Food Content Research Articles

Влияние экзогенных и генетических факторов на уровень витамина D у детей с бронхиальной астмой в трех регионах Российской Федерации

The high prevalence and socioeconomic burden of bronchial asthma (BA) encourage scientists to continue active study of both exogenous and genetic factors influencing the course of BA. The connection between vitamin D deficiency and asthma in children has been shown in many studies. Work on the analysis of vitamin D content in patients with asthma is often carried out without taking into account the geographical location and level of insolation, and is also often performed on small samples of patients, which makes it difficult to interpret the results obtained. Studies devoted to the connection between genetic polymorphisms of the VDR gene and AD with a comprehensive analysis of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors are rare and provide contradictory results. That is why the present study compared the supply of vitamin D with clinical phenotypes of asthma, the response to cholecalciferol supplementation and genetic markers that influence 25(OH)D metabolism among children of three equidistant regions of the Russian Federation. Objective. Тo study the 25(OH)D content of children with bronchial asthma (BA) depending on exogenous factors (region of residence, volume of basic therapy, intake of vitamin D from food, dietary supplementation with cholecalciferol) and endogenous factors (gender, age, course characteristics AD, VDR gene polymorphism genotypes). Patients and methods. The study included 160 children with asthma (median age 8.55 years), the comparison group consisted of 333 children (median age 6.4 years). All subjects were assessed for calcidiol levels in different seasons of the year. Testing of polymorphic variants of the VDR gene (c.1206T>C, c.1175-9G>T, c.152T>C, c.1174+283G>A) was carried out using PCR and RFLP analysis. Results. The average level of 25(OH)D in patients with BA and healthy children was significantly different and was 21.3 ng/ml in patients with BA and 29.6 ng/ml in healthy children (p < 0.01). It was revealed that 89.62% of patients with asthma and 60.8% of healthy children had a low supply of vitamin D (p < 0.05). The frequency of severe deficiency in children with asthma was 23.7%; no pronounced deficiency was recorded among healthy children. A 25(OH)D concentration of 10–20 ng/ml was more often observed in asthma (46.66%) compared to healthy children (26.5%). It was found that 25(OH)D deficiency 21–29 ng/ml was more often recorded in healthy children (34.3%) compared to BA (19.25%, p < 0.05). Low 25(OH)D levels are observed among 92.6% of patients with BA from Krasnoyarsk, among all patients with BA from Stavropol and 70.6% of patients with BA from Moscow. There was no effect of vitamin D content in food on the concentration of 25(OH)D in the blood. Taking vitamin D in doses from 500 IU to 1500 IU per day does not significantly increase the level of 25(OH)D and achieve optimal vitamin D status. Patients with the minor genotype AA of the BsmlI VDR gene polymorphism do not respond by increasing the level of 25(OH)D in response for supplementation. Conclusion. The status of vitamin D in asthma in the Russian Federation does not depend on the climatic and geographical characteristics of the region of residence, the intake of vitamin D from food and PSS during prophylaxis with standard doses of cholecalciferol, but is determined by gender, age, season of the year, lack of intake or intake of a low preventive dose cholecalciferol (less than 1000 IU), as well as the influence of BsmlI polymorphism of the VDR gene. Key words: bronchial asthma, children, vitamin D, supplementation, VDR gene

Novel technique for measuring salt concentrations in food using silver dichromate

Curing with salt reduces water content in food and extends its shelf life; therefore, understanding salt permeability in food is critical to food quality and safety. Although there are many new techniques to measure salt concentrations in food, they cannot be applied in practice owing to drawbacks such as the need for expensive equipment or the inability to image quickly; therefore, development of a fast and simple measurement method is crucial. Silver dichromate is converted to silver chloride when it encounters chloride ions. Based on this principle, we soaked radishes in NaCl solutions of different concentrations and added a layer of silver dichromate to it. Salt concentrations was observed in 5 min, as areas with NaCl concentration of ≥1 % appeared white, whereas the other regions appeared red. A strong correlation (r = 0.94/0.96) was observed between the area of salt concentrations measured using this method and that measured using the conventional salt measurement method, demonstrating the reliability of the method. This method will help advance research related to salt concentrations in food and its application in industrial scenarios.

Potential actions for preventing high consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners among Chilean children and adolescents: recommendations from a panel of relevant actors.

To provide local policymakers with a guideline of potential actions to prevent the high consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners (NNS) among children and adolescents observed in Chile, given the potential health problems related to NNS intake. The Delphi method was used for the evaluation of twenty-one recommendations to decrease the intake of NNS in paediatric population, with the participation of a panel of relevant actors. The proposed recommendations were developed by the research team using the NOURISHING framework; potential actions were based on the increase in the use and intake of NNS by Chilean children, current local food regulations, recommendations of health organisations and foreign policy experiences. Twenty-five relevant actors related to NNS, nutrition, food technology and paediatrics (out of thirty-nine invitations made to scholars, professional institutions and civil society’s organisations) participated in the Delphi study. A consensus was reached on nine recommendations regarding relevance and feasibility to be part of the guideline. Recommendations involved measures mostly related to improving the delivery of information (food content and potential health effects of NNS), supporting the generation of more evidence of NNS health effects and substitutes, and marketing restrictions when targeted to children. The process produced a nine-action guideline to reduce the excessive NNS consumption among Chilean children and adolescents. Developed through a consensus-driven approach among key stakeholders, this guideline provides policymakers with a framework to adopt a precautionary stance, particularly concerning vulnerable populations, given the currently inconclusive evidence on the long-term health effects of NNS consumption.

Condensed tannins-Their content in plant foods, changes during processing, antioxidant and biological activities.

Condensed tannins are considered nutritionally undesirable, because they precipitate proteins, inhibit digestive enzymes, and can affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals. From the consumer's point of view, they impart astringency to foods. Yet, they are viewed as a double-edged sword, since they possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Intake of a small quantity of the right kind of tannins may in fact be beneficial to human health. This chapter reports on the chemical structure of condensed tannins, their content in plants and food of plant origin, how they are extracted, and methods for their determination. A description of the effects of processing on condensed tannins is discussed and includes soaking, dehulling, thermal processing (i.e., cooking, boiling, autoclaving, extrusion), and germination. The astringency of condensed tannins is described in relation to their interactions with proteins. Finally, details about the biological properties of condensed tannins, including their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities, are reviewed.

Validity and Reliability of the Child and Adolescent Version of the Iron Intake Scale (CIIS) as an Educational Tool.

In Asia, 42% of young children suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Children have an increased requirement for iron intake because of growth and physical activity. Education plays an important role in anemia prevention and in ensuring children are aware of appropriate iron intake and the iron content of different foods. As a tool for this purpose, we adapted the adult version of the Revised Iron Intake Scale (RIIS) to create the Child and Adolescent Version of the Iron Intake Scale (CIIS), using illustrations to help children recognize the foods listed in the CIIS. We aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of this new scale. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire to examine the criterion-related validity of the CIIS. We used Spearman's rank correlation coefficient to compare iron intake estimated by the CIIS with that calculated by the Brief-type Diet History Questionnaire (BDHQ-15y), which assesses respondents' dietary habits over the past month and is standardized among Japanese children. The survey was repeated twice to examine reliability. We found a moderate positive correlation for iron intake between the CIIS and BDHQ-15y, with a correlation coefficient of .52 (n = 258, P < .001). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .718. The CIIS reproducibility test yielded a correlation coefficient of .67. Our results indicated that the CIIS was valid, reliable, and reproducible. We therefore believe that the scale can be used to improve education about iron deficiency anemia and thereby reduce anemia rates among children and adolescents.

Prevalence, variety, and iron and zinc content of commercial infant and toddler foods sold in the United States that contain meat.

Iron and zinc are important nutrients during infancy, particularly for infants exclusively fed human milk at the beginning of complementary feeding (CF) from 6-12 months. The 1st Foods Study examined the ingredients and nutrient contents of commercially-available infant and toddler foods (ITFs) that were sold in the US and contained meat. Company websites (n = 22) were used to create a database of commercial ITFs (n = 165) available for purchase in the US and contained at least one meat (e.g., beef, chicken, pork). Single ingredient and ready-to-serve meals (for ages ≤ 9 months) and ready-to-serve meals (for ages 10+ months) were categorized as infant and toddler products, respectively. For each product, the ingredient list, intended age/stage, serving size (g), energy (kcal), protein (g), iron (mg), and zinc (mg) per serving were recorded from product labels. Nutrient amount/100 g was calculated for each product and medians and inter-quartile ranges were calculated and compared (1) by intended age/stage of the product and (2) according to meat type. In general, toddler products contained more iron than infant products. Within infant products (n = 65), more iron was found in products containing beef relative to products with other meats, which were similar in iron content. Within toddler products (n = 38), more iron was found in products containing seafood, followed by beef, turkey, and pork. Slightly less iron was found in products with chicken. Zinc content was infrequently reported (n = 17 total products). Because many of the products assessed contained low amounts of iron and zinc, meeting the current infant and toddler requirements for iron and zinc during the CF period may be challenging if commercial ITFs containing meat are the primary source of these nutrients.

Using co-design to identify intervention components to address unhealthy dietary and activity behaviours in New Zealand South Asians.

There is an urgent need to develop sustainable and impactful interventions to mitigate the high risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases (diet-NCDs) in South Asians living in high-income countries. The current study using a co-design methodology aimed to identify community-led intervention components (solutions) to address barriers and enablers of disease-promoting dietary and physical activity behaviours in New Zealand South Asians. Data were collected from South Asian immigrants aged 25-59 years via three focus group discussions (n = 21) and 10 telephone or face-to-face interviews between 2018 and 2019. The thematic analysis resulted in identifying 22 barrier and enabler codes and 12 solution codes which were summarised under five themes. The key solutions (intervention components) to mitigate the identified target behaviours were providing recipes for using local vegetables in South Asian cuisine, information on the nutritional quality of frozen vegetables and canned lentils, simple home gardening techniques, the saturated fat content of dairy foods, interpreting nutrition labels, optimal portion sizes of foods, and framing low-fat messages positively. Similarly, group-based activities with peer support such as walking, cultural dancing and community sports like cricket, football, and tennis were the identified solutions to increase physical activity levels. The identified solutions for health promoting dietary habits and physical activity levels could be part of any targeted multicomponent health promoting programme to reduce the risk of diet-NCDs in South Asian immigrants.

Effectiveness of Early Warning Systems in Enhancing Food Security in Pokot Central Sub County, West Pokot County, Kenya

Pokot Central Sub County in West Pokot County, Kenya, is the most drought-stricken and food-insecure region as of 2022. The region faces severe threats to agriculture and food accessibility, exacerbated by delayed, reactive drought response strategies and limited resources. This study evaluated the effectiveness of early warning systems in enhancing food security during drought periods. The study used vulnerability and resilience and complex adaptive systems theories to explore these interrelationships. A mixed-method approach with a convergent parallel design was adopted, targeting 22,041 households in Pokot Central. A sample of 396 households was selected through stratified random sampling and 20 key informants were chosen using purposive sampling. Descriptive analysis outlined drought preparedness and food security, while thematic and content analysis were used for qualitative data. Regression and correlation analysis determined relationships between early warning systems and food security. Key findings revealed a positive association between early warning awareness and food security (r=0.155, p=0.000). Recommendations include enhancing drought risk management and improving early warning dissemination. An integrated approach involving government agencies, NGOs and local communities is crucial for effective drought response.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content of food, water and vegetables and associated cancer risk assessment in Southern Nigeria.

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of water (four surface water, six underground water (borehole water), seven sachet water), barbecued food and their fresh equivalents (barbecued beef, fish, plantain, pork, yam, chicken, chevon, potato, corn), oil (three palm oil, nine vegetable oil), and fresh vegetable samples (water leaf, bitter leaf, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, pumpkin, garlic, ginger, green leaf, Gnetum Africana, onion, pepper) were determined by GC-MS analysis. The current study also determined the estimated lifetime cancer risk from ingesting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated food. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of water, oil, vegetable, and food samples were within the United States Environmental Protection Agency/World Health Organization safe limits. The naphthalene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and benzo(k)fluoranthene levels in surface water were significantly higher than in borehole samples (P = 0.000, 0.047, 0.047). Vegetable oils had higher anthracene and chrysene compared to palm oil (P = 0.023 and 0.032). Significant variations were observed in levels of naphthalene, acenaphthylene, phenanthrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene among the barbecued and fresh food samples (P <0.05). Barbecued pork, potato, and corn had significantly higher naphthalene compared to their fresh equivalents (P = 0.002, 0.017, and <0.001). Consumption of barbecued food and surface water may be associated with higher exposure risk to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which may predispose to increased cancer health risk. The current work explores in depth the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different dietary categories that pose direct risk to humans via direct consumption. These findings add knowledge to support future considerations for human health.

Low asparagine wheat: Europe's first field trial of genome edited wheat amid rapidly changing regulations on acrylamide in food and genome editing of crops.

We review the undertaking of a field trial of low asparagine wheat lines in which the asparagine synthetase gene, TaASN2, has been knocked out using CRISPR/Cas9. The field trial was undertaken in 2021-2022 and represented the first field release of genome edited wheat in Europe. The year of the field trial and the period since have seen rapid changes in the regulations covering both the field release and commercialisation of genome edited crops in the UK. These historic developments are reviewed in detail. Free asparagine is the precursor for acrylamide formation during high-temperature cooking and processing of grains, tubers, storage roots, beans and other crop products. Consequently, work on reducing the free asparagine concentration of wheat and other cereal grains, as well as the tubers, beans and storage roots of other crops, is driven by the need for food businesses to comply with current and potential future regulations on acrylamide content of foods. The topic illustrates how strategic and applied crop research is driven by regulations and also needs a supportive regulatory environment in which to thrive.

Assessment of energy balance in nutritional counseling – fact or myth?

Abstract Evaluating energy balance in nutritional counseling is always prone to error. This study explains the reasons for this situation, energy expenditure types and methods of estimation, various categories of energy, the relationship between the caloric content of food and ATP production, the idea of fat balance, the concept of the energy homeostat, and other issues. Awareness of the tools’ limitations draws more attention to simple dietary recommendations and the role of physical activity. It also helps avoid the frustration of putting too much faith in uncertain caloric value and energy balance estimations.

Shelf Life Improvement of Okra: A Review

Okra is a vegetable crop belonging to family Malvaceae. Its botanical name is Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.), the plant originated from West Africa. Food content of okra pods include minerals salts, vitamins and proteins and roughages. Okra is a highly perishable commodity, after harvest of Okra, a great loss occurs because since the fruit undergoes continued respiration. Many post-harvest practices such as use of calcium chloride, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), heat treatment, cold storage, use of plant extract, have been used to extend the shelf life okra and the use of plant extract is regarded as the cheapest, most practicable method but the extraction of compounds should be safe and eco-friendly.

반려동물 사료 표시제도의 법률적 쟁점과 과제

Driven by the increasing number of pets and households that have pets, the pet food market is undergoing substantial growth. With the surge in pet guardianship, pet food consumption has increased, which has been accompanied by a growing interest in various functional pet food types. Despite the variety available, a notable issue exists concerning the primary labeling of pet food. This study investigates the current status and major issues within the pet food labeling system and proposes improvements.&#x0D; The labeling system for pet food is governed by the Control of Livestock and Fish Feed Act in conjunction with livestock feed regulations. This dual oversight presents challenges in providing precise information to pet food consumers through the labeling system. Currently, there are no established standards for differentiating pet food product names, specifying recommended feeding amounts, highlighting nutritional functions, or verifying pet food labeling. Additionally, a robust review system and review board dedicated to overseeing pet food labeling are absent.&#x0D; To foster the growth of the pet food industry, a revision of the current pet food labeling system is imperative. The proposed revision involves the following: First, reorganizing the classification system. The existing feed classification system of formulated feed and straight feed (mixed straight feed) should transition to a labeling classification system based on the intended purpose of the feed. Second, there is a need to regulate the contents of pet food, including product names and nutritional ingredients. Mandatory display of product names and the regulation of their use are essential components of this revision. Third, empirical standards and the establishment of a review advisory board to authenticate pet food labeling are needed. Regulations on the contents and procedures for labeling and advertising on efficacy and effectiveness should be established, grounded in a minimum scientific evidence threshold. Furthermore, there have been calls for the formation of an advisory or review committee composed of experts, which underscores the need for the establishment of a system to facilitate this.

Shaping Diets for Gut Health: Understanding the Microbial Influence

The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that constitute a dynamic ecology involved in both health and disease. Although the makeup of the gut microbiota varies from person to person and is often stable over the course of a lifetime, numerous researches have noted daily variations [1]. One important modifiable factor that affects the composition of the gut microbiota is diet. It becomes clear that microbial diversity, composition, and stability can be controlled through therapeutic dietary approaches. A diverse and abundant microbial ecosystem boosts immunological responses, increases mental well-being, and maintains proper metabolic balance. The Western diet that is characterized by the high intake of artificially processed food and low fiber content has been associated with the exponential decrease in microbial diversity and consequent health issues including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation and metabolic disturbances [2]. Contrary to it, diverse diet which includes all types of natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain, nuts seeds and legumes has been proved to introduce an array of nutrients and fibers fueling our gut microbiota. For instance, dietary fiber aid in the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Moreover, polyphenols and antioxidants present in various plant-based foods exhibit pre-biotic effects, and maintain the gut environment favorable for the proliferation of microbiota [3]. This diverse intake provides a spectrum of substrates that are essential for the bacterial metabolism and also contribute in the growth of diverse range of beneficial bacteria. This dietary diversity not just includes the variety of foods but also involves mindful choices, balanced combination and understand the association of diet and microbiota. In addition, other lifestyle factors also influence over the microbial environment. Chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns and sedentary habits impact the activity and growth of the microbial diversity. It is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ concept and personalized nutrition strategies are required depending upon the individual variations in microbial composition. Future research should incorporate long-term dietary assessments with short-term diet interventions to improve the findings of diet-microbiome relationship. Interdisciplinary collaborations are significant to navigate the complex relationships encompassing the knowledge from different disciplines such as microbiology, nutrition, behavioral and clinical sciences, allowing us to pave the way for dietary recommendations that prioritize gut health and overall well-being.

The influence of youtube food content reviews on customer purchasing decisions: lesson from Jakarta local street food

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of food review content on YouTube on purchasing decisions for local culinary delights, specifically the Jakarta Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih. It is the one of the favorite culinary place in Jakarta which sells lamb fried rice, it is located at Kebon Sirih Street. This research employed a quantitative approach with data analysis techniques such as descriptive statistics, linear regression test, t test, and coefficient of determination. The participants in this study are tourists on culinary trips in Jakarta. The samples were 100 tourists who went on a culinary trip and purchased fried rice for the Jakarta Kebon Sirih utilising non-probability sampling or purposive sampling techniques. The correlation coefficient test findings reveal that food reviews on YouTube have a remarkably strong relationship with Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the t test results indicate that food reviews on YouTube have a partially positive influence on the decision to purchase culinary products at the restaurant. The theoretical implication of this research is to provide an understanding that food reviews on YouTube have a significant contribution in the context of culinary products or culinary tourism. In the meantime, the findings of this study can be utilized as a reference for restaurant management in particular, and for local street food in general. Some of the limitations of this research that can be addressed in future research include the sample size and research scope.

Investigation of Acrylamide Contents in Frozen Foods According to the Cooking Method

Investigation of Acrylamide Contents in Frozen Foods According to the Cooking Method

Wasting Food Practice on Tiktok: Micro-Fame, Profit, and Trendiness

This research aims to investigate the phenomenon of wasting food practice, which once became a trend on TikTok, during pandemic era. This study utilizes a qualitative method with elaboration and literature review on several research related to the issue. The analysis revealed that the emergence of wasting food content trends on TikTok was related to the coherence between globalization as the root of the era of technological progress, the ideology of capitalism driven by changes in people's mindsets, and active participatory culture as capitalist behavior that promotes the wasting food content for the sake of individual satisfaction (fame and trendiness) and profit. This study also concluded that TikTok served as the social media which offered public benefit in the form of creative video content that might violate the social norms.&#x0D;

Approaches to Enhance Sugar Content in Foods: Is the Date Palm Fruit a Natural Alternative to Sweeteners?

The current levels of added sugars in processed foods impact dental health and contribute to a range of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This review presents sugars and sweeteners used in food processing, the current possibility to replace added sugars, and highlights the benefits of using dates as a new natural, nutritious and healthy alternative to synthetic and non-nutritive sweeteners. In the context of environmental sustainability, palm groves afford a propitious habitat for a diverse array of animal species and assume a pivotal social role by contributing to the provisioning of sustenance and livelihoods for local communities. The available literature shows the date as an alternative to added sugars due to its composition in macro and micronutrients, especially in bioactive components (fiber, polyphenols and minerals). Therefore, dates are presented as a health promoter and a preventative for certain diseases with the consequent added value. The use of damaged or unmarketable dates, due to its limited shelf life, can reduce losses and improve the sustainability of date palm cultivation. This review shows the potential use dates, date by-products and second quality dates as sugar substitutes in the production of sweet and healthier foods, in line with broader sustainability objectives and circular economy principles.

Seasonal Fluctuations in Hemodynamic Characteristics in Patients with Increased Meteosensitivity: a Survey

INTRODUCTION. Currently, the Russian Federation occupies one of the first places among the developed countries of the world in terms of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, 3–5 times higher than in developed countries. Arterial hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and other risk factors contribute to the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases, and lifestyle modification and reduction in risk factor levels can slow their development. An increase in physical activity along with a decrease in the total calorie content of food is mandatory for reducing body weight. When combining physical exercises with climatotherapy (health path, physical exercises in the open air), it is necessary to take into account external meteorological conditions, as well as increased meteosensitivity of some patients, which are able to neutralize the therapeutic effects achieved by using, for example, health path.&#x0D; AIM. To study the frequency and seasonality of the main meteopathic reactions in patients with cardiovascular diseases.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS. We conducted a verbal and communicative examination of 735 patients with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 and over, who were treated in the health resort complex “Vulan“. The analysis of patients’ answers about arterial pressure increases and complaints about other meteopathic reactions during the year according to self-monitoring data was carried out. Macroclimatic characteristics of the location of the health resort complex were also studied. The study was performed as part of the research work under the state assignment of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, reg. No. 121040200110-0.&#x0D; RESULTS. It was revealed that the highest frequency of increased blood pressure recorded by patients is registered in March, October, November and December, the lowest is recorded in May, June and August. At the same time, the frequencies of other meteopathic reactions, such as fear, anxiety, shortness of breath, and others, are evenly distributed throughout the year.&#x0D; CONCLUSION. The study evaluated the natural climatic factors of the resort located on the Black Sea coast of the North Caucasus, by the example of the health resort complex “Vulan“ in connection with the search of favorable seasons for the treatment of cardiological patients with increased meteosensitivity. The results obtained allow us to make proposals to supplement the current regulatory documents with the data on the identified favorable periods of health resort treatment for cardiologic patients, expanding the seasonality for referring patients to the resorts of the Black Sea coast of the North Caucasus.

Year of the Goblin Tracing New Developments of Digital Folklore and Urban Modes of Living in Online Music Subcultures

This paper sheds light on the connections between musical undergrounds and the global emergence of ‘goblin mode’ as a political aesthetic. In March 2022 The Guardian published an article discussing the popularity of a new locution emerging on social media: ‘goblin mode’. Characterized by a 'complete lack of aesthetic' and vaguely pointing towards ‘the opposite of trying to better oneself’, ‘goblin mode’ was linked to embracing dishevelment, rejecting societal expectations, and giving in to the heavy consumption of junk food and digital content in reaction to the pandemic obsession for domestic and personal improvement.