Dietary Outcomes Research Articles

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Health Outcomes in Adolescents: An Umbrella Review.

Proper nutrition represents 1 of the domains of adolescents' well-being. In this context, the Mediterranean diet (MD), as a healthy, traditional, and sustainable dietary pattern, plays a crucial role in promoting adequate growth and preventing chronic noncommunicable diseases. The currently available evidence on the effects of adherence to the MD (AMD) in association with several physical health outcomes in adolescence is summarized in this review. Five electronic databases were searched. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized clinical trials, published in English during 2013-2022, and that assessed the health impact of AMD among adolescents were eligible. Details on study design, methods, population, assessment of dietary patterns, health outcomes, and main results were extracted. The search yielded 59 references after removal of duplicates. Applying PICOS criteria, 4 systematic reviews and 3 meta-analyses ultimately were included in this review. The AMD was evaluated in association with overweight/obesity and adiposity in 2 studies, musculoskeletal health in another 2, inflammation in 1 study, and cardiometabolic health in 1 study. The seventh review examined all mentioned health outcomes (overweight and obesity, musculoskeletal health, inflammation, and cardiometabolic health) in relation to AMD. Overall, this umbrella review showed limited evidence and a lack of consistency about the relation between AMD and health outcomes of interest in adolescence, indicating the need for more studies to better understand it. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023428712.

Influence of Food Environments on Dietary Habits: Insights from a Quasi-Experimental Research.

Nutrition is a vital factor that exerts a profound and direct impact on health. Food environments significantly influence individuals' dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and overall food security. Individuals in food deserts and food swamps do not have access to healthier food options. And in both cases, the emphasis is primarily on the physical configuration of the environment as it relates to food availability. This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the impact of two different food environments (defined to include a social component) on food choices. A total of 246 participants were surveyed by telephone, half of whom were primed with Scenario A (a food environment deficient in healthy options and cues that support and reinforce healthier choices) and half were primed with Scenario B (an environment with an abundance of healthy food options and cues that support and reinforce healthy eating). Ordered logit regression was used for analysis. The results show significant differences in likely food consumption between the groups. Individuals in Scenario B were found to be 4.48 times more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. In addition, it was determined that being a woman increases the probability of consuming more fruits and vegetables by 0.92 times (1/0.52-1), and adherence to a healthy diet increases by 3.64 times. Age and race were not significant predictors. This study highlights the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits and underscores the importance of the social components of the food environment in promoting the adoption of healthier dietary habits. Based on these findings, policymakers should prioritize developing strategies that go beyond providing physical access and consider social aspects of the environment in promoting healthy eating habits to improve public health and bolster the food security of communities.

Ultra-processed foods consumption and health-related outcomes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

The increase in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake has raised concerns about its impact on public health. Prospective observational studies have reported significant associations between higher intake of UPFs and adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine whether these associations could be confirmed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a systematic review to analyze the evidence on the effects of UPFs intake on health. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and CENTRAL up to April 22, 2024. RCTs in English, Spanish, and Portuguese evaluating the health effects of interventions to modify UPFs intake were included. The certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE methodology. Three educational intervention studies and one controlled feeding trial were included, evaluating the effect of reducing the consumption of UPFs (455 participants, median follow-up, 12 weeks). No significant effects were observed in 30 out of the 42 outcomes evaluated. The controlled feeding trial in adults with stable weight showed a reduction in energy intake, carbohydrates, and fat (low certainty of evidence), as well as in body weight, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol (moderate certainty of evidence). In the educational intervention studies, a reduction in body weight and waist circumference was observed (low certainty of evidence) in women with obesity, as well as improvement in some dimensions of quality of life (very low certainty of evidence). No significant changes were observed in children and adolescents with obesity, while in overweight pregnant women, the consumption of UPFs was not reduced, so the observed benefits could be attributed to other components of the intervention. Interventions aimed at reducing the consumption of UPFs showed benefits on some anthropometric and dietary intake outcomes, although significant effects were not observed for most of the evaluated outcomes. The limited number and significant methodological limitations of the studies prevent definitive conclusions. Further well-designed and conducted RCTs are needed to understand the effects of UPF consumption on health.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023469984.

Culinary Comfort: Understanding the Connection between Food and Well-Being.

This study investigated the complex interaction between individuals' culinary tastes, at-home dining habits, and their broader impact on general well-being and relationships dynamics. An all-encompassing tool for assessing the impact of dietary choices on emotions related to coziness, social interaction, and general wellness, the multidimensional Culinary Comfort and Connection Index (CCCI) focuses on traditional home-cooked meals, in particular. We used an online-based survey to validate the CCCI. With a Cronbach alpha of 0.844, this scale is reliable and valid. It covers a wide range of aspects including self-care advocacy, traditional values, and a preference for handmade food. We performed descriptive and stratified analyses and tested correlations. The CCCI shows complicated patterns when analyzed with respect to gender, education level, and family income that demonstrate a myriad of factors impacting people's views on food and its relationship to health. While some patterns emerged, the results imply that dietary choices do not necessarily correlate with overall health. The research highlights the complex interaction between cultural, societal, and personal elements in determining perspectives on nutrition and health by drawing on theoretical models like Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Future research should incorporate broader age ranges, longitudinal designs, different populations, objective measurements, and intervention trials to better understand the dynamic link between dietary preferences and health outcomes.

Dietary intakes and nutritional status in adults with Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited conditions causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting, for which no widely implementable treatment currently exists, although resistance training (Bostock et al., 2019, Frontiers in Neurology, 10) and corticosteroid treatment (Angelini, 2007, Muscle & Nerve, 36, 424-435), have been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HQoL). Compared to physical activity, dietary manipulation may be more modifiable to improve dystrophic populations HQoL as disease outcomes often restrict physical capabilities. Data exploring the relationship between diet, disease and HQoL outcomes in adults with MD is insufficient. This study evaluated the habitual dietary intake of a sex-inclusive dystrophic population, to identify possible links between dietary intake, HQoL, and physical function. Participants included 5 women (age 65 ± 14 yrs, BMI 23.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2) and 10 men (age 55 ± 19 yrs, 31.6 ± 7.9 kg/m2) with different MDs (varied distribution and severity of muscle weakness). Participants' dietary intake data was collected using 3-day food records: analysed using Nutritics. Dominant hand maximal grip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer; upper extremity function and pain were assessed using the upper extremity functional index-15 and visual analogue scale, respectively. QoL was assessed through three tools: SF-36V2, Barthel Index and EQ5D, previously used in dystrophic populations. We observed that 50% of men and 20% of women did not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) for protein (0.8 g·kg−1), however women (1.13 ± 0.26 g·kg−1) had increased protein intake compared to men (0.82 ± 0.27 g·kg−1, p < 0.05). Of all participants 40% had a daily fat intake exceeding the RDI, with women having significantly higher relative average fat intakes (women = 1.03 ± 0.36 g·kg−1, men = 0.68 ± 0.29 g·kg−1, p < 0.05). RDI for calcium was met by 46% participants (1000 mg) whilst all failed to meet the vitamin D RDI (10 μg). Positive correlations between age and protein intake as a percentage of RDI (r2 = 0.82), protein (r2 = 0.82), carbohydrate intake (r2 = 0.55) relative to body mass, vitamin D intake (r2 = 0.54), and total caloric intake (r2 = 0.59, all p< 0.05) were observed. No other significant associations between dietary habits, physical function or HQoL outcomes were apparent. Despite these findings being observed in a small population it is apparent that many adults with muscular dystrophy may fail to meet RDI for protein, vitamin D, and calcium. This places this population at risk for nutritional deficiencies, incurring negative impacts on the musculoskeletal system. Further study of nutritional status in a larger population sample is needed to confirm these findings.

Climate change-induced shifts in the food systems and diet-related non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review and a conceptual framework

ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between climate change, food systems and diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and propose a conceptual framework for food systems in SSA.DesignA scoping review.Eligibility...

An Intensive Culinary Intervention Programme to Promote Healthy Ageing: The SUKALMENA-InAge Feasibility Pilot Study.

Dietary interventions are a key strategy to promote healthy ageing. Cooking skills training emerges as a promising approach to acquiring and maintaining healthy eating habits. The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culinary programme to improve healthy eating habits among overweight/obese adults (55-70 years old). A total of 62 volunteers were randomly (1:1) assigned to an culinary intervention group (CIG) or a nutritional intervention group (NIG). Dietary, cooking, and health-related outcomes, including body advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels, were evaluated at baseline and after four weeks. Mixed-effects linear models were used to assess the effects of the interventions within and between groups. Among the 56 participants who completed the trial, CIG participants achieved a significant improvement in Mediterranean diet adherence (1.2; 95%CI, 0.2 to 2.2) and a reduction in the use of culinary techniques associated with a higher AGE formation in foods (-2.8; 95%CI, -5.6 to -0.2), weight (-1.5; 95%CI, -2.5 to -0.5), body mass index (-0.5; 95%CI, -0.8 to -0.2), waist circumference (-1.4; 95%CI, -2.6 to -0.2), and hip circumference (-1.4; 95%CI, -2.4 to -0.4) compared with the NIG participants. Although a greater confidence in cooking in the CIG was found, attitudes and cooking habits did not improve. No significant differences in biochemical parameters or AGEs were found between groups. In conclusion, a culinary intervention could be successful in promoting healthy eating and cooking habits compared to a programme based on nutrition education alone. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to strengthen attitudes and beliefs about home cooking, to address potential barriers and understand the impact of cooking interventions on biological parameters. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to evaluate the relationship between cooking, diet, and health.

Use of online food delivery services among adults in five countries from the International Food Policy Study 2018–2021

AimOnline food delivery services (OFDS) are popular for purchasing meals prepared outside home, increasing access to energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods. This adversely impacts dietary choices and health outcomes. Our study examined trends in OFDS use in Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) from 2018 to 2021. MethodsRepeated annual cross-sectional data was sourced from the International Food Policy Study for five countries among adults over 18 years (N = 83,337). Weighted estimates for trends in i) the proportion of the respondent’s purchasing meals per week using OFDS, and ii) average number (and standard deviation (SD)) of meals purchased per week using OFDS were assessed. Logistic regression models were fitted. FindingsOFDS use increased among adults between 2018–2021 (Australia: 17 % of respondents purchased at least one meal in the last 7 days using OFDS in 2018 to 25 % in 2021, Canada: 12 % to 19 %, Mexico: 28 % to 38 %, UK: 19 % to 28 %, and US: 17 % to 21 %). Average number of meals purchased per week outside home remained consistent for all countries over time (e.g., in Australia, 2.70 (SD 0.06) meals in 2018 and 2.63 (SD 0.06) in 2021). However, average number of meals purchased using OFDS nearly doubled between 2018 and 2021 (e.g., in Australia, 0.45 (SD 0.03) meals in 2018 to 0.81 (SD 0.04) in 2021). ConclusionOFDS use is increasing and are substituting the conventional forms of purchasing meals outside home. Nutritional quality of foods sold, marketing practices and purchasing patterns on OFDS deserve further attention.

Umami Altering Salivary Proteome: A Study across a Sensitivity Spectrum on Subjects.

This study delved into the relationship between umami taste sensitivity (UTS) and variations in the salivary proteome among 12 healthy nonsmokers utilizing 4D data-independent acquisition-based proteomics. By assessing UTS through monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) detection thresholds, we discovered notable differences: individuals with high UTS detected umami at significantly lower MSG concentrations (0.20 ± 0.12 mM) compared to their low UTS counterparts (2.51 ± 1.21 mM). Both groups showed an upregulation of the S100A1 protein under MSG stimulation, indicating a potent biochemical response to umami stimuli. The high UTS group exhibited enhanced metabolic pathways including those for amino acid, lipid, and organic acid biosynthesis, essential for maintaining taste receptor functionality and enhancing signal transduction. This group also demonstrated increased activity in cytochrome P450 enzymes and ribonucleoprotein complexes, suggesting a readiness to manage metabolic challenges and optimize umami perception. In contrast, the low UTS group showed adaptive mechanisms, possibly through modulation of receptor availability and function, with an upregulation of structural and ribosomal proteins that may support taste receptor production and turnover. These findings suggest that varying biological mechanisms underpin differences in umami perception, which could significantly influence dietary preferences and nutritional outcomes, highlighting the intricate interplay of genetic, physiological, and metabolic factors in taste sensitivity.

Dietary choline intake and health outcomes in U.S. adults: exploring the impact on cardiovascular disease, cancer prevalence, and all-cause mortality

BackgroundCholine, an indispensable nutrient, plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes. The available evidence regarding the nexus between dietary choline intake and health outcomes, encompassing cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and all-cause mortality, is limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between dietary choline intake and the aforementioned health outcomes in adults aged > 20 years in the U.S.MethodsThis study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2018. Dietary choline intake was evaluated using two 24-h dietary recall interviews. CVD and cancer status were determined through a combination of standardized medical status questionnaires and self-reported physician diagnoses. Mortality data were gathered from publicly available longitudinal Medicare and mortality records. The study utilized survey-weighted logistic and Cox regression analyses to explore the associations between choline consumption and health outcomes. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used for dose‒response estimation and for testing for nonlinear associations.ResultsIn our study of 14,289 participants (mean age 48.08 years, 47.71% male), compared with those in the lowest quintile (Q1), the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of CVD risk in the fourth (Q4) and fifth (Q5) quintiles of choline intake were 0.70 (95% CI 0.52, 0.95) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.47, 0.90), respectively (p for trend = 0.017). Each 100 mg increase in choline intake was associated with a 9% reduced risk of CVD. RCS analysis revealed a linear correlation between choline intake and CVD risk. Moderate choline intake (Q3) was associated with a reduced risk of mortality, with an HR of 0.75 (95% CI 0.60–0.94) compared with Q1. RCS analysis demonstrated a significant nonlinear association between choline intake and all-cause mortality (P for nonlinearity = 0.025). The overall cancer prevalence association was nonsignificant, except for colon cancer, where each 100 mg increase in choline intake indicated a 23% reduced risk.ConclusionElevated choline intake demonstrates an inverse association with CVD and colon cancer, while moderate consumption exhibits a correlated reduction in mortality. Additional comprehensive investigations are warranted to elucidate the broader health implications of choline.

Association between Prenatal Dietary Toxicants and Infant Neurodevelopment: The Role of Fish.

More research is needed to understand how the maternal consumption of fish and fish-borne toxicants impacts infant neurodevelopment. The present analysis was conducted over 460 mother-infant pairs within the ECLIPSES study. Dietary intake of metals and persistent organic pollutants from fish (including white fish, blue fish, and seafood) was estimated in pregnant women. The infants underwent cognitive, language, and motor function assessments using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III at the 40-day postpartum. Associations between dietary toxicants and outcomes were assessed using multivariable linear regression models. Estimated prenatal exposure to fish-borne toxicants, such as arsenic, inorganic arsenic, methylmercury, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), and non-DL-PCBs, was associated with poorer language functions in infants, whereas no significant associations were found with motor or cognitive functions. Maternal fish consumption exceeding the Spanish recommendation of no more than 71 g per day was linked to these adverse effects on language abilities without affecting motor or cognitive development. This highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring of environmental toxicants and the provision of dietary guidance for pregnant women, with potential implications for public health and child development.

Assessment of the Environmental Footprint of Various Food Production Systems

Purpose: This study sought to assess the environmental footprint of various food production systems. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the environmental footprint of various food production systems. Preliminary empirical review revealed that with a call for transformative changes to mitigate ecological impacts while ensuring food security and human well-being. Through a comprehensive analysis, significant variations in resource use and emissions were highlighted across different production methods. The study emphasized the interconnectedness between dietary choices, agricultural practices, and environmental outcomes, urging policymakers to enact evidence-based policies and agricultural stakeholders to adopt regenerative farming practices. Ultimately, the study served as a call to action for concerted efforts to transition towards a more sustainable and resilient food system, integrating ecological principles, social equity, and economic viability to promote harmony between human activities and the natural environment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Systems theory, Ecological Economics and Agroecology models may be used to anchor future studies on the environmental footprint of various food production systems. The study made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy in the realm of sustainable food production and environmental conservation. It advanced theoretical understanding by advocating for a systems-based approach to assessing environmental impacts and highlighting the importance of considering multiple dimensions of sustainability. In practice, the study recommended the adoption of agroecological approaches and the promotion of sustainable farming practices to mitigate environmental harm. Policy recommendations included the implementation of regulatory interventions and incentives to promote sustainability, while consumer education and international collaboration were emphasized for driving demand for sustainable food products and facilitating knowledge sharing. Lastly, the study underscored the importance of investment in research and innovation to drive continuous improvements in sustainable food production systems.

Modifying Effects of Genetic Variations on the Association Between Dietary Isothiocyanate Exposure and Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Prognosis in the Be-Well Study.

Dietary isothiocyanate (ITC) exposure from cruciferous vegetable (CV) intake may improve non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) prognosis. This study aims to investigate whether genetic variations in key ITC-metabolizing/functioning genes modify the associations between dietary ITC exposure and NMIBC prognosis outcomes. In the Bladder Cancer Epidemiology, Wellness, and Lifestyle Study (Be-Well Study), a prospective cohort of 1472 incident NMIBC patients, dietary ITC exposure is assessed by self-reported CV intake and measured in plasma ITC-albumin adducts. Using Cox proportional hazards regression models, stratified by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine key ITC-metabolizing/functioning genes, it is calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for recurrence and progression. The rs15561 in N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is alter the association between CV intake and progression risk. Multiple SNPs in nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) are modify the associations between plasma ITC-albumin adduct level and progression risk (pint < 0.05). No significant association is observed with recurrence risk. Overall, >80% study participants are present with at least one protective genotype per gene, showing an average 65% reduction in progression risk with high dietary ITC exposure. Despite that genetic variations in ITC-metabolizing/functioning genes may modify the effect of dietary ITCs on NMIBC prognosis, dietary recommendation of CV consumption may help improve NMIBC survivorship.

Dietary and quality-of-life outcomes of the FoodFix intervention for addictive eating: a short report.

Interest in addictive eating continues to grow from both a research and clinical perspective. To date, dietary assessment alongside food addiction status is limited, with management options for addictive eating behaviours variable, given the overlap with myriad conditions. The aim of this study was to report the dietary intake and quality-of-life outcomes from a personality-targeted motivational interviewing intervention delivered by dietitians using telehealth. The study was conducted in adults exceeding their healthy-weight range with symptoms of addictive eating, as defined by the Yale Food Addiction Scale. The 52 participants were randomised to either intervention or control, with 49 participants commencing the intervention. Individuals participated in the 3-month, three-session FoodFix interventions, with dietary outcomes assessed by the Australian Eating Survey and quality of life assessed using the SF-36 at baseline and 3 months. There were small-to-moderate effect sizes, specifically in the intervention group for decreased added sugar intake, increased protein intake, increased meat quality and increased vegetable servings per day. Six out of eight quality-of-life domains had small-to-moderate effect sizes. This intervention has highlighted the need for further research in larger sample sizes to assess dietary behaviour change by those who self-report addictive eating.

Nutrition Education Improves the Dietary Habits and Clinical Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Care

This study evaluated the effects of a well-organized nutrition education program on the dietary habits and clinical outcomes of patients with orthopedic conditions. A nutrition education program was implemented for 140 participants, focusing on the significance of proteins, calcium, vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory foods in the process of recovery. Food frequency questionnaires and 24-h dietary recalls were used to evaluate dietary habits, and routine orthopedic examinations were performed to determine clinical outcomes. The nutrition education program remarkably enhanced the consumption of proteins, calcium, and vitamin D (P &lt; 0.05), with substantial effect sizes indicating significant benefits relevant to clinical practice. The clinical results showed a reduction in the bone healing time and enhancements in muscle strength and overall progress in recovery (P &lt; 0.05) after the program. Importantly, there was a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge after the program, as seen by the 94% increase from low to moderate or high levels and the 98% increase from moderate to high levels (P &lt; 0.05). Hence, implementing the nutrition education program resulted in significant improvements in dietary behaviors and treatment outcomes among orthopedic patients, suggesting that inclusion of nutrition education in orthopedic treatment has a substantial impact on the recovery process.

Abstract P193: Sex Moderates Diet Quality Differences in Integrated Collaborative Care for Comorbid Obesity and Depression: Post-Hoc Analysis of the Research Aimed at Improving Both Mood and Weight Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: High-quality diets, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), are associated with lower risk for obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. It is unclear whether diet quality improves aside from reduced calories in evidence-based behavioral weight loss interventions. Objective: Leveraging data from the Research Aimed at Improving Both Mood and Weight (RAINBOW) randomized trial, the objective of this post hoc analysis is to investigate (1) whether the study intervention was associated with improved diet quality in adults with comorbid obesity and depression, compared to usual care; and (2) whether the associations were modified by sex. Methods: Participants completed 24-hour dietary recalls at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Dietary outcomes included the DASH score as the composite measure of diet quality and its components. Between-group differences in dietary outcomes were examined among 409 participants and by sex, using repeated-measures mixed-effects linear models. Results: Changes in DASH scores did not differ between the intervention and usual care control groups through 24 months in both women and men. Compared with controls, men in the intervention group had significantly decreased nut, seed, and legume intake at 6 (mean difference, -1.1; 95% CI, -1.9, -0.3 servings/day; P=0.01) and 12 months (-1.0; -2.0, -0.0 servings/day; P=0.048). Compared with controls, women in the intervention group had significantly decreased fruit and vegetable intake at 18 (-1.8; -2.9, -0.6 servings/day; P=0.002) and 24 months (-1.1; -2.2, -0.1 servings/day; P=0.03), and whole grain intake at 24 months (-0.5; -0.9, -0.1 servings/day; P=0.03), but increased percent calories from fat at 24 months (3.6; 0.6, 6.5; P=0.02). Conclusions: Diet quality not only did not improve in an effective behavioral weight loss intervention but deteriorated in women, in particular. These post-hoc findings warrant confirmation and may suggest that behavior change techniques targeting diet quality that are tailored to women and men need to be an explicit focus of behavioral weight loss interventions aside from caloric reductions.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Choices and Eating Behavior among New Zealand University Students.

Extensive research suggests that COVID-19 infection can lead to persistent changes in taste and smell perception. These sensory changes have the potential to exert lasting impacts on dietary choices, nutrition, and body weight. This study aims to explore COVID-related shifts in dietary intake among New Zealand university students. We conducted a survey involving 340 university students who had experienced COVID-19 infection between 2022 and 2023. Participants reported any changes in eating behavior since before the pandemic and were asked to complete a 24-h food record. Participants' total daily energy intake, macronutrient intake, and composition were then compared with data collected from a similar cohort before the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning from 2017 to 2019. Dietary outcomes were compared using MANCOVA while controlling for individual age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI. Approximately 25% of participants reported experiencing sensory alterations with COVID-19, with those participants more likely to report changes in their experience of sweet tastes but not salty or fatty foods. Analyses of the pre- and post-COVID cohorts revealed that participants in the post-COVID group exhibited significantly higher consumption of protein and sodium. Understanding the long-term impact of COVID-19 infection may offer crucial insights into the role of chemosensory perception in dietary behavior.

Understanding the Food Environment and Its Impact on Diet and Health in Asia: A Scoping Review.

Food environment (FE), an interface where people interact with a broader food system, is critical to health. Understanding the Asian FE may help to tackle the "triple burden of malnutrition" through informed research and policy. This review identifies FE domains assessed in the Asian context and collates the tools/measures used in these evaluations. We further synthesized the reported associations of FE with diet and health outcomes and identified knowledge gaps. Forty-two articles were reviewed (East Asia, n = 25, 60%; South Asia, n = 8, 19%; and Southeast Asia, n = 9, 21%). The results showed that FE was frequently examined in children, adolescents, or adults, but data were scarce in older adults. Food availability (n = 30) and accessibility (n = 19) were popularly studied domains. Furthermore, FE was measured using geographic information systems (n = 18), market (n = 7), or stakeholder (n = 21) surveys. Twenty-eight (67%) articles assessed associations of FE exposures with diet (n = 12) and health (n = 21). Increased food availability and accessibility were associated with poorer dietary and health outcomes despite nonexisting validity and reliability reporting in 62% of articles. Limited high-quality studies emphasize the need for harmonized definitions, better study designs, and validated FE measures/tools in Asia. Improving the quality of FE research is critical to designing effective interventions to improve public health nutrition in Asia.

Cross-sectional associations of actigraphy-assessed sleep with dietary outcomes in emerging adults.

Emerging adults (~18-28 years of age) have a high prevalence of poor sleeping habits and poor diet quality; however, little is known on whether these poor sleeping habits are associated with dietary outcomes in this age group. This study assessed associations between actigraphy-based sleep with energy intake (EI), overall diet quality, and measures of meal timing in emerging adults. Data on 135 emerging adults (age = 19.4 ± 1.3 years; body mass index (BMI) = 26.5 ± 6.9 kg/m2; 58% female; 65% White) from the RIGHT Track Health project were used. Measures included actigraphy-assessed sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep timing midpoint, day-to-day sleep duration and sleep timing midpoint variability and combined sleep duration and sleep timing behaviors (early-bed/late-rise, early-bed/early-rise, late-bed/late-rise, late-bed/early-rise); EI (three 24-h dietary recalls), diet quality (Healthy Eating Index 2015 total score) and meal timing outcomes (timing of first and last meal intake, total duration, and midpoint of the eating window). Shorter sleep duration, later sleep timing midpoint and greater sleep efficiency, as well as combined late-bed/late-rise and late-bed/early-rise groups, were associated with lower diet quality. Greater sleep timing midpoint variability was associated with higher EI, and the late-bed/early-rise group had significantly delayed first meal timing. In emerging adults, shorter sleep duration and later sleep timing are associated with lower overall diet quality, and greater sleep timing variability is associated with higher EI. Future research is needed to examine the role of sleep on diet quality and eating habits to identify potential targets for nutritional interventions in this age group.

A natural experiment: The opening of a supermarket in a public housing community and impacts on children’s dietary patterns

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to utilize a natural experiment and examine changes in dietary patterns of predominantly low-income, racial and ethnic minority children who live in a public housing community following the opening of a new supermarket. MethodsData comes from the Watts Neighborhood Health Study (WNHS), an ongoing study in South Los Angeles, United States, that follows residents of Jordan Downs, a public housing community undergoing redevelopment. Surveys were administered to children aged 9–17 years (n = 297), as well as an adult in the household. The second baseline data collection was conducted June-December 2019, and follow-up was conducted June 2020-April 2021, shortly after the introduction of the new supermarket in January 2020. ANCOVA linear regression models were estimated to examine the association between children’s proximity to the new supermarket with dietary outcomes at follow-up. Interactions with barriers to food access were also explored. ResultsLiving close to the new supermarket was not significantly associated with dietary outcomes at follow-up. However, for children who lived in households with no vehicle access, living close to the new supermarket was associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption, compared to children in the comparison group. ConclusionProximity to the new supermarket was not associated with improved dietary outcomes among children unless they had transportation barriers. This adds to the growing body of literature that suggests that the effects of neighborhood food environments may be modified by individuals’ mobility, and that comprehensive interventions are needed.