Changes In Dietary Patterns Research Articles

Orthodontic Pain and Dietary Impact Considering Age Groups: A Comparative Study.

(1) Background: orthodontic treatment can frequently be associated with discomfort and pain, a significant factor contributing to treatment discontinuation. (2) Methods: This study, conducted on 160 orthodontic patients across different age groups, aimed to explore the influence of age on patients' responses to treatment, particularly regarding changes in dietary patterns and weight loss. The patients were categorized into three age groups and assessed through a questionnaire about pain perception, pain latency, dietary changes, and weight loss associated with orthodontic appliances. (3) Results: Younger patients (6-12 years) reported lower pain levels, shorter pain latency and fewer alterations in dietary habits compared to adults (over 18 years). Females over 18 represented a significant portion of the sample, suggesting a self-driven inclination towards orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons. Fixed orthodontic appliances induced more significant pain than removable ones. Adults experienced more changes in dietary habits and weight loss than younger individuals. (4) Conclusions: the results provide valuable insights for orthodontic practitioners aiming to mitigate adverse effects and improve overall patient experience during treatment.

Infants’ Dietary Pattern Characterized by Ultraprocessed Foods Is Associated With Rapid Weight Gain and Overweight/Obesity Risk: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2018

BackgroundGlobal trends toward childhood obesity have been associated with several factors, including suboptimal infant feeding practices, the increasing availability of ultraprocessed foods in the world's food supply, and the corresponding changes in children's dietary patterns. ObjectiveTo describe infants’ dietary patterns and assess their associations with weight status outcomes in a nationally representative sample of US infants. DesignCross-sectional analyses were performed on data collected from infants participating in the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants/settingParticipants included 744 infants aged 6 to 12 months who had data from at least 1 day of valid 24-hour dietary recall data. Main outcome measuresRapid weight gain and overweight/obesity risk. Statistical analyses performedPrincipal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns considering the energy intake of 39 Nova food subgroups (expressed in calories per day), including breast milk. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsA total of 42% infants experienced rapid weight gain, and 33% were at risk of overweight/obesity. Most infants (65.5%) were started on solid foods early. Three main dietary patterns were derived. The first pattern, labeled Natural or Minimally Processed Foods, had positive loadings for a variety of natural or minimally processed foods, some processed culinary ingredients, and a few processed and ultraprocessed foods. The second pattern, labeled Infant Formula, had high negative loading for breast milk, and high positive loading for infant formula and breakfast cereal. The third pattern, labeled Ultraprocessed Foods, had negative loadings for natural or minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients, positive loadings for other processed foods and for a variety of ultraprocessed foods, and negative loading for infant formula. Infants who adhere to the Ultraprocessed Foods dietary pattern were more likely to present rapid weight gain (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5) and overweight/obesity risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.4). ConclusionsHigher adherence to a dietary pattern characterized by ultraprocessed foods was associated with a greater likelihood of both rapid weight gain and overweight/obesity risk early in life. Promoting breastfeeding and increasing consumption of unprocessed/minimally processed foods during early infancy while restricting ultraprocessed foods are key components to reducing the growing burden of childhood obesity.

Determinants of body weight changes during Ramadan fasting in India amid COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) presents unique challenges and opportunities for public health and clinical practice, especially in populations with a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases. This study aims to investigate the impact of RIF on weight change among Indian Muslims and explore the associated demographic, dietary, and behavioral factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of Indian Muslim adults who observed RIF. Participants were asked to report their demographic information, family and personal health history, and dietary and lifestyle behaviors before and during Ramadan month. The primary outcome was body weight change, with secondary outcomes including changes in dietary patterns, physical activity, and other health-related lifestyle behaviors. The study found that during Ramadan, nearly half of the participants (48.5%) self-reported a retained initial weight, while a significant fraction (30.9%) self-reported a modest weight reduction between 0.5 to 2.5 kg at the end of Ramadan. Additionally, self-reported eating practices demonstrated moderately altered by about half (48.4%) of the study participants, with 32.2% reporting minor changes and 8.2% indicating substantial changes. An urban residence was associated with a higher likelihood of weight gain, where urban residents showed 3 times the odds of increased weight compared to rural inhabitants. Employment status emerged as a significant determinant for weight fluctuation, influencing both weight gain and loss. During Ramadan, there was a significant rise in snacking frequency, increasing from 21.7% to 32.6% in comparison with pre-Ramadan. The consumption of large quantities of food more frequently grew from 14.9% to 36%, and the incidence of eating despite not being hungry went up from 17.4% to 33.2%. The study demonstrates that RIF is associated with variable changes in body weight among adult Indian Muslims, influenced by urbanization, employment status, and dietary changes. The findings suggest that clinicians should provide tailored advice about body weight regulation during Ramadan and consider integrating community-based health initiatives within religious settings to improve health outcomes.

Nutrition classification schemes for plant-based meat analogues: Drivers to assess nutritional quality and identity profile

Changes in dietary patterns promoted by the emergence of alternative food systems are becoming increasingly common. The decrease in the consumption of animal-derived products promoted exponential growth in plant-based product demand and, consequently, the availability of several meat analogues for this consumer market. Plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) were developed to mimic the physical and sensory characteristics of meats and their derivatives. Therefore, the composition of these products has been studied in some countries as an attempt to evaluate their nutritional quality in comparison with that of traditional meat products. The main aim of this study was to employ different Nutrition Classification Schemes (NCSs) to assess the nutritional quality of plant-based meat and to discuss the application of one or more NCSs in defining the identity and quality profile of these foods. Five NCSs were used: three nutrient-based (Nutri-Score; Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) from Brazil; NPM from PAHO); one food-based (NOVA classification); and one hybrid (Plant-Based Nutrient Profile Model). The nutritional composition and ingredients were collected from labels of 349 PBMAs; 117 were classified as burgers, and 182 products employed soy as the main protein ingredient. The use of different NCSs is strategic for PBMAs’ nutritional quality evaluation, and the Nutri-Score was able to show the effectiveness of differentiating products as having poor nutritional quality. In this way, the employment of NPM from Brazil is recommended as a driver for PBMAs choices, especially due to the excellent agreement between the Nutri-Score and NPM from Brazil for burgers.

Effectiveness of Trans-Theoretical Model-Based Health Education Intervention in the Promotion of Lifestyle Changes among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Evidence revealed that, 60% of deaths in the underdeveloped nations are linked to adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. The Trans-theoretical Model (TTM) has been considered a useful interventional approach in smoking cessation, drug addiction and weight control. However, its effectiveness in improving changes in dietary pattern, physical activity and alcohol consumption has not been reported. The study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the TTM-based health education intervention in the promotion of lifestyle changes among adults with metabolic syndrome. This was an experimental design where 352 participants with metabolic syndrome were allocated to intervention and control groups. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard CVD care or a TTM stage-based lifestyle modification intervention for 12-months. Lifestyle patterns were assessed at baseline and endpoint. The mean difference of the subtotal TTM concept scores between pre and post intervention was evaluated using paired t-test. The chi-square test of independence was used to detect between group differences in the categorical data. Most of the participants were in the pre-action stage of change for their dietary intake patterns and physical activity habits at the baseline assessment with no difference between the groups. The intervention group's total level of change toward adopting a healthy lifestyle was markedly (p < 0.001) improved than the control group at the endpoint. The mean scores for the intervention group's stage of change, self-efficacy, and pros and cons of decisional balance all improved significantly (p < 0.001) from the baseline. The mean scores for the control group's pros and cons of decisional balance and stage of change also considerably (p < 0.05) improved from baseline to the endpoint. The TTM- based health education intervention was effective in improving the participants' lifestyles that includes diet and physical activity. Health care providers, particularly nurses should implement TTM staged-matched educational intervention for individuals who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Lived experiences of type 2 diabetes patients in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia: A phenomenology study

Objective: To explore lived experiences of type 2 diabetes patients in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Methodology: This descriptive phenomenology study recruited seven participants at Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital through purposive sampling. Data were collected from April to June 2021 by in-depth interviews using a voice recorder and analyzed according to Colaizzi method. Results: There were four main themes and nine theme clusters, including having complications (in the eyes, heart, as well as brain and nerves), emotional responses (psychological stress, and unstable emotions), changes in dietary patterns (setting a healthy diet, and feeling sad about changing diet pattern), and changes in activity patterns (start exercising, and reduce energy expenditure). Conclusion: Participants experienced difficulties in adapting to a new lifestyle that targeted type 2 diabetes treatment. Therefore, healthcare providers should provide support for effective lifestyle changes.

Chronic exposure to parabens promotes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in association with the changes of the gut microbiota and lipid metabolism.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a serious public health issue due to changing dietary patterns and composition. However, the relationship between NAFLD occurrence and food additives, such as preservatives, remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of parabens, namely methylparaben (MeP) and ethylparaben (EtP), in relation to NAFLD occurrence in mice under different dietary conditions. Exposure to MeP and EtP exacerbated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, higher serum lipid concentrations, and fat accumulation by upregulating genes involved in lipid metabolism. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism was the top enriched pathway upon MeP and EtP exposure in the presence of HFD. 11,12-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET) was the most abundant AA metabolite and was significantly reduced upon exposure to MeP or EtP. Moreover, an integrative analysis of differential fecal taxa at the genus level and serum AA metabolites revealed significant associations. In addition, MeP and EtP enhanced lipid accumulation in AML12 cells and HepG2 cells cultured with oleic acid. 11,12-EET supplementation could significantly alleviate lipid accumulation by suppressing the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins. The present study suggests that chronic exposure to MeP and EtP promoted NAFLD via gut microbiota-dependent AA metabolism. These results highlight the need for reducing oral exposure to synthetic preservatives to improve metabolic disturbance under HFD conditions.

An analysis of the relationship between dietary pattern changes and temporomandibular joint inflammation in diabetic rats.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the most commonly used joint in the human body. Recent studies have shown pathologic relationships between inflammation, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Chewing disorder is a significant sign of dysfunction in the masticatory system. This study investigated dietary pattern changes in response to TMJ inflammation in diabetic rats. This experimental study was carried out on 30 male rats. The rats were fed concentrated 20-mg dietary tablets. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was used to induce TMJ inflammation and streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetes. The animals were randomly divided into three groups (n=10), including group I (CFA+STZ), group II (healthy rats+CFA), and group III (healthy rats, no injection). Parameters such as overall food intake, food intake duration, food intake frequency, and the interval between meals were recorded in a checklist and analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P<0.05). The results showed no significant difference between groups in overall food intake and food intake frequency on days 0 and 1, but this difference was significant from day 2 to day 7. Regarding the time and end of food intake, there was a significant difference between the three groups from day 1 to day 7, but this difference was not significant on day zero. Dietary pattern changes were similar in the diabetic TMJ inflammation and TMJ inflammation groups. These changes can be used as a behavioral marker for TMJ inflammation in rats.

Post COVID shift in BMI with special reference to dietary and behavioural pattern among adolescents: a school based study

Background: Covid-19 was a life altering pandemic leading to children getting restricted indoors with online education. This led to a change in dietary and socio-behavioral pattern. Aim were to assess change in post-Covid BMI in comparison to pre-Covid BMI among adolescents and to determine post-Covid dietary and sleeping habits, screen time, physical activity, psycho-behavioral pattern using a structured questionnaire. Methods: This study was conducted among 108 adolescent and mother dyads studying in a higher secondary school, during November 2022 to March 2023 using a pre-structured questionnaire. Anthropometry measurements were taken and compared with pre-Covid data available in the medical records. Using SPSS 21, analysis was done and association determined using Chi square test (p&lt;0.05 significant). Results: M:F ratio was 1:0.9. Among dietary pattern compared to pre-Covid 54.6% had increase quantity of food intake, of which 83.05% had increase consumption of JUNCS. 68.5% reported disturbances in sleep pattern. Increase in screen time for non-academic is 74% and 51.9% for academic purposes. 49% preferred leisure activity, 25% preferred moderate and 25.9% preferred vigorous physical activity. 60.1% experienced signs of anxiety. On comparison of pre and post-Covid BMI showed that there was an increase in overweight from 22.2% to 37.9% and obesity from 2.8% to 6.5% and was statistically significant. Conclusions: There were significant changes in the lifestyle pattern with a double fold increase in overweight and obesity in the post-Covid assessment. This is an eyeopener regarding future burden of non-communicable disease and a warning to impart healthy lifestyle.

Characteristics and related factors of waterborne and foodborne infectious disease outbreaks before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (2017-2021) in the Republic of Korea: a descriptive study.

The incidence of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases (WFIDs) continues to increase annually, attracting significant global attention. This study examined trends in WFID outbreaks in the Republic of Korea over the 5-year period before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and provided foundational data to establish measures for the prevention and control of WFID outbreaks. We analyzed 2,541 WFID outbreaks from 2017 to 2021 (42,805 cases) that were reported through the Integrated Disease Surveillance System of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Outbreaks were defined as the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms in ≥2 individuals within a group with temporal and regional epidemiological associations. The related factors associated with WFID outbreaks during the observation period were statistically analyzed. The total number of WFID outbreaks significantly decreased in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased to the pre-pandemic level in 2021. Different patterns were observed for each pathogen. The incidence of Salmonella outbreaks more than doubled, while norovirus outbreaks decreased significantly. WFID outbreaks in the Republic of Korea showed different patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced by infection control measures and changes in dietary consumption patterns. Outbreaks of some diseases increased, but the infection control measures applied during the pandemic resulted in a significant decrease in the overall number of WFID outbreaks. This highlights the importance of strengthening the management strategies for outbreak prevention through hygiene inspections, long-term monitoring, education, and promotion by conducting multidimensional analyses to understand the complex related factors.

Evaluation of weight alteration in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in KIST dental hospital

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic treatment is the most favored treatment of choice of young individuals nowadays who are motivated by a desire to improve appearance.1 Fixed orthodontic treatment usually takes around 1½ to 3 years for its completion and during this duration many dietary restrictions and modifications are advised.2 The changes in dietary patterns might result in an increase or decrease in weight. This present study is conducted to assess the amount of weight loss in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: The height and weight of the study population was measured using stadiometer and digital weighing scale respectively. BMI of each individual was calculated. These measurements were taken three times in the duration of the study; first measurement collected pretreatment, second measurement in 1st follow up after starting of fixed orthodontic treatment and the third measurement will be collected in 2nd follow up i.e. after 2 months. The results were tabulated and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS). The mean changes between different parameters in three visits were compared. Results: When we compared the pretreatment weight and weight at 1st follow up statistically significant difference was observed. Similarly, the difference in pretreatment weight and weight at 3rd follow up was found statistically significant. The difference in pretreatment BMI and BMI at 2nd follow up was statistically not significant. Similarly the difference in pretreatment BMI and BMI at 3rd follow up was also statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study confirms the reduction in weight seen in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment in the first month after initiation of treatment. If the nutritional demand and the intake can be monitored during the treatment, proper health can also be maintained for a long run along with the proper treatment outcome.

Dietary Polyphenols-Natural Bioactive Compounds with Potential for Preventing and Treating Some Allergic Conditions.

In light of the constantly increasing prevalence of allergic diseases, changes in dietary patterns have been suggested as a plausible environmental explanation for the development and progression of these diseases. Nowadays, much attention has been paid to the development of dietary interventions using natural substances with anti-allergy activities. In this respect, dietary polyphenols have been studied extensively as one of the most prominent natural bioactive compounds with well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms underlying the potential anti-allergic actions of polyphenols related to their ability to reduce protein allergenicity, regulate immune response, and gut microbiome modification; however, these issues need to be elucidated in detail. This paper reviews the current evidence from experimental and clinical studies confirming that various polyphenols such as quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, catechins, and many others could attenuate allergic inflammation, alleviate the symptoms of food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, and prevent the development of allergic immune response. Conclusively, dietary polyphenols are endowed with great anti-allergic potential and therefore could be used either for preventive approaches or therapeutic interventions in relation to allergic diseases. Limitations in studying and widespread use of polyphenols as well as future research directions are also discussed.

No More Cattle?

Anthropogenic climate change is undeniably altering planet Earth, and agricultural emissions are a significant contributor to this crisis. Agriculture, specifically cattle farming, is a key emitter of GHG emissions, accounting for 14.5% of global GHG emissions. This paper thus asks, given that cattle farming contributes a significant amount of total global GHG emissions, if the elimination of cattle farming in the EU is a sustainable way to reduce total GHG emissions. This paper explores the sustainability of cattle farming in the EU and highlights the vital role that EU cattle farming plays in the EU economy and in meeting the global food supply. It also explores the role that beef consumption plays in human diets. By researching the available literature, this paper finds that the complete elimination of cattle farming in the EU would have devastating effects on the EU economy and would leave the global food demand largely unmet. Not to mention that the environmental benefits of eliminating cattle farming become less significant when accounting for the emissions of new economic activity on ex-cattle grazing lands. Thus, this paper highlights the importance of improving cattle management and changing dietary patterns to mitigate GHG emissions in the context of a worsening climate and an increasing global food demand that must be met.

Effect of Nutrition Education on Health Science University Students to Improve Cardiometabolic Profile and Inflammatory Status.

The inadequate lifestyle associated with university life may have a negative impact on various cardiometabolic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a one-year nutrition education course on cardiometabolic parameters in undergraduate health science students. During the 2021-22 academic year, 1.30 h nutrition sessions were conducted twice a week. Capillary blood samples were collected and centrifuged to measure cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in serum. The sample studied consisted of 49 students: 20.4% male and 79.6% female. The nutritional intervention resulted in changes in dietary patterns, with increased consumption of vegetables, nuts and legumes. After the course, females showed an increase in HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.007) and no change in LDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.189). On the other hand, males showed significant changes in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.043) levels. The atherogenic index was also significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in both males (p = 0.009) and females (p = 0.002). Differences were also observed in the increase in vitamin D levels in both males and females, although the magnitude of the increase was greater in the men (Δ = 7.94, p = 0.016 in men vs. Δ = 4.96, p = 0.001 in women). The monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR) showed a significant reduction, although these differences were only significant in males. Students with low vitamin D levels had higher LDL-cholesterol values (p = 0.01) and atherogenic index (p = 0.029). Adjusted linear regression analysis showed a significant association between post-course vitamin D MHR (β = -0.42, IC: -0.29, -0.06, p < 0.01). These findings suggest the importance of including nutrition education programs during the university stage for the prevention of long-term health problems.

Application of Umami Tastants for Sodium Reduction in Food: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review.

Sodium chloride intake far exceeds the guidelines from health and regulatory agencies. Acknowledging the positive relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure, interest in substances that assist in sodium reduction, while contributing a savory taste such as umami, are highly investigated. The objective of this scoping review was to identify and characterize studies investigating umami tastants on sodium reduction in food, with the goal of informing future research. A literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBSCO PsycInfo, PROSPERO, National Institutes of Health RePORTER, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and completed in March 2022 to identify peer-reviewed publications among adults (18 years and older) with interventions focusing on umami tastants to reduce sodium content. The literature search identified 52 studies, among which monosodium glutamate was the most studied umami tastant or food. Furthermore, most of the research on umami was represented through cross-sectional sensory studies to determine acceptability of foods with part of the original sodium chloride replaced with umami tastants. Only 1 study investigated the use of an umami tastant on overall daily sodium intake. To assist individuals in adhering to sodium reduction intake goals set forth by regulatory agencies and their guiding policies, these findings indicated that additional research on umami tastants, including systematic reviews and prospective trials, is warranted. In these prospective studies, both intermediate outcomes (ie, dietary pattern changes, daily dietary intake of sodium, and blood pressure) and hard outcomes (ie, incidence of hypertension or stroke, as well as cardiovascular composite outcomes) should be considered.

Consumption and perceptions associated with Nutri-Cereals: Major, minor, and pseudo millets—A study of urban households in Delhi, India

Worldwide, millets, also known as nutri-cereals are regarded as nutritionally rich grains, but they are less explored. Millet grains have nutrient-dense properties and immense health benefits to offer. The emphasis on nutri-cereals is particularly relevant in the case of urban population due to changing dietary patterns and rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. The millet-based foods can play a crucial role in providing health benefits to urban communities facing such health challenges. To understand the consumption pattern and associated factors in the urban context, a cross-sectional study was conducted covering 574 middle-income households in different localities of Delhi, India. It was found that consumption of nutri-cereals was substantially lower, except for pearl millet and buckwheat. Most nutri-cereals, including finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet, little millet, amaranth, and sorghum, had a consumption rate below 50% (ever consumed), indicating their limited inclusion in household diets. The two prominent factors associated with household millet consumption include the health benefits and cultural significance of these nutri-cereals, as well as the practice of cooking and serving them at home, along with other health considerations.

A study on prevalence and socio demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity among high school children of Raichur city

Background: Overweight/obesity among children is an emerging public health problem in our country. Overweight/obesity is a form of development-driven malnutrition that is emerging among all ages and socio-economic groups. Childhood overweight/obesity is a risk factor for later adult diseases and is associated with impaired health during childhood itself which may continue untreated for many years. The belief that overweight/obesity was the problem of developed countries alone is no longer true. India is one of the developing countries showing emerging and rising trends of overweight/obesity. Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken in high schools of Raichur city. Data was collected by interviewing 1900 study subjects using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and by physical examination. The data was analyzed using percentages, proportions, odds ratio and Chi-square test with the help of Epi Info 7 software. Results: Prevalence of overweight and obesity among high school children of Raichur city was found to be 4.57% and 5.11% respectively. Significant association of overweight/obesity was found with gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, parent’s education, type of diet and physical exercise. Conclusions: Considering association of overweight/obesity with various risk factors, preventive measures like lifestyle modifications, changes in dietary pattern and regular exercise should be promoted in these age group children.

Antidiabetic Potential of Vitex mombassae Fruits Extract in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat Model

Besides changes in life styles and improper dietary patterns, the rapidly increasing burden of diabetes mellitus type 2 is correlated with antidiabetic agents currently in clinical use, which are costly, less effective, and present undesirable side effects. Natural products from plants are promising alternative sources for developing more effective and cost friendly antidiabetic agents. This study therefore investigated the antidiabetic potential of Vitex mombassae fruits extract (VMFE) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Oral acute toxicity test was conducted in male Wistar rat using up and down method by following OECD Guideline 423 (2002). No clinical signs of toxicity were observed at 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) doses used in the assays. The LD50 value was estimated to be ˃ 2000 mg/kg b.w. In evaluation of antidiabetic activity, diabetic Wistar rats were administered with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b.w. of VMFE. VMFE resulting into significant lowering of the levels of fasting blood glucose (p &lt; 0.05) and increased of level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were reduced significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Therefore, this study provides scientific evidence for antidiabetic activities of V. mombassae fruits extracts, and validates its traditional use in the management of diabetes mellitus type 2.

Diet-related greenhouse gases emissions according to individual readiness to reduce meat consumption

Abstract Background Reducing greenhouse gases emissions (GHGe) requires drastic changes in dietary patterns, notably reducing meat consumption. As the process of change can be experienced as stages, we might wonder what actual changes in diet-related GHGe result from each stage of meat reduction. We therefore aimed to describe levels of diet-related GHGe and their change over time according to the individual readiness to reduce meat consumption. Methods Food consumptions of 13,635 non-vegetarian French adults participating in the NutriNet-Santé Cohort were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at two time points, in 2014 and 2018. Diet-related GHGe were assessed using life cycle assessment. A questionnaire in 2018 allowed us to characterize participants by their level of readiness to reduce meat consumption, using the stages of change from the transtheoretical model: precontemplation, contemplation/preparation, action, maintenance. Energy-adjusted diet-related GHGe were compared according to stages in 2014 and 2018 using ANCOVA and compared over time using Student test. Dietary intakes and their contribution to diet-related GHGe were also described. Results Individuals in the maintenance stage had the lowest diet-related GHGe, with an average of 3.73 kg CO2eq/day (SEM=0.02) in 2018, representing a difference of -26% compared to the precontemplation stage. Only participants in the action and the maintenance stages decreased their diet-related GHGe over time (both p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Specifically, GHGe from ruminant and monogastric meat (e.g. pork, chicken) decreased over time for the last two stages (all p &amp;lt; 0.0001), while their GHGe from cheese increased. Conclusions The last two stages of meat reduction resulted in a reduction of diet-related GHGe. As this reduction is not sufficient to meet GHGe reduction objectives, further efforts are needed and new levers, combined with public health guidelines must emerge to enhance the transition. Key messages • Individuals with higher readiness to reduce meat consumption actually reduce their overall GHGe, mostly due to reduced consumption of ruminant meat, but also pork and poultry. • Observed reduction in diet-related GHGe is not yet sufficient to meet GHGe reduction objectives and further efforts are required.

Dietary shifts drive the slowdown of declining methylmercury related health risk in China

Chinese population suffers severe health risk from dietary methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. However, the temporal change of such risk and socioeconomic driving factors remain unknown. This study investigates this issue by compiling time-series inventory of China's MeHg-related health risk at the provincial scale and revealing critical socioeconomic influencing factors through structural decomposition analysis. Results show that the per-fetus IQ decrements from dietary MeHg exposure have declined by 60% nationally during 2004–2019. Such decline results from the joint effects of dietary shifts (contributing 44%) and the decrease of MeHg concentrations in foods consumed (contributing 56%). However, the declining trend has slowed down since 2014 and even leveled off after 2016, which is mainly affected by dietary pattern changes. Especially, the increased intake level and proportion of fishes in underdeveloped provinces of China have dominated the slowdown of declining trend after 2016. Moreover, the affluence and education levels have significantly negative associations with per-fetus IQ decrements. Rich and well-educated people have higher ability of risk perception, which indicates the importance of rational consumption patterns. Our findings can help develop socioeconomic regulatory policies on reducing per-fetus IQ decrements from dietary MeHg exposure in China.