Food and fish consumption patterns is essential for addressing nutrition, food security, and sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria. This study examines the patterns of food and fish consumption in Nigeria, drawing insights from catfish consumption. in Ijare Town, Akure North Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on the gender dynamics influencing dietary behaviors and household food distribution. Through a combination of surveys, interviews, and direct observation, the research explores consumption frequency, cultural preferences, and socio-economic factors such as income, availability, and education. Findings indicate an equal gender representation among respondents (50% male, 50% female), predominantly aged 30–49 years (36.7%), with Christianity as the dominant religion (70%) and most participants being married (66.7%). All respondents had received some form of education, with traders forming the largest occupational group and students comprising 16.7%. Taste (50%) and nutritional value (30%) emerged as the primary motivations for catfish consumption, followed by price (13.3%) and availability (6.7%). Smoked catfish was the most preferred form (50%), and high protein content was the most cited nutritional benefit (83.3%), with fewer mentions of vitamins (6.7%), minerals (3.3%), and low-calorie content. Importantly, the study reveals significant gendered patterns in intra-household consumption. Fathers were identified as the primary consumers (46.7%), while mothers and children shared secondary consumption roles equally (26.5% each), suggesting disparities in food allocation and preference shaped by traditional gender roles. This gendered consumption hierarchy underscores broader societal norms regarding food access, control, and nutritional prioritization within households. By highlighting both the cultural and gendered dimensions of catfish consumption, the findings enhance our understanding of the complex social and gendered dimensions of dietary practices in the community. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating gender-sensitive approaches in nutritional education, food marketing, and sustainable dietary interventions.

Changes in lifestyle and food consumption patterns have contributed to a growing demand for home meal replacements (HMRs), emphasizing the need for high-quality seafood-based products. This study aimed to develop a grilled Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) fillet HMR prototype and to evaluate optimal processing conditions, quality characteristics, and shelf-life stability. High-frequency thawing was selected to improve raw material handling by minimizing drip loss to 11.91% and reducing thawing time to 15 min. A thyme-based marinade at a concentration of 3% for 20 min was applied to reduce odor and enhance sensory quality, and superheated steam grilling was compared with conventional heating methods. Processing parameters were optimized using response surface methodology, and smoking conditions were evaluated using different wood types. Superheated steam grilling produced superior sensory attributes under optimal conditions of 340 °C for 4 min, followed by cherry wood smoking at 60 °C for 5 min. The combined processing approach reduced total bacterial counts while maintaining acceptable physicochemical quality characteristics. Thermal processing increased texture firmness and nutritional density due to moisture loss, reduced lipid oxidation, and modified amino acid and fatty acid profiles. Shelf-life modeling indicated safe storage for up to 18 months under frozen conditions. These findings demonstrate that integrated marination, superheated steam grilling, and controlled smoking can be effectively applied to produce a safe, stable, and high-quality grilled Pacific cod HMR product.

ABSTRACT Understanding consumer behaviour is essential for developing effective strategies that support sustainable food transitions at both individual and societal levels. Research in this field has highlighted a wide range of factors shaping food consumption patterns across various contexts, yet a comprehensive synthesis remains necessary. This study addresses this gap by identifying and consolidating the key determinants of sustainable food consumption, with particular attention to how attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours influence consumer choices. To this end, 110 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, published between 2010 and 2024, were systematically reviewed. The findings reveal a wide range of determinants, including socio-demographic variables (gender, age, education, and income), health motivations, environmental concerns, economic constraints like price sensitivity, cultural and social influences, knowledge and information gaps, and sensory attributes such as taste. The analysis also underscores the persistence of the attitude – behaviour gap and highlights the moderating influence of contextual factors, including governance frameworks and generational differences. By integrating fragmented evidence from multiple disciplines, this study advances the theoretical understanding of sustainable food consumption while providing empirically grounded insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Ultimately, the findings contribute to the design of strategies capable of fostering more sustainable consumption practices and supporting the broader sustainability transition of food systems.

In India, socio-economic disparities, limited nutritional knowledge, and unequal intra-household food distribution continue to influence dietary patterns and nutritional outcomes among farm families. Understanding the interplay between nutritional knowledge, food consumption, expenditure patterns, and socio-economic factors is essential for designing effective interventions to enhance dietary diversity and nutritional equity in rural agricultural communities. The primary objectives of the study were to assess nutritional knowledge, dietary consumption, food expenditure, and socio-economic determinants affecting intra-household nutritional equity. The study was undertaken in 2023-24 in Bhiwani and Sonipat districts of Haryana. The findings presented in this paper stem from a field study involving 60 farm families using a structured interview schedule and the survey method. The findings highlighted variations in nutritional knowledge and dietary diversity across farm households. Highest percentage of the respondents were having medium level of knowledge i.e. 56.67 per cent followed by 23.33 per cent and 20.00 per cent who were having low and high level of knowledge respectively. Expenditure on different food groups reflected economic priorities and accessibility, while socio-economic factors such as income, education, landholding size, and family structure significantly influenced dietary choices and intra-household equity in nutrition. Majorly consumed food groups were Cereals, Oils and fats (ranked I) followed by milk and Milk products (rank II), Vegetables (rank III), pulses and legumes (rank IV). Socio-economic variables such as caste and socio-economic status were found to be significant with HDDS (Household Dietary diversity Score). Similarly, size of family and annual income of family was highly significantly associated with HDDS. Farmer families on average were spending Rs. 2332.4/- from their income on purchase of food items. Out of which majority of expenditure in percentage was on oils and fats (20.24%), cereals and cereal products (16.61%), milk and other dairy products (14.83%) and vegetables (13.57%). The study underscores the need for targeted nutritional awareness programs and policy interventions to improve dietary diversity and equitable food distribution within farm families.

Food Consumption Pattern and Socio-Cultural Beliefs among Paraja Community of Koraput District, Odisha

This research analyzed the interplay between diet and sociocultural influences in the food consumption patterns of the Pilagá people in Formosa, Argentina. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study, conducted in 2023, included all 59 family clusters in a Pilagá community. Food intake was assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls per household, while qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, free-listing exercises, and participant observation. Dietary habits in the Pilagá community were notably limited in variety and nutritional content, with 71% of participants reporting they ate just two meals a day. Purchased white bread, water, and infusions were consumed daily. Despite the high proportion of processed foods, the diet shows some foraged wild food. Food holds multifaceted roles beyond its biological function, with traditional foods valued not only for nourishment but also for their perceived health benefits and cultural significance. This Pilagá community is experiencing a dietary transition toward westernized foods, driven by biosociocultural factors that mirror broader shifts in local food systems and consumption patterns.

The Roma minority is one of Europe's most vulnerable minorities in terms of health status including nutrition-related diseases. A detailed and robust exploration of the dietary behaviors of the Roma population is essential for developing targeted nutrition interventions. This scoping review aims to identify and evaluate the dietary assessment methods used for measuring dietary intake and food consumption among the Roma population. Studies were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature. Studies written in English that focused on the Roma minority and assessed dietary intake and food consumption were eligible. A qualitative approach was used to summarize the results. Thirteen original studies were reviewed, primarily conducted in Eastern Europe. Nine out of thirteen studies used cross-sectional study designs and quantitative research approaches. The most commonly applied nutritional assessment methods were food frequency questionnaire, 24-h dietary recall, and brief dietary habits questionnaire. Quantitative dietary outcomes were measured through dietary intake, food consumption patterns, and dietary quality, while qualitative dietary outcomes were identified as moderate overconsumption, irregular eating, or the symbolic use of food to denote social status. There was a lack of validity and adaptation of dietary assessment tools for the Roma population. The reviewed studies often did not employ advanced nutritional analysis methods common in the general, non-Roma population. There is a need to develop specific dietary assessment methods for the Roma population. To obtain more reliable results, combining subjective dietary assessment methods with a qualitative, participatory approach may be suitable for this population.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the enablers and barriers influencing the adoption of plant-based diets among Filipino adult consumers in Metro Manila. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Filipino adults responsible for household food decisions, particularly those with the capacity to purchase food or plan meals within their household, residing in Metro Manila. The questionnaire, adapted from validated instruments and guided by the COM-B behavioral model, assessed demographic characteristics, food consumption patterns, attitudes, and intentions toward plant-based diets. Data were collected via an online platform and analyzed using cluster segmentation, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify key determinants of dietary intentions and behaviors. Results: Respondents were categorized into four food consumption clusters ranging from high meat-high plant, high meat-low plant, low meat-low plant, and low meat-high plant intake based on the food frequency consumption by applying the k-means clustering method. Monthly household income was significantly associated with food consumption patterns. Overall, 39.34% of participants intended to reduce meat consumption, while 54.10% aimed to increase plant-based food intake. Behavioral analysis revealed that psychological capability (knowledge of plant-based cooking) and reflective motivation (enjoyment of vegetarian dishes) significantly increased intentions to shift diets. Conversely, barriers included perceptions that plant-based meal preparation is time-consuming and satisfaction with reducing but not eliminating meat intake. Social opportunity factors showed mixed effects, with autonomy supporting dietary shifts, but social normalization of meat reduction potentially reducing individual motivation. Conclusions: There is a growing intention among Filipino consumers to adopt plant-based diets, yet practical and perceptual barriers remain. Addressing these challenges through education, improving accessibility, and leveraging social influences is essential to facilitate dietary shifts. Economic factors, particularly income disparities, also influence food choices, highlighting the need for equitable policies. Supporting plant-based diets can advance public health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience in the Philippine context.

Current food consumption patterns are a significant concern in the field of health. For example, the habit of consuming high-calorie, high-saturated-fat, and high-sugar junk food contributes to various health problems. Fat, as a molecule required by the body as a source of energy, has adverse effects if its levels exceed the amount needed by the body. One of these effects is an increase in cholesterol levels, a condition known as hypercholesterolemia. Manilkara kauki is a plant that has the potential as an antihypercholesterolemic agent. The objective of this study is to evaluate their antihypercholesterolemic activity both in vitro, using the Liebermann-Burchard method, and in silico, by assessing the inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme (PDB ID: 1HW9), which plays a key role in cholesterol synthesis. The antihypercholesterolemic activity assessed via the Liebermann-Burchard assay revealed that the ethanol extract exhibited significant activity, with an IC50 value of 108.91 ppm. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis identified 117 compounds in the extract, which were subjected to molecular docking studies. Three flavonoid compounds, lanaroflavone (−8.69 kcal/mol), sequoiaflavone (−9.28 kcal/mol), and sumaflavone (−8.55 kcal/mol), demonstrated higher binding affinities to HMG-CoA reductase than the positive control, simvastatin (−8.53 kcal/mol).

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study assessed dental caries prevalence and dietary habits among elite athletes in Ireland, and analysed dietary intake with particular focus on potentially cariogenic foods and nutrients to determine associations between potentially cariogenic dietary factors and dental caries prevalence using cluster analysis.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of elite athletes. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated examiners using validated indices, including the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) to assess dental caries at both individual and tooth levels. Demographics and lifestyle metrics were recorded using a web‐based platform, while dietary information was collected using multiple 24‐h dietary recalls (24HR) via FoodBook24. Clustering, profiling of clusters and and binary logistic regression were used to determine if associations exist between dental caries prevalence and potentially cariogenic food groups or nutrients.ResultsEighty‐eight athletes from seven sports participated, with a mean age of 25.6 years (SD 5.7) and 63% male. The prevalence of untreated dental caries (ICDAS ≥ 3) was 90% at an individual level (presence of caries in any tooth in an individual) and 13% at tooth level (percentage of teeth affected in the population). The mean energy intake was 2678 ± 1352 kcal/day, mean sugar intake was 128 ± 94 g/day and mean starch intake was 169 ± 90 g/day. Cluster analysis identified two distinct groups based on caries prevalence, diet, age, gender, and ethnicity. Binary logistic regression revealed a significant association between cariogenic starch intake from snacks and cluster membership (p = 0.005).ConclusionsThe study found a high prevalence of untreated carious lesions in this cohort, exceeding previously reported levels for elite athletes. Cluster analysis revealed that nutrient consumption patterns, particularly the timing of starch intake, may provide insights beyond those offered by traditional food‐group classifications for understanding dietary factors associated with caries risk. These findings underscore the need for prioritising dietary advice and caries prevention strategies in this population, with particular attention on snacking patterns rather than focusing solely on cariogenic food categories.

Pesticide residue exposure assessments can be carried out during both the pre-regulation and post-regulation phases of these substances. Due to a lack of consumption data required for these assessments, model diets have emerged as a practical solution. However, diets that more accurately reflect each country's consumption patterns provide a more reliable basis for calculating long-term residue exposures and verifying established maximum residue limits. The definition of model diets based on a specific population allows for the prioritization of matrices for analysis and, consequently, monitoring program optimization, due to a more rigorous selection of food groups that may comprise residue exposure sources. This study aimed to assess the contribution of foods to cumulative priority pesticide residue exposure and propose model diets that reflect Brazilian food consumption patterns. The present study considered a chemical compound risk classification and a sensitivity analysis to identify the foods that contribute most to pesticide residue exposure. The top five pesticide-crop combinations in the risk ranking were chlorpyrifos in citrus, banana and potato (score 168) and (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D and methomyl in rice (score 140). Model diets were developed based on Brazilian dietary habits in accordance with exposure assessment principles and included the 22 foods considered most critical regarding pesticide exposure. A practical simulation using selected pesticides demonstrated that conventional model diets may not yield the same results as the specific model diets proposed for Brazil. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Dietary habits established during young adulthood have long-term implications for health, and food choices among university students are strongly shaped by contextual factors. Institutional eating environments represent a relevant setting for promoting healthier dietary behaviors, yet limited evidence integrates students’ engagement with these settings, their food consumption patterns across contexts, and the individual decision-making processes underlying food choice. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed survey data from 1519 students enrolled at a large Italian university. Measures included sociodemographic characteristics, self-identified dietary style, engagement with the university canteen, consumption frequency of selected food categories across institutional and non-institutional contexts, and category-specific food-choice motivations. Data were analyzed using descriptive analyses, Borda count rankings, paired comparisons, and multiple linear regression models. Results: Clear contextual differences in food consumption emerged across all food categories, with consistently lower consumption frequencies within the university canteen compared to outside settings (all p < 0.001). The largest contextual gap was observed for fruit consumption (d = 0.94), with similarly pronounced differences for plant-based foods. Taste was the most salient decision-making factor across food categories (overall M ≈ 4.4), while health-related motives were more prominent for healthier foods and gratification for desserts. Across contexts, self-identified dietary style was the most consistent predictor of food consumption, explaining substantial variance for animal-based protein consumption (R2 = 0.293 in the canteen; R2 = 0.353 outside), whereas age and gender showed smaller, food-specific associations. Conclusions: The findings highlight institutional eating settings as distinct food environments in which individual dietary preferences are only partially expressed. Effective strategies to promote healthier eating among university students should move beyond generic approaches and integrate interventions targeting service-related engagement, category-specific choice architecture, and students’ dietary identities.

Analysis of Factors Determining Food Consumption Patterns Among Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objectives The microbiota-gut-brain axis highlights a significant diet, gut function, and mental health link. Although fermented foods benefit gut health, how their consumption patterns affect psychological well-being remains unclear. This study investigated associations between fermented food consumption patterns (variety, frequency and specific patterns), constipation, and psychological distress in adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included 400 adults (aged 18–65) in Turkey. A survey assessed socio-demographics (age, gender, BMI, education, and income) and fermented food frequency questionnaire. Psychological distress was measured using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Gut function was evaluated using both Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) and the Bristol Stool Scale for individual stool characterization. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.0. Associations were examined via correlation and multiple regression analyses (covariates-adjusted). The indirect effect of consumption patterns on distress through CSI was tested using PROCESS Macro (v4.3, Model 4) with 5000 bootstrap samples. Results Contrary to expectations, a greater fermented food variety was associated with poorer psychological well-being. Pattern analysis revealed that the ‘Low Variety + Medium-High Frequency’ pattern was associated with the best psychological state. Conversely, a ‘Medium-High Variety + Low Frequency’ pattern predicted significantly worse psychological outcomes. This negative effect was fully mediated by increased constipation severity (p < 0.05). Conclusions The fermented food-psychological health relationship is pattern-dependent. Consistent consumption of a limited variety was more strongly associated with positive gut-brain axis-related outcomes than sporadic consumption of a wide variety. These results emphasize incorporating specific, sustained fermented food patterns into dietary recommendations and warrant longitudinal and interventional studies.

Efforts to increase agricultural productivity to meet national food needs are complex challenges that require an integrated strategic approach. One step that can be taken is to improve the efficiency of the rice agribusiness through the application of balanced fertilization recommendations and appropriate pricing policies. Therefore, the development of the peanut-based food industry has led to an increase in domestic demand for peanuts. The increasing demand for peanuts is a great market opportunity for the development of peanut production. Increased income and public knowledge about nutrition have changed people's food consumption patterns from energy-producing carbohydrate foods to protein-producing foods, both animal and vegetable. The integration of the two through a polyculture system provides opportunities for synergy: peanut roots provide biological nitrogen for rice, help suppress weeds, and increase the efficiency of space and resource utilization. Intercropping rice and peanuts significantly increases land productivity.

Unraveling interoceptive processing and action dynamics: Exploring neural and psychological responses to food cues using fMRI.

The study analyzed the effects of livelihood diversification on cassava farmers household food consumption in Kogi State, Nigeria. The objectives include, to identify livelihood activities engaged in, to describe their food consumption pattern, to analyze the effect of livelihood diversification. Primary data was collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire from 120 cassava farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression was employed to analyze the data. The result shows that 60% of the farmers were male, mostly married, with mean age of 49years, the livelihood activities engaged in were mostly processing of farm produce, petty trading and animal rearing, generating an annual income of ₦1,331,075, ₦541,083 and ₦459,083 respectively from the livelihoods. The result on food consumption pattern show that eating monotonous food, eating smaller size of food and skipping meals were the common. While the result on common food classes consumed shows that carbohydrate (yam, cassava, maize, rice), protein (beans and soybeans), fruits and vegetables (spinach and ugu) were the common. The OLS regression result shows that level of education, income from farm, income from livelihood activities and number of livelihood activities engaged in positively significantly affects food consumption at 1%, 5%, 5%, and 10% respectively. While the major constraints faced by farmers in diversifying livelihoods were inadequate capital, high cost of renting business premises and poor access to market. The study recommends increase access to loan facilities to the farmers, building of public business premises to be offered at reduced cost to enable them earn more income that will translate to increase in consumption of protein and vitamin rich food stuffs to combat hunger and increase well-being.

Probabilistic reference dose derivation and risk assessment of mycotoxin citrinin for red yeast rice-related foods.

Abstract Background In recent years it has been highlighted the role of diet in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) etiopathogenesis and disease behavior. Molecular mechanism have been unraveled. Despite that, there is limited guidance on diet prescription in real-life setting. Dietary intake is a complex interplay between different food groups, compounds and nutrients with synergistic effects and complex interactions.1 Dietary pattern analysis resembles more eating behaviors and thus allows for a more comprehensive diet-disease interaction analysis.2 Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients undergoing ambulatory treatment at a day care IBD unit were consecutively recruited. A self-applied semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, validated for the adult Portuguese population, was applied.3,4 Blood and feces were collected. Food consumption patterns were assessed by principal component analysis (PCA). The primary outcome was to assess dietary patterns in IBD patients and to analyze the association of the established patterns and disease activity defined by clinical and biological activity markers in a real-life setting. Clinical activity was assessed using the Partial Mayo Score (PMS) for ulcerative colitis and the Harvey–Bradshaw Index (HBI) for Crohn’s disease, and biological activity was evaluated via fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein. Patients were considered in remission if PMS ≤2 or HBI ≤4, fecal calprotectin was &amp;lt;250 µg/g, and C-reactive protein &amp;lt;0.5 mg/L. Results A total of 89 IBD patients (55 CD, 28 in remission and 27 with active disease; 34 UC, 16 in remission and 18 active) were included. Baseline characteristics are described at table 1. In patients with active CD red meat, cereals and derivates, and fats and oils food groups intake were positively correlated to CRP values (p = 0.019, R = 0.449; p = 0.044, R = 0.390; p = 0.021, R = 0.442). In active UC higher consumption of fish and seafood was associated with lower CRP levels (p = 0.007, R=-0.614). There were 3 dietary patterns: Industrialized food, Healthy and Traditional (Table 2). CD patients in remission had significantly higher scores on Healthy pattern in comparison to active CD patients (-0.02±0.95 vs -0.41±0.049, p = 0.049). Conclusion Dietary intake is linked to inflammation in IBD. In our study, we found that in active CD, higher consumption of red meat, cereals, and fats was associated with increased CRP, whereas in active UC, higher intake of fish and seafood was associated with lower CRP. CD patients in remission adhered to a healthier dietary pattern, suggesting that diet may influence disease activity and help maintain remission.

Real-time recording: A scoping review of methods to study children's real-time exposure to food and food marketing online.