Consumption Of Cheese Research Articles

Dairy Consumption and the Colonic Mucosa-Associated Gut Microbiota in Humans—A Preliminary Investigation

Background: Dairy consumption has been associated with various health outcomes that may be mediated by changes in gut microbiota. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the colonic mucosa-associated gut microbiota and the self-reported intake of total dairy, milk, cheese, and yogurt. A total of 97 colonic mucosal biopsies collected from 34 polyp-free individuals were analyzed. Dairy consumption in the past year was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The 16S rRNA gene V4 region was amplified and sequenced. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) classification was performed using the UPARSE and SILVA databases. OTU diversity and relative abundance were compared between lower vs. higher dairy consumption groups. Multivariable negative binomial regression models for panel data were used to estimate the incidence rate ratio and 95% confidence interval for bacterial counts and dairy consumption. False discovery rate-adjusted p values (q value) < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Higher total dairy and milk consumption and lower cheese consumption were associated with higher alpha microbial diversity (adjusted p values < 0.05). Higher total dairy and milk consumption was also associated with higher relative abundance of Faecalibacterium. Higher milk consumption was associated with higher relative abundance of Akkermansia. Higher total dairy and cheese consumption was associated with lower relative abundance of Bacteroides. Conclusions: Dairy consumption may influence host health by modulating the structure and composition of the colonic adherent gut microbiota.

Biomarker Assessment of Cheese Intake and Stroke Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

This study explores the association of cheese consumption with stroke using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, which leverages genetic variations to minimize confounding. The study analyzed the impact of cheese cheese dietary habits on stroke, mediated by 44 biomarkers, including blood cells, biochemical markers, and blood pressure indicators. The findings show that cheese consumption is associated with lower stroke risk (OR = 0.715, P = 0.000279). Seven key biomarkers were identified as intermediaries in this relationship: apolipoprotein B (1.70%), aspartate aminotransferase (1.68%), cystatin C (2.50%), glucose (4.40%), sex hormone binding globulin (2.14%), urate (3.70%), and diastolic blood pressure (11.94%). These biomarkers help explain the biological pathways through which cheese intake may influence stroke risk, with diastolic blood pressure contributing the most to the protective effect. Despite these findings, the study notes limitations, such as the absence of specific data on cheese types and the emphasis on individuals of European ancestry may restrict the applicability of the findings to broader populations. Further research is required to validate these results and clarify the underlying mechanisms of the identified biomarkers in stroke prevention.

Association between dairy product intake and prevalence of dental caries in 3-year-old Japanese children.

Epidemiologic evidence on the association between intake of milk and dairy products and dental caries is limited, particularly in Asia. This cross-sectional study examined the association between the consumption of milk and dairy products and dental caries among Japanese children aged 3 years. The study subjects were 6221 children. Parents or guardians completed a questionnaire, including a self-administered food frequency questionnaire for children. Dentists assessed dental caries, and these data were recorded in each child's maternal and child health handbook. Parents or guardians transcribed these data from the handbook to our questionnaire. Children were classified as having dental caries if they had one or more decayed or filled primary teeth. Associations with dental caries were assessed using logistic regression analysis with adjustments in demographics, dietary and lifestyle factors, and parental socioeconomic status. The prevalence of dental caries was 14.6%. Intakes of milk, cheese, and yogurt were associated with 21%, 26%, and 35% decreases, respectively, in the odds of the prevalence of dental caries (p = 0.02, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively), whereas the intake of other dairy products, such as probiotic milk, ice cream, or custard pudding, was associated with a 2.3-fold increase in the odds of the prevalence of dental caries (p < 0.0001). There was no association between intake of total dairy products and dental caries. Consumption of milk, cheese, or yogurt had a beneficial effect on childhood dental caries, even in Japan where people consume relatively less milk and dairy products.

Enhanced production of recombinant calf chymosin in Kluyveromyces lactis via CRISPR-Cas9 engineering.

As an important industrial enzyme, chymosin has been widely used in cheese manufacturing. Fermentation with Kluyveromyces lactis has allowed recombinant chymosin production to fit the growing global demand for cheese consumption; yet improvements can be made to allow for stable and larger-scale production. In this work, various chymosin producing (CP) strains were constructed via targeted chromosomal integration of various copies of a prochymosin expression cassette (PEC) using a CRISPR-Cas9 platform optimized for K. lactis. It enabled the demonstration that chymosin yields could be increased along with gradual chromosomal accumulation of PEC inserts within up to 3 copies. Finally, an optimal CP3i strain was constructed, and with which high yields of recombinant chymosin were attained, reaching ca. 1,200 SU/mL in shake-flask fermentation and ca. 28,000 SU/mL in batch-mode bioreaction, respectively. The activity of the product in milk-curding was observed. These findings provide direction to apply K. lactis-based platforms in the subsequent industrial-scale production of recombinant chymosin.

An outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serotype O103:H2 associated with unpasteurized soft cheese, England and Wales, 2022.

In July 2022, a genetically linked and geographically dispersed cluster of 12 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O103:H2 was detected by the UK Health Security Agency using whole genome sequencing. Review of food history questionnaires identified cheese (particularly an unpasteurized brie-style cheese) and mixed salad leaves as potential vehicles. A case-control study was conducted to investigate exposure to these products. Case food history information was collected by telephone. Controls were recruited using a market research panel and self-completed an online questionnaire. Univariable and multivariable analyses were undertaken using Firth Logistic Regression. Eleven cases and 24 controls were included in the analysis. Consumption of the brie-style cheese of interest was associated with illness (OR 57.5, 95% confidence interval: 3.10-1,060). Concurrently, the production of the brie-style cheese was investigated. Microbiological sample results for the cheese products and implicated dairy herd did not identify the outbreak strain, but did identify the presence of stx genes and STEC, respectively. Together, epidemiological, microbiological, and environmental investigations provided evidence that the brie-style cheese was the vehicle for this outbreak. Production of unpasteurized dairy products was suspended by the business operator, and a review of practices was performed.

Exploring the Link Between Cheese Consumption and Heart Failure Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Approach with Biomarker Analysis.

The study investigates the association between cheese consumption and heart failure risk, employing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Heart failure, influenced by various factors including diet, remains a major global health concern. Cheese, a nutrient-rich dairy product, has shown potential in reducing heart failure risk, though the mechanisms are not fully understood. This study clarifies the association by examining 45 biomarkers that could mediate this effect. This analysis revealed a significant reduction in heart failure risk with cheese consumption (OR = 0.771, P = 0.00588). Of the 45 biomarkers analyzed, 24 showed a significant relationship with cheese intake. Six biomarkers-neutrophil count (mediating effect ratio: 3.37%), apolipoprotein B (2.73%), glucose (4.16%), triglycerides (5.82%), diastolic blood pressure (14.78%), and serum uric acid (8.45%)-were identified as mediators in the cheese consumption-heart failure relationship. This study underscores the role of biomarkers in understanding heart failure mechanisms and highlights the potential of dietary interventions, like cheese consumption, to reduce heart failure risk. While these findings are promising, their generalizability may be limited, and further research across diverse populations is needed.

Exploring genetic structures and shared sites between alcohol, cheese intake, and inflammatory bowel disease.

An association has been observed between alcohol and cheese intake and the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), necessitating further exploration from a genetic structural perspective. The present analysis was focused on the intake of alcohol and cheese in conjunction with IBD genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, with the objective of exploring genetic correlations and identifying common loci. Initially, overall genetic correlations were assessed employing two methodologies: linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and genetic covariance analyzer (GNOVA). Subsequently, local correlations were examined through the SUPERGNOVA method. A genetic overlap analysis between various traits was then conducted based on the statistical theory of conditional/conjunctional false discovery rate (cond/conjFDR). Ultimately, shared loci between the two traits were identified via conjFDR analysis and multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG). Substantial overall correlations were noted at the genome-wide level between alcohol and cheese intake and both IBD and Crohn's disease (CD), whereas the association with ulcerative colitis (UC) was of lesser significance. In the local genetic analysis, chromosome 16 emerged as a key region implicated in the relationship between alcohol and cheese intake and IBD (including both CD and UC). The conjFDR analysis confirmed the genetic overlap between the two diseases. Furthermore, both conjFDR and MTAG analyses identified multiple shared genetic loci, with nine genes (Y_RNA, DENND1B, GCKR, KPNA7, CLN3, SLC39A8, FUT2, ERAP2, and SMAD3) being. The present study provides genetic evidence supporting the comorbidity of alcohol and cheese intake with IBD, offering novel insights into potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of IBD through the modulation of alcohol and cheese consumption.

Exploring the Effect of Cheese Intake on Cholelithiasis Through Biomarkers: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

This study assesses the causal relationship between intake of cheese and cholelithiasis through the analysis of relevant biomarkers using Mendelian Randomization (MR). Genetic variants associated with cheese intake were employed as instrumental variables (IVs) to assess potential causal effects. Data from the Open GWAS project and FinnGen Biobank were used, including biomarkers related to blood cells, blood biochemistry, and blood pressure. The analysis revealed that cheese intake significantly influences biomarkers such as Apolipoprotein B, direct bilirubin, C-reactive protein, cystatin C, IGF-1, and sex hormone-binding globulin. Importantly, cheese consumption was found to have a protective effect on the risk of cholelithiasis (OR = 0.624, P < 0.0001). A 2-step mediation analysis indicated that these biomarkers act as mediators between intake of cheese and cholelithiasis risk, with effects ranging from -2.13% to 7.22%. These findings suggest that intake of cheese may reduce the susceptibility of gallstone formation by influencing metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Future research is needed to confirm these results in more diverse populations and explore underlying mechanisms further.

Associations between dairy and alcohol consumption and major depressive disorder in a mendelian randomization study.

This study explored the link between diet and major depressive disorder (MDD) to provide fresh insights for MDD prevention. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with common foods, such as meat, bread, cheese, fruits, cereals, vegetables, and four alcohol intake categories, were leveraged as instrumental variables. Accordingly, this study employed the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method to evaluate the genetically predicted associations of different food phenotypes with MDD risk. The sensitivity analysis involved MR‒Egger regression and Mendelian random polymorphism residuals, along with outlier tests, to assess instrumental variable pleiotropy. Additional analysis methods, such as MR‒Egger, the weighted median method, and the weighted model, were used to validate the robustness and reliability of the findings. The results of the univariable Mendelian randomization(UVMR) analysis using IVW indicated that genetically predicted consumption of cheese [OR = 0.841, 95% CI: 0.737-0.959, P = 0.0099], dried fruit [OR = 0.7922, 95% CI: 0.644-0.973, P = 0.0264], beer [OR = 1.284, 95% CI: 1.026-1.608, P = 0.0291], and spirits [OR = 3.837, 95% CI: 1.993-7.387, P = 0.0001] were significantly associated with the risk of developing major depressive disorder. Specifically, cheese and dried fruit intake exhibited a inverse correlation with MDD risk, whereas beer and spirits intake showed a positive correlation, with spirits showing a stronger positive correlation. Fourteen other foods, including meat, vegetables, fruits, red wine, and white wine, displayed no significant association with the occurrence of major depression through either type of alcohol intake. In the multivariable Mendelian randomization(MVMR) analysis, considering potential confounding factors such as insomnia, smoking, and the use of contraceptive pills, cheese was identified to have an independent causal relationship with MDD (OR: 0.754, 95% CI: 0.591-0.962, p = 0.0229). No independent causal relationships were identified between dried fruit, beer, or spirits and MDD. The reverse Mendelian randomization (rMR) analysis indicated that MDD did not have a significant effect on the intake of cheese, dried fruit, beer, or spirits, supporting the presence of a unidirectional causal relationship. Finally, the study examined the relationships between dietary characteristics, per capita alcohol intake, and depression incidence among residents of Shanghai, Peking, and Guangdong Provinces of Asian ethnicity in China. These findings align with the conclusions drawn from Mendelian randomization analysis, suggesting that maintaining a diverse diet, sensibly consuming cheese and dried fruit, and reducing beer and spirit intake may prevent MDD.

Quality Schemes in the View of Telemea Cheese Consumers in Romania: Driver of Change for Competitive Marketing Strategies

Quality Schemes in the View of Telemea Cheese Consumers in Romania: Driver of Change for Competitive Marketing Strategies

Evaluation of nutrition of young children in Odesa district

Background. The main factor that ensures the health and harmonious development of a child, both in the early stages and in the later periods of his life, is rational nutrition. The widespread prevalence of food-dependent forms of pathology among children, insufficient awareness of doctors and parents, as well as violations in the organization of nutrition of young children determine the relevance of this work and the need for a comprehensive analysis of the actual nutrition of children aged 1 to 2 years for its improvement. Purpose – to purpose of the work is to establish the nutritional characteristics of children aged from 1 to 2 years in order to optimize their diets. Materials and Methods. 42 healthy children aged 1 to 2 years who lived in Odesa district took part in the study. In work were used such methods: clinical and anamnestic; dietary; anthropometric – height, weight; sociological – questionnaires; statistical. Results. The patterns of food organization and consumption of the main macronutrients by children aged 1 to 2 years are formulated, which are characterized by adequate consumption of basic food products, with the exception of excessive consumption of cheese, fruit juices and hard cheese and insufficient use of enriched industrial products. It is shown that excessive amounts of food, inadequate nutrition in the form of multiple snacks and sometimes night feedings, as well as unreasonable use of products not intended for children aged 1 to 2 years, are significant violations of the organization of nutrition of children of this age group. It was established that the diets of children aged 1 to 2 years are unbalanced in terms of the content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Identified violations of the nutrition structure of young children, its imbalance in terms of macronutrient composition dictate the need for regular control by pediatricians and family doctors over the organization of nutrition for children of this age period. Conclusions. The nutrition structure of children aged 1 to 2 years is characterized by an imbalance of rations in terms of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which is due to violations of the feeding regime, overeating, and early transition to the «family» food-table. Young children consume excessive amounts of protein and fat compared to recommended physiological norms and insufficient amounts of carbohydrates according to their age.

Occurrence and diversity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Italian Alpine raw milk cheeses and their development in the earlier stages of different cheese-making processes

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens implicated in diseases including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. In the last years, an increasing number of STEC infections associated with the consumption of raw milk cheeses have been reported, contributing to raise the public awareness. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of STEC biotypes in raw milk cheeses from Italian Alpine region and evaluate the influence of different scalding temperatures on their development. Six out 82 (7.3%) cheeses led to the isolation of E. coli biotypes with different virulence traits (stx1, stx2 and eae genes). To evaluate the impact of scalding temperatures on STEC growth, three E. coli biotypes were spiked into milk (<50 CFU/mL) according to the FAO and WHO recommendation. An increase in STEC counts of 3 log occurred in uncooked and semi-cooked cheeses (scalding temperature of 38 and 45 °C) while in the cooked-cheeses (54 and 56 °C) E. coli content does not exceed the 2.5 log10 CFU/g. These findings showed that raw milk cheese safety is strictly related to their production technology, highlighting the importance of the control measures at farm and dairy level to preserve the safety of these products.

A mendelian randomization study investigating the association between sleep apnea risk and cheese consumption through biomarker analysis

Cheese consumption may play a role in mitigating sleep apnea risk, according to our Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Sleep apnea, a prevalent disorder associated with various health complications, affects millions worldwide, generating interest in dietary interventions. This study analyzed data from the UK Biobank and the FinnGen Biobank, focusing on cheese intake and its potential impact on sleep apnea through various biomarkers. Results revealed a significant inverse association between cheese consumption and sleep apnea risk (OR=0.724, p=0.00478), indicating that higher cheese intake is linked to a reduced likelihood of developing the disorder. Additionally, the analysis identified six biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase (1.33 %), urea (3.85 %), cystatin C (2.98 %), sex hormone-binding globulin (1.78 %), testosterone (1.94 %), and diastolic blood pressure (5.46 %), as mediators of this relationship. Notably, cheese consumption influenced levels of 23 biomarkers. These findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions in public health strategies aimed at decreasing sleep apnea prevalence and associated health risks. Overall, this study highlights the complex connections between diet, biomarkers, and sleep apnea, emphasizing the necessity for further research across diverse populations to enhance the generalizability of these results.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Female Adolescents in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors related to VD deficiency among female adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in secondary and preparatory schools in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from May 2022 to July 2023. A total of 120 schools were included in the study, with a calculated sample size of 340 female adolescents using a probability multistage random sampling method. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for VD levels. Results: In a study of 340 female adolescents aged 14-18 years, the findings showed that 39.4% of participants had severe VD deficiency, 42.6% were deficient, and 17.9% had insufficiency. The mean VD level was 13.29±6.45 ng/mL. Seasonal variation significantly impacted VD level (p=0.001), with the highest levels seen in summer and the lowest in winter. Skin colour also significantly influenced VD level (p=0.020), as individuals with lighter skin have higher levels. There were positive correlations between VD levels, milk intake (r=0.138, p=0.011), and cheese consumption (r = 0.135, p=0.013). The use of sunscreen had mixed effects. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between SPF 15 and VD level (r=0.132, p=0.015), while higher SPF values were associated with lower levels. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of seasonal adjustments, improved dietary habits, and lifestyle changes to address VD deficiency in the population effectively.

Key Drivers of Consumption, Conceptual, Sensory, and Emotional Profiling of Cheeses Based on Origin and Consumer Familiarity: A Case Study of Local and Imported Cheeses in Greece

The origin of a product, consumer familiarity, and purchasing identity are factors that affect the perception of cheese consumption. The present study aims at identifying consumers’ conceptualizations and attitudes towards local Greek cheeses of the North-Aegean Sea islands, such as Ladotyri, Graviera, Kasseri, Kaskavali, Melichloro, and Kalathaki, some of which have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, as opposed to cheeses of non-Greek origin, such as Cheddar, Regatto, and Gouda. Sensory and emotional attributes of local, local PDO, and imported cheeses, as well as drivers associated with consumers’ choice and acceptance above and beyond their sensory attributes, were studied using three methods: (a) flash profile to gain insight into the sensory positioning of products and description of samples; (b) qualitative analysis of focus groups to pinpoint consumer knowledge, preference, and consumption criteria; and (c) a new methodology for natural language processing and sentiment analysis of social media posts to determine consumer conceptualizations. Social media posts have proven to be a valuable source of linguistic and cultural data for cheeses. Local cheeses, including PDO products, were found to be linked to village life and family gatherings, home, tradition, and childhood memories, with saltiness and hardness being their main sensory attributes. Imported cheeses were linked to fast food, pizza, and snacking, with elasticity and gumminess as prominent sensory qualities. The main criteria for purchase were intended usage and versatility, taste and texture, price, and familiarity. The findings provide key sensory attributes, information about consumer purchasing criteria, and relevant vocabulary for the promotion of cheeses as agri-food and gastronomic identity key products.

Dietary and Physical Activity Habits of Children and Adolescents before and after the Implementation of a Personalized, Intervention Program for the Management of Obesity.

Obesity in childhood and adolescence represents a major public health problem, mostly attributed to dietary and physical activity factors. We aimed to determine the dietary and physical activity habits of participants before and after the implementation of a personalized, multidisciplinary, lifestyle intervention program for the management of obesity in the context of the Horizon Research Project 'BigO: Big Data against Childhood Obesity'. Three hundred and eighty-six (n = 386) children and adolescents (mean age ± SD: 12.495 ± 1.988 years, 199 males and 187 females) participated in the study prospectively. Based on body mass index (BMI), subjects were classified as having obesity (n = 293, 75.9%) and overweight (n = 93, 24.1%) according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. We implemented a personalized, multidisciplinary, lifestyle intervention program providing guidance on diet, sleep, and exercise, and utilized the BigO technology platform to objectively record data collected via a Smartphone and Smartwatch for each patient. Following the intervention, a statistically significant decrease was noted in the consumption of cheese, cereal with added sugar, savory snacks, pasta, and fried potatoes across both BMI categories. Also, there was an increase in daily water intake between meals among all participants (p = 0.001) and a reduction in the consumption of evening snack or dinner while watching television (p < 0.05). Boys showed a decrease in the consumption of savory snacks, fried potato products, and pasta (p < 0.05), an increase in the consumption of sugar-free breakfast cereal (p < 0.05), and drank more water between meals daily (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that a personalized, multidisciplinary, lifestyle intervention improves the dietary habits of children and adolescents.

Exploring the Influence of Cheese Consumption on Blood Metabolites: Implications for Disease Pathogenesis, with a Focus on Essential Hypertension

This study examines the causal effects of cheese consumption on blood metabolites and essential hypertension using Mendelian Randomization (MR). GWAS data from the Open GWAS project and FinnGen Biobank were analyzed, focusing on cheese intake, 249 metabolic traits, and hypertension. Instrumental variables were selected based on strict criteria, and causal relationships were assessed using IVW, weighted-median, and MR-Egger methods. Cheese consumption significantly influenced 118 metabolic traits, including amino acids, cholesterol esters, and triglycerides. Notably, it was linked to a reduction in hypertension risk (OR = 0.652, P < 0.0001). Mediation analysis identified 50 metabolic traits as intermediaries, accounting for 0.88% to 8.25% of the total effect. These findings suggest that moderate cheese intake may benefit cardiovascular health by lowering hypertension risk, emphasizing the importance of cheese type and dietary context in health recommendations.

ADHERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Introduction. Recommendations for the use of the Mediterranean diet apply to many nosologies, which made it expedient to consider the principles of such nutrition and adherence to it for patients with high cardiovascular risk. Objectives. In order to evaluate the nature of the diet of patients with high cardiovascular risk and their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the principles of the diet were described according to the data from the Pubmed database. Adherence to and compliance with the principles of Mediterranean diet in patients with high cardiovascular risk were determined according to the Food Questionnaire in 29 outpatients with stable chronic forms of coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension: 18 men, 11 women aged 55.72±2.59 years with excessive body weight; the results were processed by the methods of variational statistics. Results. The Mediterranean diet is recommended for patients with high cardiovascular risk, excess body weight, steatotic liver disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmune changes in the thyroid gland, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and oncological processes. It is based on grains, cereals, vegetables and fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds; a small amount of meat, eggs, fish, and poultry; olive oil and moderate daily consumption of cheeses and yogurts. According to the Food Questionnaire, patients with a high cardiovascular risk are not sufficiently aware of the principles of this diet, do not fully follow the recommendations for replacing fats with extra virgin olive oil, do not consume enough fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grain pasta and hard cereals. In addition, they tend to consume meat, soft cereals, ordinary types of bread and pasta, sweets, carbonated beverages, beer, and spirits in excessive amounts or too often. Conclusions. Insufficient awareness and non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet require the activation of educational work to deepen knowledge about its principles and details.

Demand and Nutrient Elasticities of Egg Consumption: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Chicken eggs are a staple food widely consumed directly or indirectly (as an ingredient in other food items) in Saudi Arabia. Due to the importance of eggs in Saudi consumers’ diet, this study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors affecting Saudi consumer demand for eggs and how changes in egg prices and consumer income may influence dietary intake derived from eggs. This study analyzes survey data from 466 respondents. We used a double-log demand model to obtain the price and income elasticities of egg demand. The results show that the price elasticity of egg demand is negative and inelastic, indicating that changes in egg price have a small influence on egg demand. Additionally, income elasticity is positive and &lt;1, implying that eggs are a necessary food item. Cross-price elasticities show that cheese and milk complement egg consumption. Meanwhile, cornflakes (a breakfast cereal) were found to be a good substitute for eggs. Furthermore, the results show that consumer demand for eggs is expected to increase as household size increases. Women exhibited a higher demand for eggs, compared with men. Nutrient income elasticity shows that an increase in consumer income increases protein, fat, and calorie intake from eggs. Nutrient price elasticity shows that an increase in egg price has the greatest negative influence on protein intake, resulting from a decrease in egg consumption. This study recommends that decision makers actively monitor egg prices and take all necessary actions to prevent spikes in egg prices, as this will improve nutritional and food security and help consumers maintain a stable protein intake from egg consumption.

The making of cheese in the Orkney Islands

ABSTRACT This paper explores the meanings of cheese production and consumption in the geographical branding of the Orkney Islands. Based on both traditional and innovative techniques, the making of cheese in the Orkney Islands is rooted in the historical farming role of its inhabitants but also in its strategic position in the North-Atlantic Ocean. This article explains the origins and evolution of the production of cheese on the islands and connects it to the contemporary consumption on the islands’ restaurants, that award tourism value to cheese people, places and practices.