Diet Quality Research Articles

Lifestyle changes and patient-reported outcomes over five years in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis after a single multimodal intensive lifestyle education workshop.

Modifiable lifestyle risk factors for progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been increasingly studied. This study employed a single-group design involving a one-off intensive live-in educational workshop on lifestyle modification for people with MS. We aimed to examine changes in a range of clinical and lifestyle variables and quality of life, self-efficacy, physical impact of MS and disability from baseline to 3- and 5-years post-intervention. 95 participants completed the baseline survey. Data included lifestyle risk factors of diet quality, meat and dairy consumption, omega 3 and vitamin D supplementation, physical activity, stress reducing activities, and smoking status, and use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Patient-reported outcomes included health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, physical impact of MS and disability. Generalised estimating equation models were used to account for within-participant correlation over time. Sixty participants (63.2%) provided data at 3- and 5-years. Significant improvements in diet quality, omega 3 supplementation, and non-smoking were seen at both timepoints. Use of DMTs and disability remained unchanged. Mental (8.8- and 6.9-point) and physical (10.5- and 7.3-point) quality of life, and self-efficacy (2.4- and 1.9-point) improved significantly at 3- and 5-years, respectively. Physical impact of MS reduced from baseline to 3-years (-3.7 points) with a trend towards reduction at 5-years (-2.9 points; p = 0.079). Education on lifestyle modification can lead to lifestyle modification and short and long-term improvements in mental and physical wellbeing outcomes. Results suggest potential value in lifestyle modification as an adjunctive component to standard therapy for MS.

Dietary pattern transition and its nutrient intakes and diet quality among Japanese population: results from the 2003-2019 National Survey.

While many Asian countries undergo dietary transitions, little is known about Japan's dietary pattern changes and their impact on nutritional intake. We aimed to examine 17-year trends in dietary patterns and nutrient intakes in Japan. Principal component analysis was used to derive dietary patterns. The nutrient intake of subjects with principal component scores in the highest quartiles of each dietary pattern was assessed using the NRF9.3 which is a scale that evaluates the entire diet in terms of nutrient density. Japan. We used data from the National Survey 2003-2019 (67,066 women, 55,133 men). Two common dietary patterns were identified in both sexes: the 'Japanese style' and the 'bread and dairy' pattern. Additionally, two other patterns: 'meat and oil' and 'noodles', were pronounced in men. Over the 17 years, the scores of the 'Japanese style' pattern decreased while the 'meat and oil' and the 'bread and dairy' patterns increased. The nutrition assessment result showed that the highest quartiles of the 'Japanese style' pattern had higher NRF scores (women: 716.0, men: 670.5) (p<0.001), whereas those of the 'bread and dairy' pattern had a lower score (636.9 in women, 661.2 in men) (p<0.001). Trend analysis in this study suggests the ongoing Westernization of diet in Japan. A decreasing trend of the dietary pattern with the most preferable nutrient profile (i.e., the 'Japanese style') might indicate a potential decrease in beneficial nutrient intake and, thus, a deterioration of the nutritional status of the Japanese population.

Effect of Diet and Dietary Patterns on the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review

The link between diet and the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a topic of growing interest and investigation within the medical community. This review explored the mechanisms through which dietary interventions can impact the course of MS and shape the clinical outcomes and quality of life of individuals with the disease. By synthesizing current knowledge from clinical studies and observational research, the review aimed to provide insights into the role of diet in managing MS. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on the effect of diet and dietary patterns on the progression of MS. Key findings indicated that individuals with higher diet quality exhibit reduced disability levels and lower symptom severity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and adopting a holistic, healthy lifestyle in managing MS. The review also delved into the potential impact of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals on the progression of MS, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrient intake for optimal health outcomes. Additionally, the study explored the association between dietary intake variations and the severity of MS, suggesting that further investigation is needed to understand the potential implications of nutrient deficiencies in MS patients. Overall, the review serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and individuals living with MS, providing evidence-based dietary approaches that may help optimize health outcomes and mitigate the burden of the disease. It also calls for future research directions in the critical area of dietary management of MS to enhance our understanding and improve patient care.

Effects of Daily Almond Consumption on Glycemia in Adults with Elevated Risk for Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential for sustained almond consumption to reduce HbA1c concentrations among individuals with elevated values. A 16-week randomized, parallel-arm, controlled trial was conducted. Eighty-one adults with elevated HbA1c concentrations (>5.7%) were randomly assigned to incorporate 2 oz of raw almonds (A: n=39) or energy-matched snacks (C: n=42) into their daily diets. Body weight, body composition, plasma lipids, HbA1c, plasma vitamin E, glycemia (by meal tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring), dietary intake, and hedonic responses to test foods were measured at stipulated time points. Participants consuming almonds ingested 253 kcal/d more than participants in the control group (P=0.02), but this did not result in a significant difference in body weight. No statistically significant differences were observed in HbA1c concentrations, blood chemistries, body composition, or glycemia over time or between groups. However, Healthy Eating Index scores improved within the almond group as compared to the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the hedonic rating of almonds within the almond group did not decline as markedly as the control group's reduced liking of the pretzel snack. Alpha-tocopherol increased significantly, and gamma tocopherol tended to decrease in the almond group, indicating compliance with the dietary intervention. Overall, daily ingestion of 2oz of raw almonds in a self-selected diet for 16 weeks did not alter short-term or longer-term glycemia or HbA1c concentrations in adults with elevated HbA1c concentrations, but they were well-tolerated hedonically and improved diet quality without promoting weight gain.

Methodology for developing and validating Bangladesh healthy eating index: A study protocol.

One of the widely used methods for evaluating the overall quality of a diet is the Healthy Eating Index. In the present study protocol, we lay out the methodological approach to the development and validation of a healthy eating index specific for the Bangladeshi population (hereinafter referred to as Bangladesh Healthy Eating Index (BD-HEI)). Bangladesh Healthy Eating Index will be developed based on the Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) of Bangladesh. Using a scoring system that aligns with the eleven food groups outlined in the FBDG, the index will consist of eleven eating components. A cross-sectional community nutrition survey will be carried out among 1080 reproductive-aged women. Through this survey, quantitative dietary data will be collected following multiple pass 24h dietary recall method. Repeated 24-hour dietary data (of two consecutive days) will be collected from one-third of the respondents. Evaluating usual food and nutrient intake as well as the probability of nutrient intake adequacy, the study will examine the validity of the BD-HEI. Following a suitable statistical procedure, the reliability and construct validity of BD-HEI will be evaluated. Country-specific HEI can be used to assess the dietary quality of the people of that country. The findings from this research can inform policy decisions and strategies to promote healthier eating habits and combat the rising burden of diet-related diseases in the country.

Exploring diet as a source of plasticizers in pregnancy and implications for maternal second-trimester metabolic health

Background and objectivesDiet plays critical roles in modulating maternal metabolic health in pregnancy, but is also a source of metabolic-disrupting phthalates and their replacements. We aimed to evaluate whether the effects of better diet quality on favorable maternal metabolic outcomes could be partially explained by lower exposure to phthalates/replacements. MethodsAt 13 weeks gestation, 295 Illinois women (enrolled 2015–2018) completed a three-month food frequency questionnaire that we used to calculate the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010 to assess diet quality. We quantified 19 metabolites, reflecting exposure to 10 phthalates/replacements, in a pool of five first-morning urine samples collected monthly across pregnancy. We measured 15 metabolic biomarkers in fasting plasma samples collected at 17 weeks gestation, which we reduced to five uncorrelated principal components (PCs), representing adiposity, lipids, cholesterol, inflammation, and growth. We used linear regression to estimate associations of diet quality with [1] phthalates/replacements and [2] metabolic PCs, as well as [3] associations of phthalates/replacements with metabolic PCs. We estimated the proportion of associations between diet quality and metabolic outcomes explained by phthalates/replacements using a causal mediation framework. ResultsOverall, every 10-point improvement in AHEI-2010 score was associated with −0.15 (95% CI: −0.27, −0.04) lower adiposity scores, reflecting lower glucose, insulin, C-peptide, leptin, C-reactive protein, but higher adiponectin biomarker levels. Every 10-point increase in diet quality was also associated with 18% (95%CI: 7%, 28%) lower sum of di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate urinary metabolites (∑DEHTP). Correspondingly, each 18% increase in ∑DEHTP was associated with 0.03 point (95% CI: 0.01, 0.05) higher adiposity PC scores. In mediation analyses, 21% of the inverse relationship between diet quality and adiposity PC scores was explained by lower ∑DEHTP. ConclusionsThe favorable impact of diet quality on maternal adiposity biomarkers may be partially attributed to lower metabolite concentrations of DEHTP, a plasticizer allowed to be used in food packaging materials.

Contextual factors influence food intake at eating occasions in young adults: A mixed effect analysis

Understanding eating behaviours of young adults is crucial for developing strategies to improve their diet quality. Factors that influence eating behaviours are often multifaceted and highly contextual, with little research focused on young adults. This study examined contextual factors influencing food intake at eating occasions among young adults. Participants (n = 675, 18–30 years) recorded dietary intake and contextual characteristics at eating occasions (n = 27,513) using a smartphone food diary (“FoodNow”) over three to four non-consecutive days. Food and beverage intakes were classified into six groups according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Eating occasion-level contextual factors, such as consumption location, purchase location, activity, and social context, were recorded via the app, while person-level contextual factors were collected through an online survey. Generalised mixed models with random intercepts were used to investigate effects of contextual factors on food group consumption at meals and snacks. Eating location was associated with vegetable and discretionary food intake; meals that were eaten while in transit were 0.59 serves lower in vegetables (95% CI: −0.93, −0.38; p < 0.001) and 0.31 serves higher in discretionary foods (95% CI: 0.03, 0.54; p = 0.014), compared meals eaten at home. Higher intakes of discretionary foods were observed when friends were present at meals and snacks (0.66 and 0.57 serves, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.88; 0.36, 0.77, p < 0.001). Meals purchased from convenience stores were higher in grain and discretionary foods than meals from other locations (p < 0.001). Majority of person-level factors showed minimal effects on food group consumption. Addressing factors such as purchase location and social contexts during meals and snacks may improve food choices, as small changes at eating occasions can significantly impact overall diet quality over time.

Infant diet quality index predicts nutrients of concern and ultra-processed food intake in low-income children in the United States

BackgroundDiet quality during infancy can influence nutrient intake and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption throughout later childhood. ObjectivesThis study investigated the predictive validity of Infant Diet Quality Index (IDQI) scores from 0 to 1 y of age and consumption of select nutrients and UPFs at different time points in low-income children aged 2–5 y. MethodsDietary surveys and 24-h dietary recalls collected between ages 0 and 12 months from 2613 Special Supplemental Women, Infants, and Children Infant Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 participants were used to assess infant diet quality by final IDQI score ranging from 0 (nonadherence to dietary guidelines) to 1 (complete adherence to guidelines). Single 24-h recalls collected across multiple time points per child aged between 2 and 5 y were used to determine nutrient intakes: vitamin B12 (μg), vitamin D (μg), calcium (mg), iron (mg), zinc (mg), potassium (mg), saturated fat (g), dietary fiber (g), and added sugars (g). Likewise, Nova was used to classify foods (to estimate the percentage of energy from foods) by level of industrial processing at each point in time across ages 2–5 y. Survey-weighted regression analyses estimated associations between total IDQI score and nutrient intake and percentage of energy consumption from each Nova food group at each age between 2–5 y. ResultsIDQI scores based on diet quality from 0–1 y of age were positively associated with children’s dietary fiber and potassium intake at ages 2–5 y. Additionally, IDQI was negatively associated with added sugar intake. No associations were observed between IDQI and saturated fat consumption. IDQI scores at age 1 were positively associated with the percentage of energy attributed to unprocessed/minimally processed foods (20%–23%) and negatively associated with UPF consumption at ages 2–5 y (−24% to −29%). ConclusionsIDQI predicts intake of select nutrients and UPF consumption among low-income US children aged 2–5 y.This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02031978 as “Feeding My Baby – A National WIC Study,” NCT02031978.

Food retailer actions toward the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to promote nutrition security: Applicability of the Business Impact Assessment-Obesity as a monitoring tool.

The White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health (National Strategy) encourages actions across government and society to promote nutrition security. Nutrition security includes adequate food, diet quality, and equity, and food retail settings can promote these major concepts. Of all National Strategy whole-of-society calls to action, food retailers can contribute to 15 calls as key actors. However, there is currently no standardized monitoring tool to track food retailers' commitments and actions toward the National Strategy to promote nutrition security. The Business Impact Assessment-Obesity and population-level nutrition (BIA-Obesity), a tool originally developed for corporate accountability monitoring, can be tailored for the National Strategy and nutrition security, given its standardized indicators and process to assess food company policies and commitments across six domains. We discuss the fit of the BIA-Obesity indicators for tracking food retailers' commitments and actions across four pillars of the National Strategy. Existing indicators are appropriate to monitor components of Pillar 1: Improve Food Access and Affordability; Pillar 2: Integrate Nutrition and Health; Pillar 3: Empower All Consumers to Make and Have Access to Healthy Choices; and Pillar 5: Enhance Nutrition and Food Security Research. We suggest expanding current indicators to include equity, local foods, the digital food environment, and food waste reduction to improve alignment of the BIA-Obesity with the National Strategy. Application of the BIA-Obesity as an existing tool can facilitate data cohesion and more rapid assessment of the food retailer landscape to mutually meet nutrition security goals by 2030.

Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement by Samsid Customized Joint Prosthesis: A Case Report with 16 Years of Follow-Up

AbstractTotal temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a surgical intervention employed for the management of advanced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, particularly when autogenous grafts are not recommended. With stainless steel implant of glenoid fossa attempted for the correction of ankylosis in the 1960s, total TMJR—which minimizes foreign body reaction and consists of highly biocompatible materials such as Cr-Co-Mo alloy, titanium, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene—began to be applied. These alloplastic prostheses are available in both standardized and customized forms, comprising components for the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa. The present case report presents India's first TMJR in a 12-year-old female patient with TMJ ankylosis. Total TMJR was done in her with India's first customized TMJ prosthesis (Samsid TMJ prosthesis), which was designed and manufactured by the author for the first time in India. This study presents a 16-year follow-up of customized TMJR, addressing TMJ ankylosis. Our research showcases the long-term success of Samsid TMJ prostheses in improving pain, oral function, diet, and overall quality of life. The case report also highlights the potential of Samsid TMJ prostheses as a valuable solution for TMJ patients, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions for lasting joint function restoration. The results presented indicate that the Samsid patient-fitted total TMJR system remains a secure, efficient, and dependable long-term treatment option for the particular patient demographic examined in this research.

Comparison of diet quality on weekdays and weekends among high school students in a semi-military education system

Comparison of diet quality on weekdays and weekends among high school students in a semi-military education system

Associations Between Body Image, Eating Behaviors, and Diet Quality Among Young Women in New Zealand: The Role of Social Media.

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between diet quality and body image disturbance among young women aged 18-24, a crucial period for establishing lifelong health behaviors. Given the increasing exposure to social media, which often promotes unrealistic beauty standards, this research aims to explore associations between eating behaviors, diet quality, and body image disturbance. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative focus group discussions with quantitative analysis. Focus groups (n = 19) explored themes of body image dissatisfaction. The Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was administered to 50 participants (young women aged 18-24) to quantitatively assess body image disturbance, while diet quality was evaluated using the Australian Recommended Food Scores (ARFS). The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) was also used to assess eating behaviors, including cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. A social influence questionnaire (SIQ) was administered to measure the effect of social influence. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between ARFS, BIDQ, and TFEQ-R18 scores. Results: Qualitative findings revealed persistent dissatisfaction with body shape, largely influenced by social media. Quantitatively, 65% of participants scored above the clinical threshold for body image disturbance (mean BIDQ score = 4.2, SD = 0.8). The correlation between ARFS and BIDQ scores was weak and not statistically significant (r = 0.057, p = 0.711). However, a significant positive correlation was observed between time spent on social media and body image disturbance (r = 0.58, p < 0.01). Additionally, TFEQ-R18 results indicated that 45% of participants displayed moderate levels of uncontrolled eating, and 36.5% demonstrated moderate levels of emotional eating. Conclusions: While social media is associated with body image concerns, its effect on eating behaviors and diet quality shows weak correlations, suggesting that other factors may mediate these outcomes. These results suggest the complexity of the associations between body image, eating behaviors, and diet quality, indicating that interventions should consider psychological drivers behind these concerns alongside social media usage.

Dietary Pattern Trajectories in French Adults of the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Over Time (2014-2022): Role of Socioeconomic Factors.

While dietary transitions towards more plant-based diets are urgently needed, few studies have investigated current diet trajectories, based on observed longitudinal data. This study investigated current dietary transitions of French adults over an 8 years period (2014-2022), while assessing the diet quality and the role of diverse socio-economic factors.Consumption data from 17,187 NutriNet-Santé cohort participants weighted for the French Census were collected using a food frequency questionnaire in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Adopting a gender-specific approach, consumption changes in 23 food groups were assessed over time. The diet quality was evaluated using the Comprehensive Diet Quality Index (cDQI) score, categorizing foods into "healthy" and "unhealthy". The socioeconomic analysis targeted four food groups (red meat (including fresh beef, pork, offal, and lamb), processed meat (e.g. sausages, ham, and bacon), legumes, and wholegrain products), strongly linked to mortality risk and recognized as significant markers of the sustainable diet transition. All analyses were conducted using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models.Consumption of some healthy plant-based foods (nuts +59 %, legumes +22%, wholegrain products +7%) significantly increased over time; while consumption of some unhealthy foods (red meat -19%, refined cereals -18%, sweetened drinks -15%) decreased. Conversely, consumption of prepared and mixed dishes (+16%), and processed meat (+35%) increased. These changes differed in magnitude between genders and translated into an improved diet quality score (cDQI). Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption, showing increased consumption of plant-based foods among students and higher socio-professional categories.Our findings provide accurate data on trends and factors for targeted initiatives, guiding strategic interventions for a sustainable dietary transition.

Role of Planetary Health Diet in the association between genetic susceptibility to obesity and anthropometric measures in adults.

The roles of overall diet quality in linking genetic background with anthropometric measures are unclear, particularly regarding the recently developed Planetary Health Diet (PHD). This study aims to determine if the PHD mediates or moderates the relationship between genetic susceptibility to obesity and anthropometric measures. The study involved 2942 individuals from a Finnish population-based cohort (54% women, mean age 53 (SD ± 13) years). Habitual diet was assessed using a validated 130-item food frequency questionnaire, and the PHD Score (total score range 0-13 points) was adapted for Finnish food culture to evaluate diet quality. Genetic susceptibility to obesity was evaluated with a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on one million single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with body mass index (BMI). Baseline anthropometrics included weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and body fat percentage, with changes in these measures tracked over 7 years. A five-step multiple linear regression model and multivariable logistic regression with interaction terms were used to assess the mediating and moderating effects of the PHD. These analyses were also replicated in another Finnish cohort study (2 834 participants). PRS for BMI was positively associated with baseline BMI and changes in anthropometric measures, except waist circumference (p = 0.12). Significant associations were observed for baseline BMI and WC (p < 0.001), changes in BMI and WC (p = 0.01), and body fat percentage change (p = 0.05). However, the PHD (average score 3.8 points) did not mediate or moderate these relationships. These findings were consistent in the replication cohort. Diet quality assessed with the PHD did not mediate or moderate the associations between genetic susceptibility to obesity and anthropometric measures. This lack of effect may be partly due to low adherence to the PHD and the older age of participants ( > 50 years) at baseline.

Do Personalized Nutrition Interventions Improve Dietary Intake and Risk Factors in Adults With Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Dietary modifications can improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Personalized nutrition (PN) refers to individualized nutrition care based on genetic, phenotypic, medical, behavioral, and/or lifestyle characteristics. PN may be beneficial in improving CVD risk factors, including diet. However, this has not been reviewed previously. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of PN interventions on CVD risk factors and diet in adults at elevated CVD risk. Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2000 and 2023 that tested the impact of PN interventions on CVD risk factors in people at elevated risk. Risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria checklist. Data synthesis of eligible articles included participant characteristics, intervention details, and change in primary CVD risk factor outcomes, including blood pressure (BP), plasma lipids, and CVD risk score, and secondary risk factors, including anthropometric outcomes and diet quality. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to explore weighted mean differences (WMDs) in change or final mean values for studies with comparable data (studies with dietary counseling interventions) for outcomes including BP, blood lipids, and anthropometric measurements. Of 7676 identified articles, 16 articles representing 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies included between 40 and 563 participants and reported outcomes for CVD risk factors, including hyperlipidemia (n = 5), elevated BP (n = 3), overweight/obesity (n = 1), and multiple risk factors (n = 6). Risk of bias was low. Results suggested potential benefit of PN on systolic BP (WMD: -1.91; 95% CI: -3.51, -0.31 mmHg) and diastolic BP (WMD: -1.49; 95% CI: -2.39, -0.58 mmHg) and dietary intake in individuals at high CVD risk. Results were inconsistent for plasma lipid and anthropometric outcomes. Results were promising for PN interventions that used dietary counseling on CVD risk factors in at-risk individuals. However, further evidence for other personalization methods is required, including improving methodological quality and longer study duration in future PN interventions. OpenScience Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/SHVWP).

Dietary satisfaction and quality of life in individuals following diet programs satisfaction of diet programs

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess individuals’ satisfaction with their diet programs and evaluate the impact of their diet on their quality of life (QOL). Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was conducted with 812 females and 334 males (n = 1,046) aged 18–65 years, all of whom were following a diet program under the guidance of a dietitian. The questionnaire included personal information as well as items related to dietary satisfaction and QOL, measured using the SF-36 scale. Findings Of the participants, 38.4% were aged 18–24, and 32.6% were aged 25–40. The mean score for dietary satisfaction was 3.0 ± 0.9 (out of 5), while the mean scores for the mental and physical components of the QOL scale were 62.0 ± 17.8 and 74.3 ± 19.2, respectively. Factors such as age, BMI and duration of the diet were associated with dietary satisfaction, whereas age, gender, health status, diet type and BMI impacted QOL (p &lt; 0.05). Dietary satisfaction scores showed a weak positive correlation with QOL scores (r = 0.125; p &lt; 0.01). Originality/value Dietary satisfaction and QOL are influenced by demographic characteristics, health status, diet type and the duration of the diet program. Additionally, there is a correlation between dietary satisfaction and QOL. To ensure the sustainability and suitability of long-term dietary plans, it is crucial to monitor patients’ dietary satisfaction. In this context, assessing the QOL in individuals on diet programs, using a newly validated diet satisfaction scale, adds originality and value to the study.

The association of overall dietary quality on stress, anxiety, depression, and academic performance in college students: a systematic review

Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to examine current evidence regarding the associations between dietary quality and mental well-being indicators (stress, anxiety, and/or depression) in college students, with a secondary aim of characterizing the relationship between overall dietary quality and academic performance. Methods: Searches were performed, and the PRISMA guidelines were followed for reporting the methods and results. Results: Twelve observational studies were included and reviewed showing high dietary quality was associated with: low stress (four studies), high stress (one study), and no significant association (two studies); low depression (three studies) and no significant association (two studies) and low anxiety (two studies), high anxiety (one study), and no significant associations (two studies). Results showed weak positive associations between overall dietary quality and academic performance. Conclusions: These results are consistent with other studies of dietary quality and non-clinical mental health outcomes; more researched is needed to determine potential associations.

Positive perceptions and purchase of sustainable foods is associated with higher diet quality in Australian university students

Purpose This study aims to understand university students' perception and engagement with sustainable food practices and the relationship with diet quality. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey assessed Australian university students' sustainable food perceptions and purchasing behaviours, diet quality using the validated Australian Recommended Food Score and attitudes towards on campus sustainable food options. Findings Of respondents (n = 197; 63% female), over half (58%) perceived it was important to purchase sustainable foods. These students were eight times more likely report purchasing sustainable foods (OR: 8.1; 95%CI 4.2–15.7; SE: 0.3; p &lt; 0.001) and had significantly higher diet quality (Beta coefficient: 2.9; 95% Confidence Intervals 0.4–5.4; Standard Error: 1.3; p = 0.024). Students who reported frequently purchasing all types of sustainable foods, except organic foods, had significantly higher diet quality. Few students perceived there were sufficient sustainable food choices on campus (19%), but most supported the development of an edible campus (80%). Originality/value The results highlight the potential impact of promoting sustainable food options and creating a supportive campus food environment towards improving students’ diet quality.

Associations of mediterranean diet score and age-related macular degeneration in Korean elderly

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported associations between individual nutrients or specific foods and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the relationship between overall dietary quality, specifically the alternative Mediterranean diet (aMED) score, and AMD remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the aMED score, as an indicator of overall diet quality, and AMD in the Korean population.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative samples of older adults aged ≥ 65 years (895 men and 1,191 women) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2018). Food intake and the aMED score were estimated using 24-h recall. AMD was diagnosed by an ophthalmologist based on fundus photography. The associations of aMED score tertiles with AMD were determined using odds ratios (ORs) from multivariate logistic regressions.ResultsMultiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly negative association between the aMED score and AMD (adjusted ORs = 0.58; 95% confidence interval = 0.39–0.88; p-trend = 0.021) in older men after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index, family monthly income, current smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, chronic disease status, and energy intake. Notably, this association was exclusively observed in men, and no significant association was observed between the aMED score and AMD in women (adjusted OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.61–1.29; p-trend = 0.691).ConclusionsThis study’s findings suggest that a high aMED score may be associated with a reduced risk of AMD in older men. Future studies with larger sample sizes and a prospective or interventional design are required to enhance current understanding regarding the association between diet quality and AMD.

A comprehensive lifestyle index and its associations with DNA methylation and type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian adults: the rodam study

BackgroundA series of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet quality, physical activity, alcohol intake, and smoking, may drive the rising burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among sub-Saharan Africans globally. It is unclear whether epigenetic changes play a mediatory role in the associations between these lifestyle factors and T2DM. We assessed the associations between a comprehensive lifestyle index, DNA methylation and T2DM among Ghanaian adults.MethodsWe used whole-blood Illumina 450 k DNA methylation data from 713 Ghanaians from the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study. We constructed a comprehensive lifestyle index based on established cut-offs for diet quality, physical activity, alcohol intake, and smoking status. In the T2DM-free discovery cohort (n = 457), linear models were fitted to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with the lifestyle index after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and technical covariates. Associations between the identified DMPs and the primary outcome (T2DM), as well as secondary outcomes (fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c), were determined via logistic and linear regression models, respectively.ResultsIn the present study population (mean age: 52 ± 10 years; male: 42.6%), the comprehensive lifestyle index showed a significant association with one DMP annotated to an intergenic region on chromosome 7 (false discovery rate (FDR) = 0.024). Others were annotated to ADCY7, SMARCE1, AHRR, LOXL2, and PTBP1 genes. One DMR was identified and annotated to the GFPT2 gene (familywise error rate (FWER) from bumphunter bootstrap = 0.036). None of the DMPs showed significant associations with T2DM; directions of effect were positive for the DMP in the AHRR and inverse for all the other DMPs. Higher methylation of the ADCY7 DMP was associated with higher FBG (p = 0.024); LOXL2 DMP was associated with lower FBG (p = 0.023) and HbA1c (p = 0.049); and PTBP1 DMP was associated with lower HbA1c (p = 0.002).ConclusionsIn this explorative epigenome-wide association study among Ghanaians, we identified one DMP and DMR associated with a comprehensive lifestyle index not previously associated with individual lifestyle factors. Based on our findings, we infer that lifestyle factors in combination, affect DNA methylation, thereby influencing the risk of T2DM among Ghanaian adults living in different contexts.