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Nitrate ( NO 3 − ) has properties that can improve muscle function, leading to improvements in metabolic cost of exercise as well as enhance force production. Gymnastics is a whole-body sport, involving events that demand a high level of strength and fatigue resistance. However, the effect of NO 3 − supplementation on both upper- and lower-body function in gymnasts is unknown. This study examined the effect of acute beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on isokinetic strength and endurance of the upper- and lower-body in highly trained international-level male gymnasts. In a double-blind, randomized crossover design, 10 international-level male gymnasts completed two acute supplementation periods, consuming either 2 × 70 ml NO 3 − -rich (∼12.8 mmol/L of NO 3 − ) or NO 3 − -depleted (PLA) BRJ. Maximal strength of the upper-leg and upper-arm at 60°/s, 120°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s, and muscular endurance (50 repeated isokinetic contractions at 180°/s) were assessed. Plasma NO 3 − (BRJ: 663 ± 164 μM, PLA: 89 ± 48 μM) and nitrite ( NO 2 − ) concentrations (BRJ: 410 ± 137 nmol/L, PLA: 125 ± 36 nmol/L) were elevated following BRJ compared to PLA (both p <.001). Maximal strength of knee and elbow extensors and flexors did not differ between supplements (p >.05 for all velocities). Similarly, fatigue index of knee and elbow extension and flexion was not different between supplements (all p >.05). Acute BRJ supplementation, containing ∼12.8 mmol/L of NO 3 − , increased plasma NO 3 − and NO 2 − concentrations, but did not enhance isokinetic strength or fatigue resistance of either upper or lower extremities in international-level male gymnasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child undernutrition persists in Cambodia despite recent progress. As Cambodia undergoes a shift in dietary consumption that coincides with economic, demographic, and epidemiologic changes, there is risk of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages displacing nutrient-dense foods during the critical period of infant growth in the first 24 months. The aim of this study was to assess the introduction and intake of foods of low nutritional value and sugar-sweetened beverages and their association with undernutrition among children 24 months of age in rural and semi-urban Cambodia. Cross-sectional analyses of a 24-h dietary recall from a sample (n = 377) of 24-month-olds found that the majority of infants had been introduced to packaged salty snacks and sweets by 12 months of age and to sugar-sweetened beverages by 15 months. By 24 months of age, 78% of children had consumed foods of low nutritional value and 57% consumed a sugar-sweetened beverage on the previous day. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that infant intake of a flavored sugary drink on the previous day was associated with over two times the odds of both stunting and wasting, and consumption of packaged sweets on the previous day was associated with over two times the odds of wasting, but no association was found with stunting. These findings underscore the need to improve educational and policy interventions to support healthy feeding practices for infants and young children.

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. Key messages: The frequent consumption of ultra‐processed food or beverage (UPFB) in a Ugandan urban population during the complementary feeding period is an indication of an established nutrition transition.The frequent consumption of UPFB is characterised by a high sugar content and sweetened diet and therefore the potentially has health detriments in young children.There is an urgent need to promote traditional diets and minimally processed foods for complementary feeding and introduce policies that discourage consumption of UPFB in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Uric acid (UA) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) are endogenous biomarkers implicated in metabolic disorders and dysfunction. Objectives: To investigate the structural associations between sugar‐sweetened beverage intake (SSB), UA, HOMA‐IR and adolescent latent MetS construct (MetsC) representing paediatric metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A population‐based representative adolescent cohort (n = 1454) was evaluated for risk profiles of MetS. Structural equation modelling was performed to identify multifactor structural associations between study parameters and evaluate mediating effects. Results: Adolescents had a single‐factor latent construct representing MetS. Increased SSB intake was associated with higher UA and HOMA‐IR levels, and the two biomarkers were positively associated with the MetsC score. UA and HOMA‐IR exerted three mediating effects on the association between fructose‐rich tea beverage (FTB) intake of >500 mL/day and MetsC: adjusted standardized coefficient and mediating effect (%), FTB → UA → MetsC: 0.071, 23.1%; FTB → HOMA‐IR → MetsC: 0.034, 11.0%; FTB → UA → HOMA‐IR → MetsC: 0.010, 3.1%. The UA‐associated pathways accounted for 31.1% of the overall mediation on the association between bottled sugar‐containing beverage intake and MetsC. After accounting for the UA‐ and HOMA‐IR‐derived detrimental effects, the fructose‐rich tea beverage intake of >500 mL/day had a tea‐related beneficial effect on MetsC, with an adjusted standardized coefficient of −0.103. Conclusions: UA and HOMA‐IR individually and jointly mediate the adverse effects of high fructose‐rich SSB intake on the mechanisms underlying paediatric MetS. Fructose‐free tea‐based beverages may have a beneficial effect on latent MetS structure in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to analyze and perform a model analysis of the scope of caffeine consumption in adolescents in Turkey. The prevalence of caffeine consumption was 65.5% (321/490), with 22% of boys and 38.45% of girls consuming foodstuffs or beverages containing it. The mean daily caffeine intake was 85.8 mg. Girls consumed all types of coffee more frequently, while boys consumed black tea and energy drinks such as Red Bull and Burn more frequently than girls. Coffee was most frequently consumed to boost concentration, and tea and energy drinks out of habit. Individuals who lived in the city center, smokers, and individuals with high income levels consumed more caffeine (P =.000, P =.000, and P =.000). The level at which energy drinks were consumed by mixing with alcohol in a party setting was 11.5%, and this was more common among boys (P =.000). Greater efforts should be made to inform parents and adolescents of the potential harm resulting from misuse of caffeine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Moringa oleifera is gluten-free rich in protein, minerals and antioxidants. • This review article focuses on importance of Moringa in fortification of food products. • Moringa leaf and root powder is mainly used in fortification of different food products like bread, yoghurt, cookies, brownies, cake, biscuits, and beverages. • Fortified Moringa products exert healthy impacts on people suffering from celiac disease. Food fortification entails augmenting essential minerals, vitamins and bioactive compounds in food products to benefit the consumers by fulfilling their nutritional quality and energy requirements. Nutritionists employ synthetic and readily available micronutrients to fortify both staple and non-staple food items, thereby meeting consumers' nutritional and energy needs. Over the past decade, food scientists have displayed a growing interest in Moringa oleifera for developing edible products and incorporating them as fortifiers. This review article specifically focuses on nutritional quality, phytochemicals, and utilization of moringa leaf powdered extracts in different commercial beverages, bread, yoghurt, and bakery products. The article also delves into clinical evidences and toxicological impacts of moringa consumption, emphasizing its health-promoting effects against celiac disease. Moreover, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights for researchers and professionals in the food industry, guiding their research and development projects in line with recent trends. Moringa leaf powder and extracts play a pivotal role in fortifying food products, such as bread, yoghurt, cookies, brownies, cake, biscuits, and beverages enhancing their nutritional quality, phytochemical content, and shelf life without significantly altering sensory attributes. The consumption of moringa-fortified products may positively impact individuals with celiac disease. Importantly, no reported toxicological effects have emerged from the consumption of these products. However, further studies on toxicological evaluations of moringa powder and extracts, particularly focusing on their impact on individuals with glycaemic, cardiac, and arthritis conditions, are warranted. The existing literature on this aspect is limited, and available data may be controversial due to various trial conditions and experiment handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the inhibitory efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NJAU-01 (NJAU-01) on oxidation associated with malondialdehyde (MDA) and utilized the bacteria in a functional lactic acid beverage. The antioxidant capacity of the bacteria was measured in vitro, the production conditions (inoculum, fermentation time, and sugar addition) of the lactic acid beverage were optimized, and the effects of NJAU-01 on antioxidant, flavor profile, and storage stability of lactic acid beverages were investigated. The results revealed that NJAU-01 exhibited a high tolerance towards MDA at 40 mM, and that it also exhibited outstanding antioxidant capacity in vitro and antioxidant enzyme activity throughout its growth stage. The beverage demonstrated an elevated antioxidant capacity and efficiently eliminated MDA. Additionally, the NJAU-01 lactic acid beverage could be stored at 4 °C for 21 days, exhibiting stable sensory attributes and strong resistance against lipid peroxidation. The study yielded insights into the role of NJAU-01 in improving the storage stability of lactic acid beverages thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the specific mechanisms by which probiotics enhance beverage quality. These findings can facilitate a more effective utilization of this knowledge in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headaches in children are common, and can have a significant impact on children's school attendance and quality of life. Although most causes of headaches in children are benign, concern from clinicians and patient caregivers about missing a serious underlying cause can result in a high referral rate to secondary care. This article provides a succinct and practical approach to the assessment and management of a child presenting to general practice with a headache. This will include consideration of possible underlying pathology, diagnosis and management of primary headaches, with emphasis on managing lifestyle and psychosocial factors that negatively impact on headaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated prevalence of alcohol use and violence, including gender-based violence (GBV); however, little is understood about the pandemic's impact on the relationship between the two. Data were collected from January 2021-April 2023 with adults who drink alcohol (N = 565) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Questions assessed prevalence of heavy alcohol use (≥4 drinks on one occasion ≥4 times a month) in the past 3 months and violence/GBV exposure before and during the pandemic. Logistic regression examined associations between violence and alcohol use. Overall, participants reported heavy alcohol use (73.7%), strong desire for alcohol (53.3%), ever experiencing violence (71.6%), and GBV (20.5%). During the pandemic, participants reported experiencing violence (26.1%), more violence than usual (13.8%), GBV (8.9%), and drinking more alcohol (43.7%). People who experienced violence during the pandemic had significantly greater odds of reporting heavy alcohol use (OR = 1.76, p = 0.05) and drinking more during the pandemic than usual (OR = 2.04, p<0.01). Those who reported experiencing more violence during the pandemic than usual had significantly greater odds of reporting heavy alcohol use (OR = 2.32, p = 0.04) and drinking more during the pandemic (OR = 2.23, p<0.01). People who experienced GBV during the pandemic reported a significantly stronger desire for alcohol (OR = 2.44; p = 0.02) than those not exposed. Alcohol-related harms increased over the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased violence/GBV, alcohol use, and an elevated desire to use alcohol among those who experienced violence during the pandemic. Future pandemic preparedness efforts must prioritize violence prevention strategies and adapt alcohol harm reduction, recovery, and treatment programs to pandemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-processed foods (UPF), per the NOVA Classification, provide a major source of calories within modern food systems and are associated with poor health outcomes related to chronic inflammation. Dietary antioxidants play a key role in preventing disease; however, the relationship between the NOVA Classification and the total antioxidant content (TAC) of foods is not well characterised. We hypothesised that TAC would be highest in minimally processed food (MPF), lower in processed food (PRF) and lowest in UPF. TAC data for 3137 animal-based, mixed and plant-based food items were obtained from a published dataset. After data cleaning, 1946 food items and their TAC values were analysed using two hierarchal linear models (alpha: P < 0·05). MPF had the highest mean TAC (10·79 (sem 0·87) mmol/100 g) and were 11·31-fold and 10·72-fold higher than PRF and UPF, respectively (P = 0·023). Plant-based and mixed foods had a higher mean TAC (8·55 (sem 0·68) and 1·12 (sem 0·11) mmol/100 g, respectively) and were 22·67-fold and 2·98-fold higher compared with animal-based foods (P < 0·001). Food processing did not change mean TAC in mixed and animal-based foods; however, plant-based MPF had a higher mean TAC (11·49 (sem 0·93) mmol/100 g) and were 9·88-fold and 15·12-fold higher compared with plant-based PRF and UPF, respectively (P < 0·001). Mean TAC differed between NOVA processing groups for three categories of food: vegetables, beverages and beans, nuts and seeds (P < 0·001). Across all food items, and especially plant-based foods, mean TAC decreased with food processing. The lower TAC of UPF may at least partially explain why their consumption promotes inflammatory chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol abuse is a substantial cause of various health and societal issues, as well as a significant factor in global disease. Once alcohol is consumed in the gastrointestinal tract, it undergoes metabolism in the liver and lungs. In this investigation, the nonlinear deterministic and stochastic differential frameworks are analyzed numerically to predict the dynamic evolution of the virus in the drinker alcohol model. The framework for apprehending drinking patterns is categorized into three distinct groups: the susceptible population, risk drinkers, and moderate drinkers. The approximate solution for each population group is determined by exhaustively creating scenarios that vary the probability ratio of infection in susceptible individuals who do not consume alcohol, the increasing rate of alcohol consumption, the rate at which individuals transition from acute to chronic drinking categories, the rate at which new non-drinking consumers are attracted, the death rate of the population, the ratio affecting the rate of sociability in heavy drinkers, and the overall population rate. The Euler–Maruyama approach for the stochastic framework and the Adams method for the deterministic framework are utilized, respectively, to determine the solutions of the alcohol drinker model. This study compares deterministic and stochastic frameworks to underscore their distinct characteristics and efficiency, achieved through comprehensive simulations and in-depth analysis of the numerical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia globally and is associated with a significant economic and social burden. Diet could represent an important tractable risk factor for VaD. We synthesised current evidence on associations between consumption of specific foods or dietary patterns and VaD risk. Methods: Five databases were searched from inception to January 2024 for prospective cohort studies exploring associations between individual foods or dietary patterns and incident VaD. Results: Sixteen studies were included. Compared with low intake reference groups, higher fruit and vegetable intake, moderate alcoholic drink intake (1–3 drinks/day), higher tea and coffee intake, and following a plant-based dietary pattern were associated with lower VaD risk. Conversely, moderate fried fish intake (0.25–2 servings/week), higher ultra-processed food intake (especially intake of sweetened beverages) and higher processed meat intake (≥ 2 servings/week) were associated with increased VaD risk. Inconsistent findings were observed for other dietary exposures. Discussion: A healthy diet could lower VaD risk. However, evidence is characterised by a limited number of studies for specific dietary exposures. Further research is needed to inform personalised and population-based approaches to lower VaD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to develop an alcoholic product by fermentation of jabuticaba fruit pulp. The herbal beverage was prepared by inoculation with different strains of S. cerevisiae viz. ISC, USC, and BSC, varying the pulp removal method (manual and direct). The BSC strain has good reducing sugars (4 g/L), non-reducing sugars (1.14 g/L), total sugars (5.12 g/L), ash (2.56 g/L), pH (3.50), total soluble solids (17.30°B) and total acidity (200.67 meq/L). Thus, BSC strain obtained higher contents of total phenolics (431.70 mg gallic acid/L), total polyphenols (10.18 g taninn/L), and tannin (3.38 g taninn/L). The HPLC-DAD analysis showed that malic acid (0.69 mg/mL) was higher in USCM. The GC/MS analysis showed that ethanol (18.52%) was higher in the ISCM. The ISCD exhibited higher DPPH· scavenging activity (5.65 mg/g) than other strains. This study will be useful in designing an on-site unit for the production of functional drinks from Jabuticaba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Despite alcohol use being very common in older adults, studies are scarce and suggest alcohol use may be increasing. Furthermore, despite the known relationship between education and alcohol consumption, there is limited evidence of educational differences in older adults. Our objective was to describe trends in alcohol consumption in individuals aged ≥65 by sex and educational level in Spain. Research Design and Methods In total, 43,157 participants aged ≥65 years were drawn from Spain's national health surveys between 2001 and 2020, representing the noninstitutionalized population. The outcomes were various measures of self-reported past-year alcohol intake. Age-standardized rates and negative binomial regression models were used to examine trends and differences in alcohol intake by educational level, sex, and period (2001–2009 vs 2011–2020). Results The average daily alcohol intake and prevalence of heavy average drinking (>20/10 g/day) decreased over time, especially among men, whereas moderate average drinking remained unchanged or even increased. Alcohol intake increased with increasing educational levels. All drinking measures showed educational inequalities, and these were greater in women than men. The mean amount of drinking showed the greatest inequality, with adjusted prevalence ratio of 2.6 in women and 1.1 in men between university relative to primary education level. Discussion and Implications Alcohol intake in older adults decreased over time in Spain for heavy average drinking and average drinking amount, although not for moderate average drinking. Consumption remains highest among the highest educational levels, which may negatively affect health. Programs addressing alcohol consumption among older adults are needed to minimize alcohol-related harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based foods can be an alternative to dairy products as a source of probiotic microorganisms, especially aimed at lactose-intolerant people. In this work, four new formulations based on the mixture of fruits and vegetables with the addition of a unique probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus pentosus LPG1) obtained from the olive industry were developed. Moreover, the nutritional profile, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic characteristics of the beverages produced were studied. The results showed that it is possible to reach an average probiotic count of 6.45 log10 CFU/mL at 52 days of storage at 4 °C without the presence of Enterobacteriaceae, fungi/molds, or Staphylococcus, Listeria, or Salmonella spp. On the other hand, the beverages developed could be classified as high-value-added functional beverages due to their high antioxidant capacity of up to 33% DPPH inhibition, considerable total polyphenol content higher than 0.5 g gallic acid/L, and adequate nutritional composition. Additionally, sensory analysis via flash profile, acceptance, and affective test revealed that all probiotic beverages were appropriate in terms of odor, taste, and color, rendering them market ready to drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and reduces anxiety, but its natural synthesis in the body is insufficient, necessitating dietary intake. This study utilized a combination of germination, the addition of active barley powder, and fermentation to enhance GABA content in an enzymatically hydrolyzed highland barley beverage. The samples were divided into five groups: highland barley (HB), germinated highland barley (GB), highland barley supplemented with another high-glutamic-acid decarboxylase-active highland barley powder TB13 (BT), germinated barley supplemented with TB13 (GBT), and germinated barley supplemented with TB13 followed by fermentation (GBTF). The results indicated that all the pretreatments significantly elevated GABA levels, with the GBT sample showing the highest GABA content, which was 2.4 times that of the HB sample. Germination had minimal impact on the taste and aroma of the beverage, while the addition of TB13 active barley powder caused only slight changes to the aroma. The GABA content in the GBTF sample was 2.2 times higher than in the HB sample, and the GBTF sample also exhibited the highest total phenolic content, demonstrating the strongest antioxidant and free-radical scavenging abilities. Furthermore, the GBTF treatment increased acidity, reduced bitterness, and significantly altered the flavor profile of the barley beverage, enhancing its overall quality and consumer appeal as a GABA-rich functional drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Whilst public health measures were effective in reducing COVID-19 transmission, unintended negative consequences may have occurred. This study aims to assess changes alcohol consumption and the heavy episodic drinking (HED) during the pandemic. Methods: Data were from the Optimise Study, a longitudinal cohort of Australian adults September 2020–August 2022 that over-sampled priority populations at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, developing severe COVID-19 or experiencing adverse consequences of lockdowns. Frequency of alcohol consumption (mean number of days per week) and past-week HED were self-reported. Generalised linear models estimated the association between time and (1) the frequency of alcohol consumption and (2) heavy episodic drinking. Results: Data from 688 participants (mean age: 44.7 years, SD:17.0; 72.7% female) and 10,957 surveys were included. Mean days of alcohol consumption per week decreased from 1.92 (SD: 1.92) in 2020 to 1.54 (SD:1.94) in 2022. The proportion of participants reporting HED decreased from 25.4% in 2020 to 13.1% in 2022. During two lockdown periods, known as "lockdown five", (OR:0.65, 95%CI [0.47,0.90]) and "lockdown six" (OR:0.76, 95%CI [0.67,0.87]), participants were less likely to report HED. Conclusions: Participants alcohol drinking frequency and HED decreased during the pandemic. This study provides a strong description of alcohol consumption during the pandemic and suggests that lockdowns did not have the unintended consequences of increased alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Mass expulsion' was rarely so 'mass' in its application. It was often enforced through exceptions as much as the rule, through the ad-hoc actions of individual citizens and migrants, as much as by the executive branches of independence-era governments. On November 18, 1969, Kofi Abrefa Busia, the newly elected Prime Minister of Ghana, issued the Aliens Compliance Order, requiring all undocumented immigrants, those without valid residence permits, to leave the nation within fourteen days. Since mass expulsion orders are enacted by decrees such as Busia's, they are overwhelmingly analyzed as tool of executive authority. But this analytical glossing lends too much authority to the state's executive branch, overlooking the role of West African peoples' thoughts, expressions, and interpretations in the process of mass expulsion. Petitions for exemptions to the expulsion order in Ghana's cocoa industry, the nation's leading export crop, reveal how various segments of the Ghanaian government (cabinet ministers, union leaders, and members of regional security councils) and society (Ghanaian chiefs, farm owners, and alien laborers) pried open the Order's contradictions to shape both the targets of expulsion and the ad-hoc means by which it was carried out. Mass expulsion was a relational process; not a singular event but an iterative renegotiation of political mobilities. This article turns our attention, more broadly, to how diverse members of African societies at independence shaped 'state' policies as well as the meaning and measure of African citizenship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft beverages are an important part of fluid intake; however, it should be the main target to choose the right beverages according to healthy nutrition. This study aimed to determine, evaluate, and create a database of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) contents of widely consumed soft beverages in local markets in Turkey. A total of 394 beverages, including 60 carbonated, 100 non-carbonated, 136 tea (teabags for cups and teapots and, shredded tea leaves), 75 coffee (instant and brewed), and 23 fermented beverages, with expiration dates at most half their shelf life, were analyzed. Shredded tea leaves and brewed coffees were prepared with different brewing techniques. TAC was analyzed on the MINDRAY-BS400 device using commercial kit ABTS (2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and results are presented as mmol Trolox Equivalent(TE)/L. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26. The mean TAC of all beverages was 3.7 ± 1.4 mmolTE/L (.120–5.535 mmolTE/L), with the highest content of tea and coffee (4.3 ±.6 mmol TE/L) and the lowest carbonated beverages (1.4 ± 1.5 mmolTE/L) (p <.05). The overall results showed that all soft beverages have antioxidant activity; however, the right choice of soft beverages might contribute to the dietary TAC and increase fluid intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐sugar intake is a risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but less is known about its role in anxiety disorders. This systematic review aimed to systematically synthesise and assess the existing evidence regarding the association between dietary sugars intake and anxiety disorders. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycArticles and APA PsycINFO was conducted up to 19th August 2022. Study quality was assessed by the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale (NOS) and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Eleven studies (10 cross‐sectional and 1 randomised controlled trial [RCT]) were included. Seven cross‐sectional studies had very good quality or good quality, and the quality of the RCT was at low risk of bias. These studies examined sugar‐sweetened beverages (n = 7), sugar‐sweetened foods (n = 4) and/or added sugar (n = 5). The findings suggest a possible positive relationship of added sugar consumption with anxiety disorders, with age as a potential moderator in such association. No conclusions can be drawn on the associations between sugar‐sweetened beverages, sugar‐sweetened foods consumption and anxiety disorders. Due to the included studies being mostly cross‐sectional, the conclusions drawn from the existing evidence should be interpreted with caution. The longitudinal design is warranted to investigate any causal relationship and the potential mechanisms underlying these heterogeneous results. The potential difference in effect at different ages observed in this review should be further examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a primary public health goal in Thailand, but information on the characteristics of SSB consumers remains limited. This study aims to gain knowledge about the characteristics of SSB consumers in Thailand. Secondary analysis of survey data. The study used data from the Health Behaviour of Population Survey conducted by Thailand's National Statistics Office between February and May 2021. SSB consumption was sourced from a survey question about the consumption of prepackaged sugar-sweetened non-alcoholic beverages. The influence of demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, habitual, and health factors on mean daily intake and daily consumption was assessed using a two-part model and logistic regression analysis, respectively. Decomposition analysis was conducted to understand how the impact of these factors affecting SSB consumption varied across socioeconomic groups. Frequent SSB consumers exhibited various unhealthy behaviours, including smoking, unhealthy food consumption, low physical activity, and making food selections driven by appetitive motivations. Although higher socioeconomic status was associated with greater consumption of SSBs, it stabilised at elevated income levels. Increased SSB consumption in higher socioeconomic groups was linked to mixed eating habits, being overweight, and occasional drinking, while in lower socioeconomic groups, it was associated with unhealthy behaviours like smoking, regular alcohol drinking, appetitive food choices, and low physical activity. SSB consumption in Thailand is multifactorial, varying by socioeconomic status. These insights are crucial for policy formation aimed at reducing SSB consumption in the country. Policymakers should explore interventions that address overall unhealthy behaviours alongside those targeting overconsumption of SSBs. • A large, nationally representative dataset was analysed to explore the characteristics and determinants of those who consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in Thailand. • Higher socioeconomic status and unhealthy behaviours like smoking, unhealthy food consumption, and low physical activity are linked to increased SSB consumption. • Food choices influenced by appetitive motivations are associated with higher SSB consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine aspects of the home and neighborhood food environment as predictors of adolescent diet. Cross-sectional study. Research laboratory in Nebraska. Data drawn from the adolescent phase of a larger longitudinal study. Participants included 204 adolescents (mean age of 15.3 years) and caregivers. Independent variables included the home food environment assessed via a validated questionnaire and the neighborhood food environment assessed via geographic information system methods and in-person audits. Dietary outcome variables were assessed using the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating questionnaire and a 24-hour recall measure. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis. P < 0.05 indicated a significant predictor. Home fruit and vegetable availability predicted greater Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Healthy Eating Index score (P = 0.03), greater Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating-measured fruit and vegetable intake (P = 0.003), greater nutrient-dense food consumption (P = 0.01), and less fast-food intake (P = 0.02). Home fat and sweet availability positively predicted energy-dense, nutrient-poor food (P = 0.01), less healthful food (P < 0.001), and sugary food intake (P < 0.001). Convenience store counts positively predicted nutrient-dense food consumption (P = 0.04). Fast-food counts positively predicted sugary beverage consumption (P = 0.01). Findings suggest that, compared with the neighborhood food environment, the home food environment displays a greater number of associations with adolescent diet. Future research is needed to determine if the home food environment may act as a modifiable intervention target to address the elevated rates of adolescent obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To test whether countermarketing messages for sugary drinks lead to lower intentions to consume sugary drinks and less perceived weight stigma than health education messages. Methods. In August 2023, we conducted an online randomized controlled trial with US adults (n = 2169). We assessed the effect of countermarketing messages, health education messages, and neutral control messages on intentions to consume sugary drinks and perceived weight stigma. Results. Both countermarketing messages (Cohen d = −0.20) and health education messages (d = −0.35) led to lower intentions to consume sugary drinks than control messages (P s <.001). However, both types of messages elicited more perceived weight stigma than control messages (d s = 0.87 and 1.29, respectively; P s <.001). Countermarketing messages were less effective than health education messages at lowering intentions to consume sugary drinks (d for countermarketing vs health education = 0.14) but also elicited less perceived weight stigma than health education messages (d = −0.39; P s <.01). Conclusions. Countermarketing messages show promise for reducing sugary drink consumption while eliciting less weight stigma than health education messages, though they may need to be refined further to minimize weight stigma and maximize effectiveness. Clinical Trial Number. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05953194. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(12):1354–1364. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307853) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need of media communications to promote healthy hydration policies and environments that encourage water consumption to reduce sugar beverage health risks. Topics include effect of the widespread marketing of branded sugary beverages on public health, advice to early career public health advocates to design effective media advocacy campaigns, and findings of a study that evaluated U.S. media campaigns from 1886 to 2021.

• The dietary behavior of non-obese and obese pregnant women is different. • Ultra-processed dietary pattern was associated with increased gestational weight gain. • Sweet desserts and beverages promote excessive weight gain during pregnancy. • High beverage consumption was related to increased maternal and fetal weight gain. • Controlled sweetened beverage intake is a key target for pregnancy weight management. Diet during pregnancy is crucial to maternal metabolism and fetal development, so exploring the most potent food risk factor could improve maternal and child health. In this study, we investigated the diet and lifestyle of 833 healthy pregnant women in the second trimester from November 2020 to August 2021. Based on the Tianjin Antenatal Care System in China, we followed up with these women and recorded their gestational weight gain (GWG) and newborn birth weight. We conducted a dietary survey through FFQ based on the food groups recommended by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines and included common ultra-processed foods. We collected 219 semi-quantitative FFQs and 614 self-reported FFQs for analysis. According to the consumption frequency of 12 food groups, 4 dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis. We analyzed the associations of food energy, consumption frequency, and dietary patterns with GWG and birth weight, especially GWG in the first and second trimesters (f-GWG). The results showed that f-GWG was positively correlated with food energy. Beverage consumption was associated with f-GWG (r = 0.288, P =.026) in obese pregnant women. A dietary pattern that favors high consumption of ultra-processed foods (fried foods, baked desserts, and sweet beverages) was associated with increased GWGs. Non-obesity women with high consumption of baked desserts and sweet beverages had higher GWGs (P <.05). After adjusting for confounding factors (including total energy, physical activity, and sleep quality), only sweet beverage consumption was associated with f-GWG (β 0.498, 95%CI 0.153-0.843) and birth weight (β 0.124, 95%CI 0.009-0.240). Sweet beverage consumption is a key adjustable risk factor for prenatal care. Dietary survey was conducted through FFQ including the food recommended by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines and common ultra-processed foods. PCA extracted 4 dietary patterns from the 12 food groups. Women with an ultra-processed food dietary pattern gained more weight. Univariate analysis showed that baked desserts and sweet beverages were related to more weight gain. Multivariate analysis suggested higher sweet beverage consumption was associated with increased weight gain and birth weight. Abbreviations: FFQ, food frequency questionnaire; PCA, principal component analysis [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare dietary intakes between LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + college students. Participants: Participants were LGBTQ+ (n = 92) and non-LGBTQ+ (n = 491) college students. Methods: The 26-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire assessed intakes of added sugars, fiber, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and calcium. Percentage of participants meeting Dietary Guidelines for Americans were also computed. Multivariate ANCOVA assessed differences in dietary intake. Chi-square analyses assessed differences in proportions of LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + students meeting recommendations. Results: LGBTQ + students reported lower intakes of fiber, whole grains, fruit, and fruits and vegetables both including and excluding French fries (all p < 0.05). Fewer LGBTQ + students met recommendations for fruit (5.7%) compared to their non-LGBTQ + counterparts (14.2%; p =.03). Conclusions: LGBTQ + students report poorer indices of diet quality compared to non-LGBTQ + students. Health promotion programming efforts to improve these outcomes may need to be tailored differently for students who identify as LGBTQ+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Indicators of socioeconomic status (SES), such as education and occupational grade, are known to be associated with alcohol use but this has not been examined among individuals with a mental health problem. This study developed latent classes of SES, their associations with alcohol use, and examined the indirect effect via social support and neighbourhood environment. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey was conducted among participants with a mental health problem (N = 1,436). SES classes were determined using a range of indicators. Alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Social support and neighbourhood neighbourhood environment were measured using validated questionnaires. A latent class analysis was conducted to develop SES classes. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations of SES and alcohol use. Structural equation models tested indirect effects via social support and neighbourhood environment. Results: A four-class model of SES was best-fitting; "economically inactive,GCSE-level and lower educated,social renters", "intermediate/routine occupation,GCSE-level educated,mixed owner/renters", "retired, no formal education,homeowners", and "professional occupation,degree-level educated,homeowners". Compared to "professional occupation,degree-level educated, homeowners", SES classes were more likely to be non-drinkers; odds were highest for "economically inactive,GCSE-level and lower educated,social renters" (OR = 4.96,95%CI 3.10–7.93). "Retired, no formal education,homeowners" were less likely to be hazardous drinkers (OR = 0.35,95%CI 0.20–0.59). Associations between "economically inactive,GCSE-level and lower educated,social renters" and "retired, no formal education,homeowners" and non- and harmful drinking via social support and neighbourhood environment were significant. Conclusions: In contrast to the alcohol harms paradox, among individuals with a mental health problem, lower SES groups were more likely to be non-drinkers while no associations with harmful drinking were found. There is also a need to examine the alcohol harms paradox in the context of the area in which they live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On a global scale, the mental health consequences of eating habits among the general population are becoming a concern. Particular attention should be directed to the youthful population. Aims: Determine the relationship between university students' consumption of junk food and their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Method: University students were asked to complete: a demographic questionnaire, questions on junk food consumption, and depression anxiety stress scores (DASS-21). Body mass index measurements were taken. Logistic regressions were utilized to construct odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals to identify the association between university students' consumption of junk food and their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: There were (N = 509), 66% females and 34% males, mean age was (M = 18.1 ±.5) years participated in this study. Daily consumption of junk food was significantly linked to stress (odds ratio [OR], 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5−8.3), anxiety (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 6.2−20.1), and depression (OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 4.5−13.9). Conclusions: This is the first thorough study conducted in Egypt to examine the relationship between stress, anxiety, and depression, and junk food consumption among undergraduates at a private Egyptian university. Many college students struggle emotionally, and those who are emotionally troubled are more likely to participate in eating unhealthy food. Our research will be used to inform regional policies on adolescent nutrition and to create preventative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]