Dietary Behaviors Research Articles

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Junk Food Consumption among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Central Department of Education, TU

College life is a critical period during which students are particularly vulnerable to developing unhealthy dietary behaviors. This study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of junk food consumption (JFC) among higher education students. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey questionnaire among 272 university students studying at the Central Department of Education, TU. The findings revealed that although only six percent of students preferred to consume junk food, a surprisingly high proportion (83.5%) reported consuming it. Peer pressure was mentioned by nearly half of them (47.8%) as the main cause of JFC. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between JFC and selected socio-demographic variables, including sex (p<0.05), subject specialization (p<0.001), and caste/ethnicity (p<0.05). The results indicate a high prevalence of JFC among university students, with socio-demographic factors such as sex, subject specialization, and caste/ethnicity being significantly associated with JFC. To lower the frequency of JFC among university students, the study emphasizes the urgent need for university-based health promotion and education initiatives.

Gut dysbiosis mediates the association between antibiotic exposure and chronic disease

Antibiotics are safe, effective drugs and continue to save millions of lives and prevent long-term illness worldwide. A large body of epidemiological, interventional and experimental evidence shows that exposure to antibiotics has long-term negative effects on human health. We reviewed the literature data on the links between antibiotic exposure, gut dysbiosis, and chronic disease (notably with regard to the “developmental origins of health and disease” (“DOHaD”) approach). Molecular biology studies show that the systemic administration of antibiotic to infants has a rapid onset but also often a long-lasting impact on the microbial composition of the gut. Along with other environmental factors (e.g., an unhealthy “Western” diet and sedentary behavior), antibiotics induce gut dysbiosis, which can be defined as the disruption of a previously stable, functionally complete microbiota. Gut dysbiosis many harmful long-term effects on health. Associations between early-life exposure to antibiotics have been reported for chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, some cancers, metabolic diseases (obesity and type 2 diabetes), allergic diseases, autoimmune disorders, atherosclerosis, arthritis, and neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and other neurological diseases. In mechanistic terms, gut dysbiosis influences chronic disease through direct effects on mucosal immune and inflammatory pathways, plus a wide array of direct or indirect effects of short-chain fatty acids, the enteric nervous system, peristaltic motility, the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, and the loss of intestinal barrier integrity (notably with leakage of the pro-inflammatory endotoxin lipopolysaccharide into the circulation). To mitigate dysbiosis, the administration of probiotics in patients with chronic disease is often (but not always) associated with positive effects on clinical markers (e.g., disease scores) and biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation. Meta-analyses are complicated by differences in probiotic composition, dose level, and treatment duration, and large, randomized, controlled clinical trials are lacking in many disease areas. In view of the critical importance of deciding whether or not to prescribe antibiotics (especially to children), we suggest that the DOHaD concept can be logically extended to “gastrointestinal origins of health and disease” (“GOHaD”) or even “microbiotic origins of health and disease” (“MOHaD”).

Impact of Genetic Risk Information for Cardiovascular Disease on Behavioural, Psychological Responses, and Risk Factor Modification: A Systematic Review.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant public health concern, influenced by both genetic susceptibility and lifestyle factors. Integrating genetic risk information into clinical practice shows promise but has yielded mixed results regarding its impact on CVD prevention and management. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of providing genetic CVD risk information on health behaviours, psychological outcomes, and risk factors. Following JBI methodology and PRISMA 2020 guidelines, four electronic databases and two trial registries were searched for randomised controlled trials evaluating the impact of genetic risk information on the CVD risk profile. Data was synthesised using a narrative synthesis approach. Of the 3,596 articles retrieved, 11 studies were eligible. Genetic risk information showed modest improvements in dietary behaviour but had inconclusive effects on physical activity and medication adherence. Minimal changes in psychological outcomes were noted, including a slight decrease in depression. The impact on traditional risk factors, such as systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol was also limited. Bias across all studies was noted. Genetic CVD risk information has limited effects on clinical outcomes and psychological factors, despite its potential to encourage some health behaviour changes. These findings suggest that genetic risk information alone may not be sufficient to significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for further research to better understand its long-term effects.

The Influence of Diverse Cultures on Nutrition, Diabetes Management and Patient Education

Background/Objectives: Providing relevant, patient-centered care starts with recognizing that patients living with diabetes are racially and ethnically diverse, which will influence their dietary behaviors. Methods: The authors draw upon literature descriptions and personal experience in clinical practice dealing with ethnically diverse populations and include guidance offered in the literature regarding how to address these unique aspects when managing and educating patients with diabetes. Results: Proper interviewing techniques are described when dealing with culturally diverse populations, including ascertaining cultural, religious, and ethnic influences on dietary choices, and advice is given on how to improve nutritional behavior in these patients while acknowledging and validating these influences. Conclusions: When a proper nutrition interview is conducted, such as using motivational interviewing, aspects of the patient’s cultural, religious, ethnic, and other influences can be ascertained, and appropriate advice can be given to the patient on how to modify these influences to achieve a healthier nutritional behavior.

Premenstrual symptoms risk factors among newly graduated nurses in shift work: A prospective longitudinal study

PurposeThe premenstrual symptoms (PMS) is a common health issue affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with various physiological, psychological, and situational factors. Newly graduated nurses, when suddenly exposed to excessive workloads and shift work, may experience disturbances such as sleep disorders, fatigue, depression, and stress. These factors are related to PMS, and their occurrence varies. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the changes in PMS and its risk factors among newly graduated nurses across shift work periods, and investigate the longitudinal relationships between PMS and its risk factors based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms. MethodsThis study constituted a secondary data analysis and employed a prospective longitudinal design. Newly graduated nurses were assessed three times: before starting shift work, six months after initiating shift work, and 18 months thereafter. Physiological (age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, dietary behavior), psychological (sleep quality, fatigue, depression, stress, life satisfaction), and situational (social support) factors were included as PMS-related factors. ResultsPMS worsened six months after the initiation of shift work compared to those before, and this aggravation persisted even after 18 months of shift work (p < .001). Age (p = .043), sleep quality (p = .004), and fatigue (p < .001) were associated with PMS. An interaction between time and depression that affected PMS was observed (p = .021). ConclusionsNewly graduated nurses need to pay attention to the exacerbation of PMS after initiating shift work. Interventions to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue are crucial for novice nurses, irrespective of shiftwork duration. Additionally, it is important to assess depressive symptoms before starting shift work and implement early interventions. Furthermore, the need for interventions addressing depression escalates with the increase in shiftwork duration.

Association of dietary choline intake with incidence of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a large population-based prospective cohort study

ObjectiveExplore the associations between dietary choline intake and the incidence of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and current cognitive performance in the UK Biobank cohort. MethodsDietary choline intake was categorized into quartiles of consumption based on 24-hour dietary recalls, with units expressed as milligrams per day. Diagnoses of dementia, AD, and MCI were identified using ICD-9/10 codes. Current cognitive performance was assessed via the computerized touchscreen interface. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, dietary and lifestyle behaviors, and comorbid conditions, Cox proportional hazards regression, logistic regression, and restricted cubic splines were used to analyze the association between choline intake and dementia or cognitive performance. ResultsAmong 125,594 participants (55.8% female), with a mean age of 56.1 years (range: 40 to 70 years) at baseline, and a median follow-up of 11.8 years, 1,103 cases of dementia (including 385 AD) and 87 cases of MCI were recorded. U-shaped associations were observed between choline intake and dementia and AD. Participants in the 2nd quartile of total choline intake had lower risks compared to those in the lowest quartile, with HR of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.96) for dementia and 0.76 (0.58, 1.00) for AD. Moderate intake of choline derivative, including free choline (HR, 0.77; 95%CI, 0.65, 0.92), phosphatidylcholine (0.82; 0.68, 0.98), sphingomyelin (0.82; 0.69, 0.98) and glycerophosphocholine (0.83; 0.70, 1.00), were associated with a 17% to 23% lower odds of dementia. Additionally, moderate total choline intake was associated with an 8% to 13% lower odds of poor cognitive performance in visual attention (OR, 0.92; 95%CI, 0.86, 0.99), fluid intelligence (0.87; 0.82, 0.92), and complex processing speed (0.90; 0.84, 0.95). ConclusionsIn conclusion, our findings suggest that moderate dietary choline intake, ranging from 332.89 mg/d to 353.93 mg/d, is associated with lower odds of dementia and better cognitive performance.

Adolescents smartphone screen time and its association with caries symptoms experience from the Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey 2020–2021

Adolescence is a time when important changes occur in behavioral development, and previous studies have confirmed the relationship between excessive Internet use and decreased oral health behavior. Our purpose is to identify the indirect effects and behavioral factors of smartphone screen time on the caries symptom experience of adolescents. Using data from the 16–17th Korea youth risk behavior web based survey (2020–2021), we investigated the smartphone screen time of 109,796 students in middle school 1st to high school 3rd. Adolescents who used smartphones more than 6 h per week were 28% more likely to experience caries symptoms than those who used smartphones less than 2 h (odds ratio = 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.35). Those who consumed cariogenic drinks more than once a day were 25% more likely to experience caries symptoms, and those who brushed their teeth less than once a day were 26% more likely to experience caries symptoms (odds ratio = 1.25, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.46, 1.06–1.51). Excessive smartphone screen time is associated with addictive eating habits and reduced physical activity that increase cariogenic dietary behaviors, and decrease oral health behaviors. It suggests that excessive smartphone use indirectly related to the experience of caries symptoms.

Using salience and availability to promote sustainable and healthy food choices in hospital cafeterias

Sustainable diets can achieve considerable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in human health, but changing dietary behavior remains a challenge. We assessed the impacts of two behavioral insights strategies on bridging the intention-action gap related to sustainable and healthy food choices amongst hospital cafeteria patrons. In a pilot survey of hospital staff (N = 1,165), 56% identified limited awareness and availability of sustainable food as barriers to purchasing, although 46% were extremely willing to try sustainable dishes. We examined increasing salience (Study 1), varying availability (Study 2a), and decreasing availability (Study 2b) on sustainable and healthy dish purchases in three hospital cafeterias. Each study ran for seven weeks from March to April, 2023. In total, 10,616 dishes were purchased. In Study 1, increasing salience was associated with significant uptake of sustainable and healthy dishes, but the effect disappeared once the salience intervention was removed. In Study 2a, increasing availability of sustainable dishes corresponded to a significant increase in purchases of sustainable dishes, while decreasing availability in Study 2b followed a downward trend in purchases, suggesting that availability drove dietary choices. We recommend hospitals consider these choice architecture interventions to support the adoption of sustainable and healthy diets.

Associations between the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and dietary and lifestyle behavior among young Korean adults: a preliminary cross-sectional study

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition caused by esophageal tissue damage resulting from the reflux of stomach or duodenal contents. An increasing number of GERD cases have been reported recently; however, research on this population, especially young adults, is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the dietary and lifestyle factors associated with GERD symptoms in young Korean adults. Methods: A total of 202 individuals (19–34 years old) living in Gwangju were surveyed using a questionnaire to examine their general characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary behaviors. GERD symptoms were investigated using the gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ). The participants were grouped into normal (GerdQ score ≤ 4) and caution (GerdQ score ≥ 5), and their characteristics were analyzed according to the group. Results: The findings suggested 15 participants (7.4%) belonged to the GERD caution group. More non-office workers were in the caution group than in the normal group (P &lt; 0.05). The participants’ smoking, physical activity, sleep duration, and pillow height were not significantly different between the GERD phenotypes; however, the caution group consumed alcohol more frequently than the normal group (P &lt; 0.001). The analyses of the participants’ eating behaviors revealed that the frequency of overeating, late-night snacking and chocolate consumption was significantly higher in the caution group (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Lifestyle and dietary behaviors were associated with GERD symptoms in young Korean adults. Further studies with larger cohorts are required to confirm these findings.

Diet changes and colorectal cancer risk in the UK Biobank.

Modifying dietary behaviors into healthier habits may attenuate the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary changes and the risk of CRC. Following dietary recommendations for red and processed meat, fruit and vegetables, and alcohol consumption, we classified 50,640 participants into poor and good adherence groups in the UK Biobank. Changes in dietary habits were defined as stable poor, poor to good, good to poor, and stable to good adherence. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the association between dietary changes and CRC risk. Women were more likely to follow dietary recommendations than men. After a median of 3.3 years from the latest follow-up, 8,328 (16.4%) participants followed an improved dietary habit and 5,808 (11.5%) participants had a worsened diet. Compared to men who stably consumed fruit and vegetables <5 servings/day, those who increased their consumption to ≥5 servings/day were related to CRC risk reduction (hazard ratio: 0.24, [0.09-0.63]). However, the beneficial associations of increased fruit and vegetable consumption were not statistically significant in women (hazard ratio: 0.41, [0.11-1.56]). Our findings support the evidence that increasing fruit and vegetable intake could serve as a beneficial strategy to mitigate CRC risk in men. Participants from the UK Biobank significantly changes their adherence to dietary recommendations during the follow-up. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption was inversely associated with CRC risk among men.

Loneliness and low fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Japan

BackgroundLoneliness is the distressing feeling that arises when a person's network of social relations is perceived as being inadequate in some way. Research has linked loneliness to a number of detrimental health outcomes. There is also some evidence that lonely individuals are more likely to engage in poorer health behaviors. However, as yet, there has been comparatively little attention paid to the relation between loneliness and dietary behavior. In particular, there has been little focus on the association between loneliness and fruit and vegetable intake.ObjectiveThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between loneliness and low fruit and vegetable consumption in the Japanese general population.MethodsData were analyzed from 3,410 Japanese adults collected in an online survey in early 2023. Information was obtained on past-week fruit and vegetable consumption with a single-item measure, while loneliness was assessed with the Three-Item Loneliness Scale. Information was also collected on sociodemographic characteristics, physical health status, health-risk behaviors and depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to assess associations.ResultsOne in twenty (5.3%) adults reported low fruit and vegetable consumption. In a fully adjusted analysis loneliness was associated with higher odds for low fruit and vegetable consumption (OR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.04–1.26). In sex- and age-stratified analyses loneliness was significantly associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption in both women and middle-aged adults, although confidence intervals overlapped for this association across all of the sex and age groups in the fully adjusted analyses.ConclusionsLoneliness is associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Japan. As loneliness and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake have both been linked to poorer health outcomes, the results of this study underscore the potential importance and public health benefits of reducing loneliness in Japan.

Predicting food consumption using contextual factors: An application of machine learning models

Abstract Background Improving diet quality relies on making manageable adjustments to eating behaviours. Personalised nutrition interventions hold promise for modifying behaviour. Machine learning (ML) offers a novel approach to examining dietary behaviours in personalised nutrition by leveraging data on past behaviours and environmental contexts. This study aims to investigate whether contextual factors at eating occasions (EO) can predict food consumption to enhance diet quality. Methods Cross sectional data from the Measuring Eating in Everyday Life Study (MEALS) were analysed (n = 675, 18-35y). A smartphone food diary app recorded dietary intakes at EO for 3-4 non-consecutive days, also capturing social-environmental (e.g., activity) and physical-environmental factors (e.g., consumption location). Participant characteristics were collected via an online survey. Food groups intake (servings per EO) followed Australian Dietary Guidelines. This study benchmarked two established models, gradient boost decision tree and random forest, which have previously shown high performance in similar tasks. Performance was evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation, measuring mean absolute error (MEA), root mean square error (RMSE), and R squared. Feature importance analysis identified key variables for predicting food consumption. Results ML predicts most food groups at EO using contextual factors, with slight differences between actual and predicted consumption (&amp;lt;1 serving per EO). For fruits, dairy, and meat, MEA values were 0.35, 0.34, and 0.56 servings, respectively (RMSE values: 0.61, 0.50, and 0.80 servings). Self-efficacy, age and consumption location were influential in most ML models. Conclusions ML offers insights into contextual factors and food consumption, suggesting directions for precision nutrition interventions. Future research should identify positive influences of contextual factors on dietary behaviours and incorporate these insights into interventions. Key messages • Machine learning can effectively predict food consumption based on contextual factors at eating occasions. • Understanding the influence of contextual factors such as consumption location on food consumption can inform the development of precision nutrition interventions aimed at improving diet quality.

Innovative tools from WHO Europe to protect children from digital marketing of unhealthy products

Abstract Children in the WHO European Region are extensively exposed to marketing of unhealthy products, including tobacco, alcohol, HFSS foods, and gambling, which negatively influences their dietary choices, behaviors, and perceptions of a norm, threatening their health rights. Recognizing the urgency to protect children’s developmental potential and rights, WHO has actively addressed this issue both within Europe and globally. In 2010, WHO issued recommendations for Member States on marketing foods and beverages to children. Building on these efforts, the CLICK framework for monitoring digital marketing to children was introduced in 2018. In 2023, WHO released guidelines urging countries to adopt comprehensive, mandatory policies to protect children from HFSS food marketing. Despite political commitments and policies, children and adolescents continue to be exposed to unhealthy product marketing, increasing their risk of NCDs as online activity rises. At the same time, while efforts have focused on restricting specific products, rapid changes in digital marketing strategies necessitate broader measures. Emerging trends include promoting brand loyalty among young children through brand characters and logos. Tools and support are urgently needed to monitor and implement WHO recommendations in online settings, including brand marketing. Despite WHO recommendations, few countries have implemented mandatory policies. Reliable monitoring mechanisms are essential. To address this gap, the WHO Regional Office for Europe developed the KidAd platform to monitor children’s exposure to digital advertising.

10.G. Practice session: Innovation technology to promote healthy lifestyles: teachings from multi-national EU funded projects

Abstract The global burden of disease attributable to lifestyle risk factors is constantly escalating on a worldwide scale. Inadequate diet and sedentary behaviors stand out as particularly impactful contributors to chronic non-communicable diseases, resulting in millions of deaths annually and projecting stable, alarming trends for the foreseeable future. These statistics raise significant concerns among public health experts, particularly regarding the pervasive influence of unhealthy lifestyles on younger generations. This demographic cohort’s susceptibility poses a substantial threat to the future trajectory of non-communicable diseases and places immense strain on healthcare systems and global health outcomes. In light of these challenges, the imperative for public health initiatives and interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles becomes glaringly apparent. Addressing the root causes of unhealthy behaviors through targeted interventions is essential to reverse the projected trends and mitigate future health risks. Public health authorities shoulder the responsibility of prioritizing such endeavors, as they play a pivotal role in shaping environments conducive to healthy living for present and future generations alike. Embracing innovative methodologies, leveraging technological advancements, and adopting modern approaches are imperative to engage and mobilize younger populations effectively. Initiatives funded by entities such as the European Union serve as promising examples, highlighting the potential for collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change. Sharing the methodologies and findings of such projects within the public health community can catalyze knowledge dissemination and foster collaboration, ultimately amplifying the impact of intervention strategies worldwide. By prioritizing intervention studies for behavioral change, stakeholders can collectively address the pressing challenge of lifestyle-related diseases and pave the way for healthier, more resilient communities. The aim of this workshop is to provide an overview of multi-national EU funded projects aiming to promote healthy lifestyles in the Mediterranean region. Key messages • Innovative and more modern approaches are needed to improve the diet in the Mediterranean region. • Children and adolescents are the main targets to counteract the rise of non-communicable diseases.

Predictive value of Type D personality combined with unhealthy cardiovascular behaviors for the long-term adverse cardiovascular events in ACS patients

Abstract Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has become a major public health problem worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. In addition to traditional risk factors, psychosocial factors play an important role in the development of ACS.Type D personality, as a combination of social inhibition and negative affect, has been defined as a psychological risk factor for coronary heart disease by the European Society of Cardiology.Meanwhile, ACS patients with Type D personality may have behaviors such as unhealthy dietary behaviors, less regular physical activity, and poorer self-management behaviors. Then, whether the combination of Type D personality and poor cardiovascular health behaviors can increase the risk of poor prognosis in patients with ACS requires further research. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Type D personality combined with poor cardiovascular health behaviors on long-term major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) in patients with ACS. Methods A total of 18631 patients diagnosed with ACS between January 2017 and July 2023 were included in this study. Type D personality, cardiovascular health behaviors (smoking cessation, physical activity, average sleep duration at night, dietary assessment index, BMI, lipids, blood glucose, blood pressure) were assessed during the admission period, and were divided into poor, general, and ideal cardiovascular health with a cut-off score of 50 and 80.The binary logistic regression analysis was used to assese the effect of Type D personality combined with cardiovascular health score on the occurrence of MACE (stroke, reinfarction, revascularization, all-cause death). Results The median follow-up in this study was 37 months, and we found that a total of 3750 people had MACE during the follow-up period. The logistic regression result showed that compared with Type D personality (-) and cardiovascular health behaviors (poor) group, Type D personality (+) and cardiovascular health behaviors (poor) group (OR=1.451, 95%CI=1.055-1.995,P=0.022), Type D personality (+) and cardiovascular health behaviors (general) group (OR=1.425, 95%CI=1.092-1.858,P=0.009), Type D personality (-) cardiovascular health behavior (poor) group (OR=1.301, 95%CI=1.013-1.670, P=0.039) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of further adverse cardiovascular events. Conclusion Type D personality combined with unhealthy cardiovascular behavior individuals may be at high risk for MACE. Therefore, early assessment of Type D personality and cardiovascular health behaviors are needed, thereby reducing the incidence of MACE in ACS patients.

Unlocking adolescent dietary behaviours: the causal role of social contexts

Abstract Background Using a causal inference framework, our study aimed to extend previous work in providing a comprehensive understanding of the role various social contexts across different levels can play in predicting adolescent dietary behaviours. Methods Data came from the 2017/18 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Flanders (Belgium). The sample included representative data from 8,702 adolescents in 165 schools. Social factors at individual-level (family meals, family, peer, student and teacher support) and at contextual-level (school culture of student and teacher support and school-level socioeconomic status [SES]) were considered. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed. Results At individual-level, family meals and family and student support were positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption, family meals with sweet consumption too. Student and teacher support showed positive associations solely with fruit consumption. At contextual-level, adolescents attending schools with a lower school-SES demonstrated lower vegetable consumption. Culture of teacher support was negatively associated with sweets but also vegetable consumption. For culture of student support no associations were found. Conclusions The study mainly provide cues for strengthening family social ties as dietary health promotion initiatives, with some evidence supporting the role of beneficial peer and school social factors. Mixed results for contextual school-level social factors warrant further research to identify additional school-related influences on adolescent dietary behaviours to advance current understandings. Key messages • Family meals and support promote healthy eating in adolescents, emphasising the health promoting role of family social ties in dietary habits. • Mixed findings on school-level social factors call for more research on school health policies.

Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use Among Children Attending Care and Educational Institutions in Krakow, Poland

Background/Objectives: Socioeconomic status and parental lifestyle influence dietary behaviors, including the administration of oral dietary supplements in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors on the use of dietary supplements by children. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a diagnostic survey based on the computer-assisted web interview method was conducted in November 2022 among 2826 parents whose children attend public educational institutions in Krakow, Poland. The study group included data on 497 nursery children (17.6%), 599 kindergarten children (21.2%), 1594 primary school children (56.4%), and 136 secondary school children (4.8%). Results: Among all respondents, 72.2% were taking oral nutritional supplements, with vitamin D supplementation being particularly popular in all groups. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of supplement use, including special diet (p &lt; 0.001), use of medication for chronic disease (p = 0.012), regularity of main meals (p = 0.022), and attending a sports school (p = 0.021). A decrease in supplement use was observed with the increasing level of education of children (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of various health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors in influencing decisions regarding dietary supplementation in children. Further assessment of dietary supplement usage should be conducted alongside evaluations of nutrient intake from the children’s diet.

SWITCHtoHEALTHY: Switching Mediterranean Consumers to Mediterranean Sustainable Healthy Dietary Patterns

Abstract In the Mediterranean countries profound changes in diet are taking place, largely due to cultural and socio-economic changes in lifestyle, which are leading to the erosion of the Mediterranean food cultures. The diet modernization process is noticeable; it has generated not only a modification of food choices in the direction of unhealthy foods, but also the habit of sedentary behaviours leading to an imbalance between energy intake and consumption. All of this has negative health impacts, as shown by the ever-increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as the rise of chronic diet-related diseases. The SWITCHtoHEALTHY project aims to generate an overall change of approach to the modern problem of eating behaviours, by strengthening the role of families towards the promotion of the sustainable Mediterranean food model. The main goal is to generate an actual switch to healthier dietary models, that are more consistent with the Mediterranean Diet. The project SWITCHtoHEALTHY aims to generate a dietary behaviour change in the direction of a greater adherence to the Mediterranean food model, by strengthening the role of families in the process of acquiring and maintaining healthy eating habits. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a healthy and sustainable food model, with an essentially plant-based dietary pattern (high consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, and legumes). This goal will be reached by making available to families a combination of hands-on educational material and digital tools and complementing the dietary and lifestyle recommendations with easy-to-eat healthier snacking products.

Characterising users of community-based interventions designed to improve the food practices

Abstract Promoting affordable ways to help low-income families improve dietary behaviours and achieve a healthy weight represents a priority for UK public health policy. For such interventions to be appropriately tailored and targeted, it is important to better understand the intended recipients. The present study aimed to assess the dietary practices and psychosocial characteristics of users of Aberdeen City community-based interventions (e.g., food banks, pantries, social cafés) designed to support low-income communities in accessing food and engaging in healthier food practices. From January to June 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted employing convenience sampling among users of community-based interventions (N = 105; 73 females). The questionnaire assessed diet quality (SFFQ), household food insecurity (HFIAS), mental health (PHQ-4), well-being (Cantril Ladder), intention and self-efficacy toward healthy eating, and sociodemographic variables. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlations, and regression analyses. Results indicated that community-based food provision users are highly vulnerable to food insecurity. Among participants, 53.3% reported severe food insecurity, and 18.1% reported moderate levels. Service users’ diets were high in discretionary foods and drinks (26% consume daily &amp;gt;1 portion of fizzy juice, 18.2% sweets, 16.7% crisps vs. 11.5% fruits and 10.6% vegetables). The mean dietary quality score was 9.48 (SD = 1.90) from a possible 15. Higher food insecurity and lower diet quality were significantly associated with greater mental distress (r=.41, p&amp;lt;.001; r=-.287, p=.005;) and poorer well-being (r=-.460, p&amp;lt;.001; r=.19, p=.049;). This study is part of a larger project aiming to optimise community-based dietary interventions for low-income populations. The results provide a clearer picture of the intended beneficiaries of such interventions and highlight user needs that can be prioritised in optimisation efforts. Key messages • Community-based food provision users are highly vulnerable to food insecurity and related negative health experiences. • The burden of poor diet and its associated health consequences disproportionately affect those living in the most deprived communities.

Feasibility of the MIND+SOUL Culturally Tailored Brain Healthy Diet: A Pilot Study

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disproportionately impacts Black Americans, who are three times more likely to develop AD. While heart-healthy diets have shown potential in reducing AD risk, research on adapted dietary interventions for Black American communities remains limited. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted brain healthy diet intervention (MIND + SOUL) and explored changes in cardiometabolic risk and cognition. Twenty-nine participants completed the 12-week intervention, which included culturally tailored health education, cooking classes, health coaching, and groceries. Feasibility was assessed by attendance and retention rates, while acceptability was measured by two questionnaires. Participants had a mean age of 70.3, with 10.3% male. The intervention demonstrated high feasibility (89.3% retention) and acceptability (mean = 71.9, SD = 8.59), with meaningful improvements in body mass index (estimate = −0.54, P = 0.009), dietary intake (estimate = 28.39, P = 0.042), and executive function (estimate = 3.32, P &lt; 0.001). However, no significant changes in blood-based biomarkers were observed. The MIND + SOUL intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, improvements in body composition, cognitive function, and dietary behaviors, despite no significant changes in blood-based biomarkers. Findings suggest potential benefits for reducing AD risk factors and promoting healthy aging. Clinical Trials Registry: ClinicalTrials.Gov; NCT05414682.