Fruit Juice Consumption Research Articles

Dental erosion potential of beverages and bottled drinking water in Bangladesh

ABSTRACTDental erosion is a growing health problem linked to the exceptional increase in the consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices, and sport drinks in many countries including Bangladesh. Dental erosion is the chemical dissolution of the dental hard tissues by acids without the involvement of microorganisms. Hydrogen ions (H+) from acidic solutions can replace the calcium ions (Ca2+) of the enamel, consequently breaking the crystal structure of the enamel and initiating dental erosion. Erosive tooth wear can lead to severe impairment of esthetics along with loss of hardness and functionality. Sources of the erosive acidic challenges can be intrinsic (i.e., gastroesophaegal reflux disease) and/or extrinsic (i.e., exposure from acidic foods and beverages). Continuous intake of drinks or food with pH lower than the critical erosive pH of enamel (5.2–5.5) and root dentin (~6.7) are considered to be responsible for dental erosion. Drinks with low pH and high titratable acidity (TA) have more potential to dissolved enamel and root dentin; on the other hand, drinks with low degree of saturation can stimulate leaching of minerals. In Bangladesh, there is limited scientific information available to assess the potential of dental erosion of the commercially available beverages and drinking water. This research aims to characterize the dental erosion potential of soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and bottled drinking water available in Bangladesh by determining their pH, TA, calcium (Ca2+), and phosphate (PO43−). The degrees of saturation of the selected samples were calculated from the experimental results of pH, calcium, and phosphate levels. Soft drinks were found to have high erosion potential followed by energy drinks, fruit juices, and bottled drinking water. Most of the beverages locally available were found highly acidic. Phosphate levels were high in black cola drinks. Total TA was highest for the energy drinks, and moderate for soft drinks and fruit juices. Fruit juices contained high level of calcium compared with other beverages. The degree of saturation was moderate for fruit juices, and very low for few of the soft drinks and most of the bottled drinking waters. This study will be useful as a reference line for the health professionals and regulatory authorities for quality control of the beverages and bottled drinking water available in the local market.

District Policies and Practices Vary in Their Association With Adolescents' Consumption of Milk and 100% Fruit Juice

PurposeResearchers previously examined the relationship between school beverage policies and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. This study addressed a research gap by examining cross-sectional associations between district-level policies and practices and U.S. high school students' consumption of milk and 100% fruit juice. MethodsData from the 2012 School Health Policies and Practices Study and 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System were linked for 12 large urban school districts. Outcome variables were daily milk consumption (≥1 glass/day) and 100% fruit juice consumption (≥1 time/day). Exposure variables were five district policies (i.e., restrict SSB sales, maintain closed campuses, offer/sell healthful alternatives, restrict promotional products, and require nutrition education). Logistic regression models estimated the odds of consuming milk or 100% fruit juice daily, conditional on the policies and adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, grade level, weight status, and district free/reduced-price lunch eligibility (n = 23,173). ResultsStudents in districts that required/recommended restricting the times of SSB sales had 55% higher (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–1.87) odds of consuming ≥1 glass/day of milk than students in districts without this policy. Closed campus policies were associated with lower odds of consuming milk (AOR, .72; 95% CI, .63–.82) and higher odds of consuming juice (AOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07–1.50). Policies requiring/recommending that districts offer/sell healthful alternatives were associated with lower odds of consuming 100% fruit juice daily. ConclusionsResults suggest that restricting SSB sales may support adolescents' milk consumption. Future studies should assess whether the implementation of federal standards that further restrict SSB sales in school leads to increased milk consumption.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Fruit Juice Consumption in Obesity

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Fruit Juice Consumption in Obesity

Potassium Removal from Juices Using an Individual Single-Use Ion-Exchange Device

There are more than 100 million patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with decrease in CKD1 to loss in CKD 5 (end stage renal disease, ESRD) in the ability of the kidney to excrete K+ causing hyperkalemia and potentially heart attack. To avoid hyperkalemia, kidney patients have to drastically limit the consumption of fruit and vegetable juices that significantly decreases the nutritional value of their diet. Previous research using ion-exchange column chromatography demonstrated some efficiency in the K+ removal from juices without pulp, whereas no approaches have been generated for the K+ removal from juices with pulp (e.g. the most popular in the USA orange juice). Currently there are no commercially available low K+ fruit/vegetable juices for renal patients nor do patients have the ability to lower the K+ in juices on an individual basis. A device is reported that individual patients can use to remove K+ from juices with or without pulp using permeable t-sacs with Dowex Monosphere 99/320 Ca cation-exchange resin. The device significantly lowers the K+ content (by ~80% of original), is simple to use, and will be of benefit to patients who are on K+ restricted diets.

Variety of fruit and vegetables is related to preschoolers' overall diet quality.

Children are encouraged to eat a specific amount of fruits and vegetables to optimize health. The purpose of this study was to assess whether consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables, respectively, was associated with a greater diet quality among preschool-aged children. Analyses were performed using a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of US children. Dietary intakes from 24-h dietary recalls of two-five year old children (n = 2595) in 2005–2010 NHANES were examined. Diet quality was evaluated using MyPlate equivalents and the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010). Variety categories were determined based on children's fruit, fruit juice, and vegetable consumption on the recalled day. Differences in diet quality were examined using t-tests. Variety of fruits and vegetables was linked to higher overall diet quality. Children who consumed whole fruit had better diet quality scores for total fruit, whole fruit, whole grains, dairy, seafood, refined grains, sodium, and empty calories (P ≤ 0.018). Significantly higher HEI-2010 scores for total fruit, whole fruit, fatty acids, sodium, and empty calories, but a lower dairy HEI-2010 score, were identified in children who drank fruit juice (P ≤ 0.038). Vegetable consumption was significantly associated with higher total vegetables, greens/beans, and empty calories, but a lower sodium score (P ≤ 0.027). Children who consumed whole fruit, fruit juice and non-starchy vegetables (P ≤ 0.017), but not white potatoes, had significantly higher total HEI-2010 scores. Reinforcing fruit and 100% fruit juice consumption may indirectly support healthier diets among children. However, underlying associations between fruit and vegetable intakes and overall diet quality should be examined further.

Chronic toxicity evaluation of Morinda citrifolia fruit and leaf in mice

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) leaf and fruit are used as food and medicine. This report compares the chronic toxicity of Noni fruit and edible leaf water extracts (two doses each) in female mice. The 6 months study showed the fruit extract produced chronic toxicity effects at the high dose of 2 mg/ml drinking water, evidenced through deteriorated liver histology (hepatocyte necrosis), reduced liver length, increased liver injury marker AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and albumin reduction, injury symptoms (hypoactivity, excessive grooming, sunken eyes and hunched posture) and 40% mortality within 3 months. This hepatotoxicity results support the six liver injury reports in humans which were linked to chronic noni fruit juice consumption. Both doses of the leaf extracts demonstrated no observable toxicity. The hepatotoxicity effects of the M. citrifolia fruit extract in this study is unknown and may probably be due to the anthraquinones in the seeds and skin, which had potent quinone reductase inducer activity that reportedly was 40 times more effective than l-sulforaphane. This report will add to current data on the chronic toxicity cases of Morinda citrifolia fruit. No report on the chronic toxicity of Morinda citrifolia fruit in animal model is available for comparison.

Sweetened Soft Drinks Consumption Is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: Cross-sectional Analysis from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Objective: To estimate the association between regular consumption of sweetened soft drinks, natural fruit juice, and coconut water with metabolic syndrome (MetS).Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including men and women aged 35–74 years from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) Study, excluding patients with type 2 diabetes. The main explanatory variables were beverage consumption and the outcome variable was metabolic syndrome (Adult Treatment Panel III).Results: After adjustments, a daily intake of 250 ml of soft drink increased the chance of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60–2.38). There was no association between coconut water and MetS. Moderate consumption of fruit juices has low odds of MetS compared to no consumption.Conclusion: Our results add evidence to potential negative effects of sweetened soft drinks on cluster metabolic abnormalities in middle-income countries.

Associations between explorative dietary patterns and serum lipid levels and their interactions with ApoA5 and ApoE haplotype in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes

AimsIn patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), responsiveness of serum lipid concentrations to dietary patterns may vary by genotype. The aims of the present study were to identify explorative dietary patterns and to examine their independent associations with serum lipid levels and interactions with apolipoprotein (Apo)A5 and ApoE variants among patients recently diagnosed with T2D.MethodsWithin a cross-sectional analysis, participants of the German Diabetes Study (n = 348) with mean T2D duration of 6 months were investigated for fasting serum lipid levels, ApoA5 and ApoE genotypes; food consumption frequencies were assessed by a food propensity questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR), which extracts patterns explaining variation in serum lipid concentrations.ResultsPCA yielded interpretable dietary patterns which were, however, not related to serum lipid levels. Relevance of the RRR patterns varied by genotype: a preferred consumption of fruit gum, fruit juice, and potato dumpling, whilst avoiding fruits and vegetables independently associated with higher triglyceride levels among ApoA5*2. Patients in the highest compared to the lowest tertile of pattern adherence had 99 % higher triglycerides. Lower consumption frequencies of butter, cream cake, French fries, or high-percentage alcoholic beverages were independently related to lower LDL-cholesterol among ApoE2 carriers, with those in the highest compared to the lowest tertile of pattern adherence having 40 % lower LDL-cholesterol (both Pinteraction < 0.05).ConclusionsOur explorative data analyses suggest that associations of dietary patterns with triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol differ by ApoA5 and ApoE haplotype in recently diagnosed T2D.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01055093. Date of registration: January 22, 2010 (retrospectively registered). Date of enrolment of first participant to the trial: September 2005Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-016-0455-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Can Parenting Practices Explain the Differences in Beverage Intake According to Socio-Economic Status: The Toybox-Study.

Previous research indicated that preschoolers of lower socioeconomic status (SES) consume less healthy beverages than high SES preschoolers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of parenting practices in the relationship between SES and plain water, soft drink and prepacked fruit juice (FJ) consumption in European preschoolers. Parents/caregivers of 3.5 to 5.5 years old (n = 6776) recruited through kindergartens in six European countries within the ToyBox-study completed questionnaires on socio-demographics, parenting practices and a food frequency questionnaire. Availability of sugared beverages and plain water, permissiveness towards sugared beverages and lack of self-efficacy showed a mediating effect on SES-differences in all three beverages. Rewarding with sugared beverages significantly mediated SES-differences for both plain water and prepacked FJ. Encouragement to drink plain water and awareness significantly mediated SES-differences for, respectively, plain water and prepacked FJ consumption. Avoiding negative modelling did not mediate any associations. Overall, lower SES preschoolers were more likely to be confronted with lower levels of favourable and higher levels of unfavourable parenting practices, which may lead to higher sugared beverage and lower plain water consumption. The current study highlights the importance of parenting practices in explaining the relation between SES and both healthy and unhealthy beverage consumption.

Intake of Dietary Fibre and Its Sources Related to Adolescents' Age and Gender, but Not to Their Weight.

The aim of this observational study was to investigate the intake of dietary fibre and its sources among Polish adolescents according to prevalence of overweight after adjustment for age and gender. The study sample consisted of 1,565 students, including 48% boys and 52% girls aged 13-18 with normal weight, overweight and obesity. Dietary information was reported using the Block Screening Questionnaire for Fruit/Vegetable/Fibre Intake. The nutritional status was assessed on the basis of body mass and height measurements. The statistical analysis used one-factor logistic regression, multiple linear regression, trend estimation and a comparison of mean values. Adolescents consuming white bread and rolls with a frequency ≥4 times/week had OR=0.74 (95% CI 0.56-0.97) for overweight and obesity compared to adolescents with less frequent consumption. For other fibre sources and overall dietary fibre no significant differences were noted in consumption frequency between adolescents with normal weight and overweight/obesity. Overall, boys were more often overweight and obese than girls. Girls had a higher intake of dietary fibre, fruit, fresh vegetables, dark bread and rolls, and lower intake of potatoes, beans and white bread and rolls than boys. Older age was associated with a decrease in the consumption of fruit juices, fruit, potatoes, white bread and rolls, and dietary fibre in girls and a decrease in fruit and fresh vegetable consumption in boys. The intake of dietary fibre was not associated with the prevalence of overweight. As to the fibre sources, only a higher consumption of white bread and rolls decreased the chance of the occurrence of adolescent overweight. The consumption of dietary fibre and its sources was related to the age and gender of adolescents.

A preliminary study on the effects of star fruit consumption on antioxidant and lipid status in elderly Thai individuals.

ObjectiveThe aims of this preliminary study were to evaluate the antioxidant and lipid status before and after star fruit juice consumption in healthy elderly subjects, and the vitamins in star fruit extracts.MethodsA preliminary designated protocol was performed in 27 elderly individuals with a mean (±SD) age of 69.5±5.3 years, by planning a 2-week control period before 4 weeks of consumption of star fruit twice daily. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde, protein hydroperoxide, multivitamins such as l-ascorbic acid (Vit C), retinoic acid (Vit A), and tocopherol (Vit E), and the lipid profile parameters such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were analyzed. Moreover, Vit C, Vit A, and Vit E levels were evaluated in the star fruit extracts during the 4-week period.ResultsIn the 2-week control period, all parameters showed no statistically significant difference; after 4 weeks of consumption, significant improvement in the antioxidant status was observed with increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde and protein hydroperoxide levels, as well as significantly increased levels of Vit C and Vit A, when compared to the two-time evaluation during the baseline periods. However, glutathione and Vit E showed no statistical difference. In addition, the HDL-C level was higher and the LDL-C level was significantly lower when compared to both baseline periods. But the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol showed no difference. Vit C and Vit A were identified in small quantities in the star fruit extract.ConclusionThis preliminary study suggested that consumption of star fruit juice twice daily for 1 month improved the elderly people’s antioxidant status and vitamins, as well as improved the lipoproteins related to Vit C and Vit A in the star fruit extract.

Sensory profile and acceptability for pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) nectar with different sweeteners.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory properties and acceptability of pitanga nectar samples prepared with sucrose and different sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, stevia with 40% rebaudioside A, stevia with 95% rebaudioside A, neotame, and a 2:1 cyclamate/saccharin blend). A total of 13 assessors participated in a quantitative descriptive analysis and evaluated the samples in relation to the descriptor terms. The acceptability test was carried out by 120 fruit juice consumers. The results of the quantitative descriptive analysis of pitanga nectar showed that samples prepared with sucralose, aspartame, and the 2:1 cyclamate/saccharin blend had sensory profiles similar to that of the sample prepared with sucrose. Consumers' most accepted samples were prepared with sucrose, sucralose, aspartame, and neotame. The sweeteners that have the greatest potential to replace sucrose in pitanga nectar are sucralose and aspartame.

Urinary hydration biomarkers and dietary intake in children.

The importance of hydration is undoubtable but reliable data on hydration status and its relation with diet is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the hydration status and its relation to beverages and food intake in children. A sample of 172 (50% male), 7-11 year-old children was included in this survey. Participants completed a 24 h urine collection; a 24 hours food recall corresponding to the day of urine collection was applied, weight and height were measured and parents/caregivers fi lled a lifestyle and socio-demographic questionnaire. The free water reserve was used to assess the hydration status. The intakes of food and beverages were compared according to hydration status using the t-test, Mann-Whitney test or unconditional regression models as appropriate. More than half of the participants were classifi ed as hypohydrated or at risk of hypohydration (57% in girls and 58% in boys). Compared to hypohydrated children, a signifi cant higher consumption of water (276.2 ± 208.4 vs 188.2 ± 187.4 g/day) and fruit juices (77.6 ± 139.4 vs 14.4 ± 57.2 g/day) was reported by euhydrated boys and girls, respectively. Lower consumers of water and fruit juices showed a higher risk of hypohydration (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.02-4.58, p = 0.045), adjusting for confounders. Most of the children included in this analysis were classifi ed as at risk of hypohydration and those with higher water and fruit juices consumption showed a better hydration status.

Prevalence and risk factors of erosive tooth wear in 3–6 year old German kindergarten children—A comparison between 2004/05 and 2014/15

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were (1) to investigate prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear in German kindergarten children aged 3–6 years in 2014/15 in comparison to an earlier survey from 2004/05 and (2) to identify and compare possible risk factors. Methods775 children aged 3–6 years from 27 kindergartens were examined in 2014/15 and compared to the data from 2004/05 (432 children/21 kindergartens). Erosive tooth wear was examined using the O’Sullivan-Index. Additionally, data were converted into the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE)-index. Information about dietary habits, chronic illness and oral hygiene practices were obtained by questionnaires. Statistical analyses were done by Chi2-, Mann-Whitney U Tests and regression analyses (p<0.05). ResultsCompared to 2004/05 (31.3%) prevalence of erosive tooth wear was significantly increased in 2014/15 (45.4%). In 2004/05 and 2014/15, prevalence increased significantly with increasing age of the children: 3-year-olds: 22.5%/14.2%; 4-year-olds: 27.4%/32.9%; 5-year-olds: 30.5%/58.8%; 6-year-olds: 38.1%/71.7%. Children with erosive tooth wear presented more affected teeth and a higher severity of erosive tooth wear, respectively, in 2014/15 compared to 2004/05. The BEWE score sum was significantly higher in 2014/15 (3-year-olds: 3.4±2.1, 4-year-olds: 4.2±3.1, 5-year-olds: 4.6±2.9, 6-year-olds: 5.9±3.3) than in 2004/05 (3-year-olds: 2.0±1.2, 4-year-olds: 2.7±1.8, 5-year-olds: 2.7±2.4, 6-year-olds: 4.2±4.2). In 2014/15, age and male gender were significant with respect to the presence of erosive tooth wear. Severity of erosive tooth wear was dependent on the regular consumption of fruit juices and lemonade/coke. ConclusionThe prevalence of erosive tooth wear in German kindergarten children has increased in the last ten years.

Changes in Food Intake in Australia: Comparing the 1995 and 2011 National Nutrition Survey Results Disaggregated into Basic Foods.

As nations seek to address obesity and diet-related chronic disease, understanding shifts in food intake over time is an imperative. However, quantifying intake of basic foods is not straightforward because of the diversity of raw and cooked wholefoods, processed foods and mixed dishes actually consumed. In this study, data from the Australian national nutrition surveys of 1995 and 2011, each involving more than 12,000 individuals and covering more than 4500 separate foods, were coherently disaggregated into basic foods, with cooking and processing factors applied where necessary. Although Australians are generally not eating in a manner consistent with national dietary guidelines, there have been several positive changes. Australians are eating more whole fruit, a greater diversity of vegetables, more beans, peas and pulses, less refined sugar, and they have increased their preference for brown and wholegrain cereals. Adult Australians have also increased their intake of nuts and seeds. Fruit juice consumption markedly declined, especially for younger Australians. Cocoa consumption increased and shifts in dairy product intake were mixed, reflecting one of several important differences between age and gender cohorts. This study sets the context for more detailed research at the level of specific foods to understand individual and household differences.

Segmentation of Processed Fruit Juice Consumers in Urban Uganda

&lt;p&gt;This study was conducted to gain insights into processed fruit juice consumer segments in Uganda so as to assist local and foreign agribusinesses target and position their products. A market intercept survey of processed fruit juice consumers was conducted and segmentation of consumers was done using a combination of factor analysis and k-means clustering method. Five preference-based processed fruit juice consumer segments were identified, namely:&lt;em&gt; Convenience Seekers, Health Conscious&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Brand Conscious&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Safety Conscious,&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Price Sensitive&lt;/em&gt;. While the demographics of these consumer segments did not differ, they tended to differ in their preferences and buying behaviours. Thus, fruit juice processing and distributing agribusinesses need to engage in strategic marketing by offering and communicating different products targeted to different consumer segments. &lt;/p&gt;

Effect and Process Evaluation of a Cluster Randomized Control Trial on Water Intake and Beverage Consumption in Preschoolers from Six European Countries: The ToyBox-Study.

BackgroundWithin the ToyBox-study, a kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention was developed to prevent overweight and obesity in European preschoolers, targeting four key behaviours related to early childhood obesity, including water consumption. The present study aimed to examine the effect of the ToyBox-intervention (cluster randomized controlled trial) on water intake and beverage consumption in European preschoolers and to investigate if the intervention effects differed by implementation score of kindergartens and parents/caregivers.MethodA sample of 4964 preschoolers (4.7±0.4 years; 51.5% boys) from six European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Poland, Spain) was included in the data analyses. A standardized protocol was used and parents/caregivers filled in socio-demographic data and a food-frequency questionnaire. To assess intervention effects, multilevel repeated measures analyses were conducted for the total sample and for the six country-specific samples. Based on the process evaluation questionnaire of teachers and parents/caregivers, an implementation score was constructed. To assess differences in water intake and beverage consumption by implementation score in the total sample, multilevel repeated measures analyses were performed.ResultsLimited intervention effects on water intake from beverages and overall beverage consumption were found. However, important results were found on prepacked fruit juice consumption, with a larger decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group. However, also a decline in plain milk consumption was found. Implementation scores were rather low in both kindergartens and parents/caregivers. Nevertheless, more favorable effects on beverage choices were found in preschoolers whose parents/caregivers and kindergarten teachers had higher implementation scores compared to those with lower implementation scores.ConclusionThe ToyBox-intervention can provide the basis for the development of more tailor-made interventions. However, new strategies to improve implementation of interventions should be created.

Meyve Suyu Tüketimini Teşvik Etmeye Yönelik Sloganlardan Tüketicilerin Etkilenme Düzeylerinin Belirlenmesi: Antalya İli Örneği (Determining The Consumers Level Of Response To Tag Lines Developed To Promote Fruit Juice Consumption: Antalya Province Sample)

In this study, it was aimed to determine the level of response to tag lines which are developed for the products presented in the market by fruit juice firms and intended to pursue the fruit juice consumption. Original data from households obtained with face-to-face interview method was evaluated via “SPSS 13.0”. In the research, ChiSquare Analysis Technique was used to determine the level of response to tag lines which are developed for the products presented in the market by fruit juice firms and M. Atalay Oral – A. S. Akay – M. G. Akpinar – M. Gul 8/1 (2016) 308-322 Isletme Arastirmalari Dergisi Journal of Business Research-Turk 309 intended to pursue the fruit juice consumption. According to Chi-Square results, there is a statistically significant relationship between the consumers’ fruit juice consumption and “Strong muscles with Fruit Juice!” “More fruit less stress!” and “Drink Fruit Juice, Stay Young!” tag lines in %5 (p=0.05) significance level. In this situation, it is possible to reach a conclusion that the tag lines which are developed to promote the fruit juice consumption will have positive effect on the consumption.

Food-related behavior and intake of adult main meal preparers of 9–10 year-old children participating in iCook 4-H: A five-state childhood obesity prevention pilot study

It is important to understand adult outcomes in childhood obesity prevention programs as parents and caregivers have a significant influence on the eating and physical activity habits of youth. Grounded in the social cognitive theory, the iCook 4-H study was centered on a dyad model (9–10 year-olds and their primary meal preparers) to teach healthy cooking skills, shopping and meal habits, and being active as a family. The program took place in five states and dyads (n = 54) were recruited through flyers, e-mails, and in-person contact. The focus of this article is to provide findings from adult program participants. Demographics and self-reported food intake, procurement, preparation and safety practices, feeding relationships, mealtime routines, and height and weight were collected through surveys at baseline and program completion, which spanned 3 months. Descriptive statistics including two-related samples tests and paired samples t tests were used to assess pre- and post-program survey data responses at p < 0.05 significance level. Most had a bachelor's degree (31%) or some college (29%), about half were white, 66% were married, about 30% of households participated in assistance programs, and 82% were female. At program conclusion, participants significantly improved meal planning, prioritizing healthy meal choices, shopping with a grocery list, and reading Nutrition Facts Labels. There were also significant, positive differences noted in cooking skill confidence (p = 0.015), desire to cook more meals at home, and fewer fast food meals. Adult-youth feeding interactions also significantly improved. There were also significant increases in fruit juice (100%), vegetable soup, and whole grain consumption. Based on results, adults reported improvements in meal planning, cooking, and purchasing skills that were taught in classes.

Depression in pregnancy associated with lower consumption of salads

IntroductionA considerable amount of studies support the association of depression with nutritional factors, especially fruit and vegetables. Little evidence exists concerning mood and nutritional habits of pregnant women in Greece.ObjectiveOur specific objective was to examine potential relationships between fruit and vegetable consumption and depression in pregnant women.AimsThe overall aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional habits and the depression level of healthy pregnant women in Greece.MethodEighty-eight healthy pregnant women, aged 25–44 years (mean± standard deviation: 32.41 ± 3.9), were studied with the aid of a questionnaire addressing eating habits and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).ResultsTwenty-four women were found having mild to moderate depression (score 20–24, according to BDI) associated with lower consumption of salads (P &lt; 0.05). No association was found between depression and consumption of fruit or fruit juices, or prescribed supplements (Ca, Fe, Mg, folic acid).ConclusionInterestingly, in our sample an association of depression in pregnancy was found with the consumption of salads but not fruit or fruit juices. The presence of vitamin B in vegetables is one of the factors differentiating them from fruit. So it might be a crucial element for further research.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.