Changes In Dietary Patterns Research Articles

Nudging by Default or Boosting by Informational Disclosures on Healthy Food Choices: Experimental Comparison in the Context of a Created Online Supermarket App

Background Addressing worldwide obesity constitutes one of the major public health challenges of today. Changes in dietary patterns are urgently needed, and disciplines such as social marketing represent a powerful tool to influence food choice. Focus of the Article This article focuses on the behavioural change that occurs when consumers are faced with nudge by defaults or informational boost interventions. Research Questions Are default nudging and informational boost interventions effective tools in increasing the number of healthy food choices?. Importance to the Social Marketing Field This study expands the knowledge about tools that are under the social marketing domain that could fight against worldwide obesity by contrasting two techniques that, to our knowledge, have not been contrasted previously: nudging by default and increasing information to foster the selection of highly nutritional foods. Methods In this study, we experimentally compared two interventions within the framework of this field ( N = 108): nudging by default and informational boosting. In the nudge by default intervention, participants were confronted with a pre-established shopping cart composed of ten healthy products, and they had to freely decide whether they wanted the latest cart or to make their own. In the boost intervention, participants received nutritional information about the benefits of choosing healthy products and again could freely change their food selected. An application that simulated an online supermarket with real images from a Spanish store was expressly created for the study: the Decision Market app. Once the three measures (1) “base” (pre-test), (2) “nudge” (post-test a) and (3) “boost” (post-test b) were collected (measures 2 and 3 appeared in a random order), data analyses were performed via repeated measures factorial ANOVA with the number of healthy foods chosen as the dependent variable. Results Our results revealed effectiveness in the case of the default intervention but not in the case of the informational boosting condition. Additionally, those participants who prioritised health when purchasing were not influenced by default interventions to the same extent as those who prioritised price or taste. Recommendations for Research or Practice Our study contributes to the literature on nudging, and we highlight the potential effects of combining different strategies in the long term to address the obesity epidemic.

Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies and Changes in Dietary Patterns after Bariatric Surgery

Background: Nutrient deficiency and dietary restriction are common after bariatric surgery, regardless of weight loss. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative change in dietary patterns. Methods: 113 patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2018 to 2021 were followed up at baseline and three months after surgery. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected retrospectively, and the diet was analyzed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Postoperative weight, body mass index (BMI), and % body fat decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Prealbumin (PA) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels decreased significantly at 3 months post-surgery (p < 0.001); however, vitamin D (VD) , zinc, and albumin (ALB) levels increased (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin (HGB) in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) group was lower than that in the sleeve gastrectomy with jejunal bypass (SGJB) and the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) group (p < 0.05). The intake of cereals, tubers, legumes, meat, poultry, and aquatic products decreased (p < 0.001), whereas the intake of vegetables (except for soybeans), fruit, eggs, milk and dairy products, and water increased (p < 0.05). The RYGB group had a higher intake of cereals, tubers, and legumes than that in the other groups (p < 0.05), although there was no association between the reduction of intake in these food groups and weight loss. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery has a beneficial impact on weight loss and dietary patterns. Preoperative nutritional assessment and continuous follow-up are critical with bariatric surgery to prevent weight regain and malnutrition.

Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Water Footprints of Food Consumption in South Korea: A Decomposition Analysis.

South Korea faces severe water stress, as classified by the OECD, with changing dietary patterns significantly impacting water resources. To ensure water conservation and food security, it is crucial to understand the driving factors of the water footprint of food consumption (WFC). This study examined the WFC in South Korea from 2007 to 2023, focusing on how dietary choices impact water use and sustainability, and identified the key driving factors of changes in WFC. Using the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI), this study decomposed these drivers into water footprint intensity, dietary structure, average dietary intake per person, and population effect. Additionally, global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to measure the degree of spatial aggregation and distribution of WFC across administrative units. Results revealed a significant increase in WFC, from 27.6 km3 in 2007 to 34.7 km3 in 2023, with an average annual growth of 2%. Among the drivers, water footprint intensity contributed most to the increase in WFC, while average dietary intake per person led to a decrease. Cereals, meats and fish collectively account for more than 76% of the total WFC during the study period. The findings suggest that the drivers influencing the changes in WFC vary across administrative units, underscoring the need for tailored policies and strategies to promote sustainable food consumption practices that could conserve water resources in each administrative unit.

Dietary Patterns in Relation to Asthma and Wheeze Among Adolescents in a South African Rural Community

Background: The rise of asthma prevalence in recent decades has been attributed to changes in dietary patterns, especially in developing countries. Studies have also suggested that dietary patterns play an important role in both asthma development and management. This study aimed to investigate the association between consumption of various foods and environmental factors with asthma and wheeze among adolescents. Methods: A self-administered standardized International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, respiratory health, exposure to air pollution, and diet on n = 2855 adolescents residing in Vhembe District, South Africa. Results: The prevalence of asthma and wheeze were 18.91% and 37.69%, respectively. Consuming various foods such as fast foods (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.06–1.88), bread (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.45–1.81), pasta (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.06–1.84), seafood (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 0.65–1.24), and nuts (OR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.65–1.12) were significantly associated with asthma in the crude logistic regression analysis. Further analysis in the multiple regression model indicated a strong association of asthma with consumption of nuts (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.11–2.17), seafood (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.03–2.49), and cereal (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45–0.99). In relation to wheeze, consumption of meat (red) (OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60–0.99) was a protective factor in the crude analysis. The multiple logistic regression model showed that, seafood (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59–0.96), fruit (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32–0.94), nuts (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.50–2.66), and olive oil (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.09–2.00) were significantly associated with wheeze. Conclusion: Diet plays a major role in respiratory health, especially in asthma and wheeze. Dietary changes may play a role in reducing the burden of asthma and other respiratory symptoms in adolescents.

The role of genetic variations in metabolic syndrome: insights into etiology, diagnosis, and management

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interrelated conditions primarily driven by excessive caloric intake, physical inactivity, and excess abdominal fat. Core features include abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and elevated blood pressure. MetS is also closely associated with several comorbidities, such as a prothrombotic state, systemic inflammation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and reproductive abnormalities. Its global prevalence is rising rapidly, particularly in urbanized areas and developing nations, reflecting changing lifestyles and dietary patterns. This surge has significant public health implications, as individuals with MetS face a twofold higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and a fivefold increased likelihood of progressing to type 2 diabetes. Managing MetS requires a multifaceted approach, with lifestyle modification as the cornerstone. Sustainable weight loss, achieved through dietary changes, regular physical activity, and behavioral interventions, is essential. Concurrently, it is critical to address other cardiovascular risk factors aggressively, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, to mitigate long-term health complications. As the prevalence of MetS continues to grow, understanding its pathophysiology and implementing comprehensive management strategies are paramount to reducing its global burden and improving patient outcomes.

Potential for the use of nutraceuticals for hyperlipidemia correction

Lipid storage disorders are one of the risk factors for systemic atherosclerotic process development. One of important aspects of hyperlipidemia treatment is non-drug methods, including lifestyle changes and the use of nutraceuticals. Objective. To analyze current data on the efficacy and safety of the dietary food supplements use for hyperlipidemia correction. Materials and methods. Search and analysis of literature reviews and original articles from PubMed and eLibrary databases published between 2016 and May 2024 were performed. The following keywords were used: nutraceuticals, hyperlipidemia. A number of full-text publications equal 47 was selected. The review also presents primary sources covering studies of dietary food supplements dated earlier than 2016, as they contain valuable information. Results. Red yeast rice (monacolin), phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibers were used as functional food ingredients widely studied in hyperlipidemia. Efficacy of a given nutraceutical varies and is in the range of minus 5% to 25% of the baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Data on side effects, related to both the action of biologically active agent itself and the lack of standardization and presence of undesirable impurities in the composition were obtained. Conclusion. Change in dietary pattern for primary prevention can be used in persons with low/moderate or high cardiovascular risk in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ranging from 1.8 to 2.6 mmol/L in the absence of indications for taking statins and/or at doctor’s discretion. Despite the positive effects of nutraceuticals administration, it is important to remember that they cannot replace lipid-lowering therapy, but have the potential to reduce residual cardiovascular risk.

Change in dietary pattern of Agri commodities in the past six decades: Time-varying VAR approach

Change in dietary pattern of Agri commodities in the past six decades: Time-varying VAR approach

Hidden hunger: from a plant biologist's perspective.

In recent years, changes in dietary patterns from an omnivore diet to a moderate-to-restrictive diet that includes more plant food are becoming popular for various reasons and the associated health benefits. Despite the increased consumption of plant food as recommended by these seemingly healthy diets, micronutrient deficiency is still prevalent particularly among the health-conscious populations. The aim of this review is to help guide interventions by understanding micronutrient deficiency trends from a dietary habit and plant physiology context. In this review, the author discusses how modern agricultural practices coupled with climate change, and with particular emphasis on the extreme dietary habits that lack variation and excessive consumption, may contribute to an increased ingestion of antinutrients which in turn potentially exacerbate vitamin and mineral deficiencies. While plants possess a wide range of secondary metabolites that exert beneficial health effects, some of these compounds are also antinutrients that interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients and micronutrients. Furthermore, the article also raises questions concerning the fate of antinutrient traits in future crops that were to be redesigned with improved stress tolerance, and the impacts it may have on human nutrition and the environment. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Relation Between Food Intake Pattern, Body Weight Status and Severity of COVID 19 Infection in Benghazi, Libya

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) isolation has altered individuals’ food purchasing behavior and dietary intake patterns. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the changes in the nutritional status and body weight in relation to severity of the disease in Benghazi city during the COVID-19 lockdown. This cross-sectional study involved 206 young adults in Benghazi got previous infection. The changes in dietary intake patterns were assessed using the Dietary Diversity Questionnaire with slight modifications, while anthropometric measurements including body height, body weight before the pandemic and current body weight were self-reported. The analyzed by Chi square or T test at α< 0.05 for statistically differences. Overall, nearly one third of the respondents (48.8%) gained weight during the confinement, with an average increment of 4.06 ± 3.23 kg. The subjects reported consuming less fruits and 60.2% had higher plain water intake during the pandemic. It is observed that 41.0% to 66.8% of the young adults changed their dietary intake patterns during the pandemic. Decreased consumption of cereals and grains and other foods were associated with weight loss during the pandemic. On the contrary, an increased water and other soft drink intake were associated with weight gain during the lockdown (P< 0.05). The relation between degree of symptoms and body weight status revealed that with increased the diseases severity the body weight and BMI sharply increased (P< 0.05). Increase the severity of diseases associated with significant reduced food intakes. In spit body weight increased. Furthermore, decreased food intake have been noticed for all food stuffs and also dietary intake patterns changed.

Feeding- and Light-Cycle Synergistically Regulate Mouse Blood Pressure Daily Rhythm via Bmal1-Dependent and Independent Mechanisms.

Cardiovascular health requires the orchestration of the daily rhythm of blood pressure (BP), which responds to changes in light exposure and dietary patterns. Whether rhythmic light and feeding can modulate daily BP rhythm directly or via modulating intrinsic core clock gene Bmal1 is unknown. Using inducible global Bmal1 knockout mice (iBmal1KO), we explored the impact of rhythmic light, rhythmic feeding, or their combination on various physiological parameters. Daily rhythms of BP, heart rate, and locomotor activity were monitored via radiotelemetry, while food intake patterns were tracked using the BioDAQ system. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and energy expenditure (EE) were assessed through indirect calorimetry. In addition, spectrum analysis was employed to analyze spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability, and urinary norepinephrine excretion was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Neither rhythmic feeding nor rhythmic light alone was sufficient to reinstate the daily BP rhythm in arrhythmic iBmal1KO mice. However, combining the light and feeding cues in synchrony partially restored the daily BP rhythm. Interestingly, rhythmic feeding alone robustly reinstated RER and EE rhythms, even without rhythmic light. Similar to BP, the partial reinstatement of the daily rhythms in heart rate and locomotor activity was observed only when rhythmic light and feeding were applied in tandem. Rhythmic light by itself did not restore the light-dark phase difference in baroreflex sensitivity, urinary norepinephrine excretion, or the daily rhythm of heart rate variability. However, rhythmic feeding, alone or in combination with rhythmic light, successfully reinstated the light-dark phase differences in these parameters. In the absence of Bmal1, the synergy between rhythmic light and feeding can partially restore daily BP rhythm.

Genetic parameter analysis and evaluation of maize hybrids under local climatic condition of Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Genetic parameter analysis and evaluation of maize hybrids under local climatic condition of Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Species differences of fatty liver diseases: comparisons between human and feline.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most widespread chronic liver disease that poses significant threats to public health due to changes in dietary habits and lifestyle patterns. The transition from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) markedly increases the risk of developing cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure in patients. However, there is only one Food and Drug Administration-approved therapeutic drug in the world, and the clinical demand is huge. There is significant clinical heterogeneity among patients with NAFLD, and it is challenging to fully understand human NAFLD using only a single animal model. Interestingly, felines, like humans, are particularly prone to spontaneous fatty liver disease. This review summarized and compared the etiology, clinical features, pathological characteristics, and molecular pathogenesis between human fatty liver and feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL). We analyzed the key similarities and differences between those two species, aiming to provide theoretical foundations for developing effective strategies for the treatment of NAFLD in clinics.

The Impact of Chemotherapy on the Nutritional Status of Breast Cancer Patients.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Pakistani women. It is mostly diagnosed at stage 2, requiring chemotherapy in certain cases. Chemotherapy is of two types: adjuvant and neoadjuvant. It can be recommended at any stage of cancer, either in early stages to shrink the tumor or in late stages to improve quality of life. The side effects may include weight loss, fatigue, hair loss, sores in the mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, throat problems, diarrhea, infections, and anemia, which can deteriorate health. Some women may experience weight gain during treatment, which is a risk factor for cancer recurrence. Chemotherapy has many side effects that can directly affect dietary patterns and worsen nutritional status. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in dietary patterns of breast cancer patients during and after chemotherapy and assess how the side effects of chemotherapy affect their nutritional status. Data were collected from 200 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, using a questionnaire and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) screening tool. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information, questions about disease, treatment, and dietary recall. PG-SGA was used to screen for malnutrition and assess nutritional status. Data collection occurred from September to December 2023. Most participants were female (99%), married (73.5%), and of low socioeconomic status (60.5%). The common stage of cancer was stage 3, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was recommended for most participants. Effects on body weight varied, with some experiencing weight loss, others weight gain, and some no change. Side effects such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, altered taste and smell, and anemia were commonly reported. Most participants were moderately malnourished or suspected of malnutrition and needed intervention for symptom management. A majority (82%) were overweight or obese according to BMI, indicating a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Participants' dietary intake mainly consisted of carbohydrate- and protein-rich foods during treatment. The side effects of chemotherapy varied among patients. The impact on body weight also differed, with some experiencing weight loss, others weight gain, and some no change. Regarding nutritional status, most patients were moderately malnourished, while a few were severely malnourished.

Bioinformatics based exploration of the anti-NAFLD mechanism of Wang’s empirical formula via TLR4/NF-κB/COX2 pathway

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has developed as a leading public wellness challenge as a result of changes in dietary patterns. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of effective pharmacotherapy methods for NAFLD. Wang’s empirical formula (WSF) has demonstrated considerable clinical efficacy in treating metabolic disorders for years. Nevertheless, the protective effect of WSF against NAFLD and its underlying mechanism remains poorly understood.MethodsThe NAFLD model was established using a 17-week high-sucrose and high-fat (HSHF) diet with 32 ICR mice. In assessing the therapeutic efficacy of WSF on NAFLD, we detected changes in body weight, viscera weight, biomarkers of glycolipid metabolism in serum and liver, transaminase levels and histopathology of liver with H&E and Oil Red O staining after oral administration. The chemical components in WSF were extensively identified and gathered utilizing the HPLC-Q-TOF/MS system, database mining from HMDB, MassBank, and TCMSP databases, alongside literature searches from CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases. The forecast of network pharmacology approach was then utilized to investigate the probable mechanisms by which WSF improves NAFLD based on the performance of prospective target identification and pathway enrichment analysis. Besides, molecular docking was also conducted for the verification of combination activities between active components of WSF and core proteins related to NAFLD. In final, validation experiments of obtained pathways were conducted through ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blot (WB) analysis.ResultsPharmacodynamic outcomes indicated that WSF intervention effectively mitigated obesity, fat accumulation in organs, lipid metabolism disorders, abnormal transaminase levels and liver pathology injury in NAFLD mice (P < 0.05, 0.01). A total of 72 existent ingredients of WSF were acquired by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS and database, and 254 common targets (11.6% in total targets) of NAFLD and WSF were identified. Network pharmacology revealed that WSF presses NAFLD via modulating TNF, IL6, AKT1, IL1B, PTGS2 (COX2), and other targets, and the probable pathways were primarily inflammatory signaling pathways, as confirmed by molecular docking. Molecular biology experiments further conformed that WSF could decrease levels of inflammatory factors like IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.01) and expression of TLR4, NF-κB and COX-2 (P < 0.05, 0.01) in the liver.ConclusionWSF treatment effectively protects against lipid metabolism disorders and liver inflammation injury in HSHF diet-induced NAFLD mice, and its molecular mechanism might be via suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 inflammatory pathway to reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines in the liver.Graphical abstract

The Relationship Between Dietary Patterns and the Epidemiology of Food Allergy.

Food allergies are increasing globally, particularly in Asia; however, the etiologies of allergic diseases remain poorly understood despite comprehensive studies conducted across a variety of populations. Epidemiological research demonstrates that food allergy is more prevalent in Westernized or urbanized societies than in rural or developing ones. As such, comparing the distribution and patterns of food allergies as well as the environmental exposures between regions may provide insight into potential causal and protective factors of food allergy. Diet is an important exposome that has been shown to modulate the immune system both directly and indirectly via pathways involving the microbiota. Changes in dietary patterns, especially the shift to a Westernized diet with reduced dietary fiber and an abundance of processed foods, impact the gut and skin epithelial barrier and contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as food allergy. Although dietary intervention is believed to have tremendous potential as a strategy to promote immunological health, it is essential to recognize that diet is only one of many factors that have changed in urbanized societies. Other factors, such as pollution, microplastics, the use of medications like antibiotics, and exposure to biodiversity and animals, may also play significant roles, and further research is needed to determine which exposures are most critical for the development of food allergies.

Balancing Nutritional and Environmental Sustainability Through the Evaluation of the Water Footprint of the Recommended Italian, Spanish, and American Diets

Background/Objectives: The water footprint (WF) provides information on the impact of individual foods on water consumption, but to better direct food production toward water saving, we need to understand how to reduce the WF of our diets while keeping it healthy. In this study, we compared the WF of healthy diets based on national food-based dietary guidelines with the aim of highlighting changes in dietary patterns that could reduce water requirements without compromising nutritional adequacy. Methods: Three 2000 kcal/day dietary patterns were elaborated following the Italian, Spanish, and American dietary guidelines, and their total, green, blue, and grey WFs were calculated. Results: The Italian dietary pattern showed the lowest total WF (2806 L per capita/day), with the American and Spanish patterns being 8% and 10.5% higher, respectively. The food groups contributed differently to the total WF. In the USA, animal foods were the main contributor (56% versus 41% in Spain and 38% in Italy). The contribution of plant foods was higher in Italy (61%) than in Spain (54%) and the USA (38%). The distribution of the total WF between WFgreen, WFblue, and WFgrey was similar across the dietary patterns. Within each food group, and mainly in the animal-origin food group, the type of product significantly modulated the WF. Conclusions: Different diets can be equally nutritionally sustainable but have different impacts on environmental sustainability. The comparison of their WFs can be the starting point to promote dialogue between nutritionists, operators in the environmental sector, and the agri-food industry to ensure a healthy and balanced approach.

Associations of Dietary Intakes with Parkinson's Disease: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease, and the exact etiology of PD has not been fully elucidated. Changes in dietary patterns play an important role in the onset and progression of PD. However, the association between specific dietary factors and PD remains unclear. A total of 14,309 subjects from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007-2016) were included. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between 34 nutrients and PD. The regression model was adjusted for potential confounders and effect modifiers including age, gender, race, education, hypertension, and stroke. The data showed negative associations of the intake of protein (0.99 (0.98, 1.00), p = 0.018), fiber (0.96 (0.93, 0.99), p = 0.003), vitamin E (0.91 (0.86, 0.97), p = 0.005), copper (0.55 (0.36, 0.86), p = 0.009) with PD. Alpha carotene (p = 0.042), beta-carotene (p = 0.006), phosphorus (p = 0.018), magnesium (p = 0.002), sodium (p = 0.035), potassium (p = 0.001) had a potential negative correlation with PD. The intake of carbohydrate, sugars, fat, cholesterol, vitamin A, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein zeaxanthin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, caffeine, theobromine, alcohol was not associated with PD (p > 0.05). Some specific dietary elements are associated with PD, and supplementation of dietary elements may have potentially beneficial effects. However, the observed associations between dietary factors and PD may be influenced by changes in diet resulting from the disease itself, rather than diet influencing PD risk. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships and directionality.

Age-period-cohort modeling of oesophageal carcinoma risk in a middle eastern country: 1980-2019.

Understanding of the factors influencing oesophageal cancer trends is crucial. Therefore, this cross-sectional cohort study sought to disentangle the age, period and cohort effects on the trends of oesophageal cancer in Kuwait. The data on incident oesophageal carcinoma cases diagnosed between January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2019, and reference population were obtained. Age-period-cohort (APC) analysis was conducted using a loglinear Poisson regression model. A total of 496 oesophageal carcinoma cases in 12.8 million person-years (i.e. squamous-cell carcinoma, 269, 54.23%), adenocarcinoma,147, 29.64% and unspecified cases, 80,16.13%) were diagnosed. The overall age-standardized incidence rate (per 105 person-years) of oesophageal carcinoma during the study period was 10.51 (95% CI: 6.62-14.41). The APC analysis results showed that the age and birth cohort effects were the significant determinants of declining, and subsequently steadying the oesophageal carcinoma incidence rates. A substantial decline in oesophageal carcinoma incidence rates was recorded, which significantly varied in all three temporal dimensions. The observed birth cohort patterns suggest changing lifestyle and dietary patterns seem to be responsible for decreasing oesophageal carcinoma risk in Kuwait. Future studies may look for the component causes maintaining the endemicity of oesophageal carcinoma risk in this and similar countries in the region.

Exposure to Extreme Temperatures and Change in Dietary Patterns in Korea

Climate change has led to increased volatility in extreme temperatures, which poses a significant threat to human health. One way in which extreme temperatures impact health is through changes in dietary patterns, particularly food consumption and nutrient intake. This study uses a restricted-access version of 24 h dietary recall data from the 2018–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and meteorological data to examine the effect of heat and cold waves on food consumption and nutrient intake. The results suggest that cold waves increase individuals’ intake of key nutrients such as calories, protein, fat, saturated fat, and sodium. In contrast, heat waves have little to no significant effect on nutrient intake. Aside from the significant increase in the consumption of beer and chicken, the effects of heat or cold waves on overall food consumption are minimal. Depending on age and income level, cold and heat waves have different effects on food consumption and nutrient intake. This study suggests that temperature, particularly extreme heat and cold, plays a significant role in shaping individuals’ dietary patterns. Therefore, special attention is needed to maintain a balanced and healthy diet during extreme temperatures.

Assessment of chemical risks and benefits connected with macroalgae consumption.

Reducing animal-based food production and consumption due to environmental issues and undergoing upcoming changes in food dietary patterns is pushing European society to search for new protein sources. Consuming macroalgae (seaweed) is one of the possible solutions, and it is an exciting alternative for both sustainability and consumers' health. The aim of this work, implemented under the EU-FORA fellowship programme, was to evaluate the current and projected consumption of macroalgae in terms of possible beneficial and detrimental effects on consumers. The risk-benefit assessment methodology was selected as a tool for this task, and a broad range of qualitative analyses of raw material composition (e.g. fatty acids, micro-, macroelements, heavy metals, biogenic amines). The current levels of macroalgae consumption in the EU are deficient; therefore, alternate scenarios using data from other countries and substitution scenarios are needed. Iodine turned out to be the most pivotal constituent - on the one hand; it is an element essential for life, often fortified in foods like milk or salt; on the other, its overdosing leads to serious thyroid complications. A very high variance in iodine levels between algal species was observed; therefore, it was suggested that this valuable knowledge is helpful in dietary recommendations.