. The aim of this study was to analyze the fatty acid profile of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet and prove which of them is more optimal in the context of some diet-related diseases prevention.The study involved 83 women (47 vegetarians and 36 non-vegetarians). Estimates of the supply of individual fatty acids in the diet was based on analysis of 3-day dietary records (calculations in a computer program DIETA 5).Found: - in vegan diet significantly lower percentage of energy from SFA than in lactoovovegetarian diet and non-vegetarian diet (5,2% vs 11,2% i 11,9%), - in vegan and lactoovovegetarian diet - significantly higher percentage of energy from PUFA than in non-vegetarian diet (9,2% i 7,8% vs 5,0%), - in vegan and lactoovovegetarian diet - significantly higher percentage of energy from LA than in non-vegetarian diet (6,7% i 5,5% vs 3,9%), - in vegan and lactoovovegetarian diet - significantly higher percentage of energy from ALA than in non-vegetarian diet (1,3% i 1,2% vs. 0,8%) - in vegan and lactoovovegetarian diet - significantly lower intake of EPA+DHA than in non-vegetarian diet (0 mg i 15 mg vs 76 mg), - only 25% of non-vegetarian diets fulfilled recommendations on the content of EPA + DHA Conclusions: Vegetarian, particularly vegan, nutrition may promote good balancing of the fatty acids in the diet, except for the long chain polyunsaturated omega-3, which are also deficient in the case of conventional diet.

Both menopausal period and aging have influence on body composition, increase of total body fat and visceral fat in particular. We should be aware that changes in body composition, mainly fat translocation to abdominal region, can occur without significant changes in body weight. Therefore quantitative abdominal fat assessment should be our aim.Body composition analysis based on two compartment model and abdominal fat area assessment in cross section.Subjects in postmenopausal period (41 women) were recruited for this study and divided into 2 groups: group 1 - women aged 45-56 years and group 2 - women aged 57-79 years. Body composition analysis and abdominal fat area assessment were conducted by using bioelectrical impedance method with BioScan 920 (Maltron int.) accordingly with standardized procedure.Women in early postmenopausal stage (Group 1) had statistically significant lower total body fat percentage in comparison with women in late postmenopausal period (Group 2) (41.09 ± 7.72% vs. 50.7 ± 9.88%, p=0.0021). Also women in group 1 were characterized by significant lower visceral fat area (VAT) as well as subcutaneous fat area (SAT) in comparison with group 2 (respectively VAT 119.25 ± 30.09 cm2 vs. 199.36 ± 87.38 cm2, p=0.0011; SAT 175.19 ±57.67 cm2 vs. 223.4±74.29 cm2, p=0.0336). According to VAT criteria (120 cm2), 44% of women in group 1 and 80% in group 2 had excess of visceral fat.Both total body fat and intra-abdominal fat increased with age, independently of weight changes.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women who eat vegetarian are a source of much controversy. This is the result of concern that eliminating some or all animal produce may lead to nutritional deficiencies and thus adversely affect the mother's and child's health. The American Dietetic Association's position is that appropriately planned vegan, lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets ensure a normal course of pregnancy and lactation. However, in practice the balancing of such a diet can pose certain difficulties, especially for individuals without the necessary experience or knowledge about nutrition. Nutrients to which particular attention needs to be paid to ensure their sufficient supply include: protein (essential amino acids), Omega-3 essential fatty acids, iron and calcium as well as vitamins D and B(12). The proper adherence to recommendations can be attained with a varied diet containing suitable plant products compensating for the nutritional value of the eliminated animal products. Supplementation with vitamin D and vitamin B(12) is also necessary. Research shows that infants born to vegetarian mothers are born at term and have normal birth weight. There is an increased risk of hypospadias in boys. The main difference in the composition of vegetarian mothers' milk compared to non-vegetarians' is lower content of docosahexaenoic acid and higher content of Linoleic and α-Linolenic acid.

This work presents comparative study of the morphological structure of Cornus mas L. fruits in the Crimean populations. The variations have been recognized in form, mass, colour, period and timing of fruit ripening in various natural populations which could indicate the presence of intraspecific diversity of C. mas in the Crimea.

Diabetes is one of the fastest spreading XXI century diseases. One of the most important element of diabetes therapy should constitute dietary treatment resulting from thorough nutritional knowledge.The aim of study was to investigate the connection between the level of knowledge and way of feeding among patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes treated with insulin.The research was conducted among 105 patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes treated with insulin. Knowledge level was assessed in accordance with author's questionnaire, way of feeding in accordance with 24 hour nutritional interview. Diet 5 and Statistical 10 has been used to carry out data analysis.The largest correctness has been demonstrated in the question about the carbohydrate content in food (60%), the lowest correctness while carbohydrate exchanges knowledge has been checked (12%). Generally, patients demonstrated medium knowledge level (41% correct answers). Good level of knowledge (50% corrects answers) has been represented by 26%, medium level of knowledge (30-50% corrects answers) by 49%, low level of knowledge (30% correct answers) by 25% of responders. Knowledge assessment has shown too high percentage of energy from carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids and too high consumption of cholesterol and sodium. Moreover dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids shortage has been observed in analyzing diets. Interdependence between knowledge level and way of feeding has not been found (exception: lower percentage of energy from fat in patient's with medium level of knowledge diets).Improper way of feeding and low level of knowledge can constitute a obstacle to achieve optimal treatment results.

Postmenopausal period brings changes in body composition. Among the major alterations the tendency to decrease in fat free mass (FFM) and increase in the amount of fat mass (FM) are observed. Simultaneously loss of muscle mass and decline in muscle strength with the advancing age are observed. Coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity creates a new category of obesity - sarcopenic obesity (SO), which may cause numerous negative consequences. Therefore, clinicians attention should be drawn to this issue. Unfortunately clear criteria to its identification are lacking.The aim of the present investigation was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women in depending on different definition.Thirty two postmenopausal women (Group 1) and thirty one young, healthy women (Group 2) participated in the study. Within Group 1 SO was identified, while Group 2 was used for defining to cut-off points. All participants underwent body composition analysis by bioelectrical impedance. Additionally height, body weight and hand grip strength were measured. Sarcopenic obesity was defined by the combination of obesity and sarcopenia.Using different criteria for SO identification diversified study results in the prevalence of SO were observed (21.87 to 84.37%). The highest percentage of SO persons was observed while using the Skeletal Mass Index (SMI) derived cut off score, with fat mass (FM%), the most inclusive. In contrast, the lowest number of sarcopenic obese cases were observed when FFMI based on own group cut-off point was used and in the case of using MMI derived cut-off point defined for French population.Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity varied, depending on the used criteria. Due to discrepancies between the criteria of sarcopenic obesity identification, standardization of definition and muscle mass predictive equations are required. Development of reference values for Polish population should be undertaken.

Fertility disorders and the resulting inability to reproduce constitute an increasingly common public health problem in contemporary society. The growing scale of this phenomenon has prompted the World Health Organization to recognize infertility as a social disease, which affects about 13-17% of couples of reproductive age. Recent studies have shown that lifestyle, and especially diet, can influence reproductive health and proper nutrition and nutritional status can decrease the risk of fertility disorders. A larger intake of monounsaturated fatty acids; of fruit and vegetable products that are a good source of protein and nonheme iron; and of high-fat dairy is recommended in order to improve women's fertility. The intake of trans fatty acids and carbohydrate products with a high glycaemic index should be reduced. Supplementing the diet with multivitamin products containing folic acid and iron is also advised. Complementing fertility therapy with modifying the diet and planning proper nutrition may result in increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.

The relationship between diet and acne is highly controversial. Several studies during the last decade have led dermatologists to reflect on a potential link between diet and acne. This article presents the latest findings on a potential impact that diet can have on pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. The association between diet and acne can no longer be dismissed. Compelling evidence shows that high glycemic load diets may exacerbate acne. Dairy ingestion appears to be weakly associated with acne and the roles of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A, zinc and iodine remain to be elucidated. The question of what the impact of diet is on the course of acne vulgaris still remains unclear.