Food Patterns Research Articles

Dietary pattern and the corresponding gut microbiome in response to immunotherapy in Thai patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Gut microbiota is considered a key player modulating the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer. The effects of dietary pattern on this interaction is not well-studied. A prospective multicenter cohort of 95 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing ICI therapy were enrolled. Stool shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed. Three-day dietary patterns before ICI were assessed. Patients were categorized as hyperprogressive disease (HPD) if they exhibited a time to treatment failure of less than 2 months. All others were categorized as non-hyperprogressive disease (non-HPD). The correlation between dietary patterns, gut microbiome, and response to ICI therapy was analyzed. In the multivariate analysis, a high abundance of Firmicutes unclassified and the Ruminococcaceae family correlated with a significantly diminished progression-free survival (PFS) with an HR of 2.40 [P = 0.006] and 4.30 [P = 0.005], respectively. More specifically, within the subset of NSCLC patients treated solely with ICI therapy, a high abundance of Intestinimonas and the Enterobacteriaceae family were associated with substantially reduced PFS with an HR of 2.61 [P = 0.02] and HR 3.34 [P = 0.005], respectively. In our comprehensive dietary pattern analysis, the HPD group showed increased consumption of cholesterol, sodium, and fats beyond recommended levels compared to the non-HPD group. This group also displayed a tendency towards higher food pattern scores characterized by a high intake of fat and dairy products. Our study revealed a distinct association between the gut microbiome composition and treatment outcomes. The overall composition of diet might be related to ICI therapeutic outcomes.

Abstract 4136796: The effect of replacing typical snacks with pecans on vascular health and diet quality: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Poor diet quality accounts for approximately half of all deaths from cardiometabolic diseases. Food pattern modelling using nationally representative U.S. data suggests that replacing typical snacks consumed with tree nuts will improve diet quality. However, few clinical trials have assessed the potential for tree nuts to improve diet quality. Pecans are rich in polyphenols, which may improve endothelial and vascular function. This study aimed to examine how substitution of usual snack foods with 2 oz/day of pecans affects flow mediated dilation (FMD), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), blood pressure and diet quality after 12 weeks in individuals at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease. Hypothesis: Intake of 2 oz/day of pecans in place of habitually consumed snacks will improve vascular health and diet quality compared to habitual intake. Methods: In this single-blind RCT, adults (46 ± 13 years, 29.8 ± 3.7 kg/m 2 ) with ≥1 criterion for metabolic syndrome who were free from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases were included. The experimental group was provided with 2 oz/day of pre-portioned raw, unsalted pecans (~392 kcal) and instructed to replace the snacks they currently consume with the provided pecans. The control group was instructed to continue their usual diet. FMD (primary outcome), cf-PWV, brachial and central blood pressure were measured at baseline and following the intervention period (~12 weeks). At three timepoints (baseline, week 6, and week 12) during the study, participants completed three 24-hour recalls (total 9 recalls). The Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020) was calculated to assess diet quality. Results: A total of 138 (69 per group) participants were randomized. No between-group difference in FMD, cf-PWV, or blood pressure was observed. The HEI-2020 was 11.1 points higher (95% CI 5.1, 17.2) in the pecan group compared to the usual diet group at week 12. The following HEI-2020 components were improved in the pecan group vs. the usual diet group: total protein foods (0.5 points [95% CI 0.1, 1.0]), seafood and plant proteins (2.5 points [95% CI 1.6, 3.4]), fatty acids (4.1 points [ 95% CI 2.6, 5.5]), and sodium (1.8 points [95% CI 0.3, 3.2]). Conclusion: Replacement of usual snacks with 2 oz of pecans improved adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans but did not improve endothelial function, blood pressure, or arterial stiffening.

The evolution of food and nutrition supply patterns of marine capture and mariculture in China and its transformation coping strategies

This study examines the shift in China’s seafood production, revealing that mariculture has surpassed marine capture as the primary source of marine food. The research aims to assess the roles of marine capture and mariculture in meeting rising food demand and ensuring nutrition security, given the limitations of land-based food production. Using data from 2003 to 2021, the study highlights several key trends: mariculture, focused on shellfish and algae, now outpaces marine capture, which remains centered on fish and crustaceans. Significant regional disparities are observed, with mariculture expanding rapidly in several coastal provinces as marine capture declines. Nutrient supply from marine capture has followed a three-phase pattern of growth, stagnation, and decline, while mariculture’s nutrient output has steadily increased, particularly in protein. By 2019-2020, mariculture surpassed marine capture in energy and protein supply, though fat supply remains lower. Regional differences in nutrient supply show mariculture leading in multiple provinces. The study concludes by recommending strategies to promote sustainable, diverse, and environmentally friendly practices for China’s marine food systems.

A review on dietary approaches to enhance calcium intake among adolescents

Adolescence is one of the most important milestones in the life cycle stages, in which each individual undergoes various physiological and psychological changes. This period is considered one of the important stages of nutritional vulnerability. Calcium needs are elevated due to intensive bone and muscular development. Calcium acts as one of the vital minerals for bone mineralization during childhood and adolescence that primarily needs to be driven through adequate dietary sources. Globally, calcium intake in all age groups including adolescents has lowered due to changing food patterns which have highly tilted towards a high intake of ultra-processed foods. This review draws attention to enhanced calcium intake through healthy dietary measures.

8.K. Scientific session: Promoting Healthier and Sustainable Diets – Evidence from the Interdisciplinary MedDietMenus4Campus

Abstract Food service comprises the production of meals consumed outside the home, including consumers from all age groups and in different sectors. This service sector has evolved through the years, providing an increasing number of meals, which have been drifting away from the Mediterranean Food Pattern. Food service is an important setting for public health interventions, educating consumers and modulating behaviours through the meals provided. Prior research on eating habits has mainly focused on a single stakeholder - typically consumers - and on a narrow set of outcome variables. Although these studies provide important clues about the determinants of adherence to food offer, research has yet to address this issue using an integrative approach of multiple stakeholders (e.g., the consumers, food providers, and decisors) across a set of different variables. Also, intervention initiatives, usually act only on the environment without strategies that efficiently engage all the stakeholders involved. In contrast, to promote behavioral change this research will focus on Social Marketing as it has been acknowledged as an effective strategy to enhance the health and well-being of consumers. Establishing and managing long-term partnerships that include different groups of stakeholders - consumers, government, retailers, and other players - are key elements in the application of mid and upstream social marketing to complex issues. The project’s main ambition is to change the food service paradigm, by creating and implementing a new healthy and sustainable food service concept complying with the Mediterranean diet, as well as solutions that comply with consumers’ new needs, and also developing and implementing strategies that engage all the stakeholders with this concept. We expect to create the reference in terms of food offer that will be demanded by consumers of the next generations and the standpoint to inspire the other food service sectors/ settings to achieve an effective and sustainable food offer change and positively influence food service consumers’ food patterns towards Mediterranean recommendations. In this workshop, the findings of the project will be presented focusing on examining the barriers and facilitators of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in the menus offered in public high education institutes canteens in Portugal, Turkey, and Croatia. To promote the identification of effective intervention pathways, we take on an interdisciplinary approach, integrating the theoretical and methodological frameworks of Nutrition, Psychology, and Marketing. Key messages • Provide an overview of an interdisciplinary approach to promote healthier and more sustainable food offered in university canteens. • Present the pathway to develop social marketing strategies to engage different stakeholders in effective food behaviour change.

MedDietMenus4Campus: Integrating Views from Nutrition, Marketing and Psychology to Improve Diets

Abstract Food service is an important setting for public health interventions, educating consumers and modulating behaviours through the meals provided. Social Marketing is one of the strategies designed to promote behaviour change, which contributions to health and well-being of consumers are widely recognised. This project aims to identify the compliance of food service menus with the Mediterranean Diet (MD) in public high education institutes (HEI) canteens, pinpointing opportunities to intervene, namely: 1) promoting changes in the food offer addressing proximity to the MD, creating, and offering plant-based meals, with seasonable and local food products and 2) developing tailored social marketing strategies to engage stakeholders to encourage healthier and sustainable food habits. It gathers a team comprised of nutrition experts on public health and food service, food technologists, gastronomy experts, psychologists, and marketers. To achieve the objectives researchers will: 1) develop an index to evaluate compliance of menus with the MD; 2) define priority stakeholders and define a methodology for engagement; 3) evaluate perceptions, barriers and facilitators; 4) develop a meal plan framework; 5) develop a new food concept “student bag” (meal on the go) and test it for industry scale-up; 6) use previous diagnosis to develop social marketing strategies directed to stakeholders and consumers to achieve food behaviour change and 7) measure the impacts of the implemented strategies. This research intends to create and implement a new healthy and sustainable food service concept, expecting to define the standpoint to inspire other food service settings to achieve an effective and sustainable food offer change and positively influence food service consumers’ food pattern towards Mediterranean recommendations, while addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (3 - good health and 12 - responsible consumption and production; 17 - partnerships for the goals).

Nutritional status of tribal and non-tribal school-going children in rural Bangladesh: A comparative study

BackgroundInadequate nutrition of school-going children is a major concern in Bangladesh, and it can negatively affect their productivity. It is important to consider the food pattern, socio-cultural, and economic differences between tribal (T) and non-tribal (NT) communities in Bangladesh when evaluating their nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of school-going children in the rural area of Rajshahi district’s High Barind Tract (HBT) region of Bangladesh. Additionally, we compared the nutritional status between T and NT school-going children in the same area.MethodsThis was a cross sectional household study. Data were collected from T and NT households in the HBT region in the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh, from January to June of 2019. A total of 500 (T 81, NT 419) school-going children aged 6–13 years were selected as samples using mixed sampling, including convenience sampling (non-probability) and simple random sampling (probability) methods. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index-for-age z-score (BAZ) and height-for-age z-score (HAZ) according to WHO guidelines. Thinness was defined as BAZ < -2SD and stunting as HAZ < -2SD. Descriptive statistics, Z-proportional test, and logistic regression model were used to analyze the effect of selected independent variables on nutritional status of T and NT children.ResultsAmong school-going children, 15.20% were suffering from thinness (T 12.30% and NT 15.80%) and 17.80% stunting (T 13.60% and NT 18.60%), respectively. The difference in thinness (p > 0.05) and stunting (p > 0.05) were not significant between T and NT. The distribution of BAZ and HAZ of T and NT children were normally distributed, and were positioned negatively compared to the WHO standards. The logistic model identified the following factors for thinness: (i) mother with non-or-primary education (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05–3.43, p < 0.05), (ii) underweight mother (aOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.48–10.06, p < 0.01), and (iii) underweight father (aOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.50-11.29, p < 0.01). For stunting, the factors were: (i) mother as a housewife (aOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.16–6.71, p < 0.05), (ii) father working as labour (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.01–3.278, p < 0.05), (iii) severe food insecurity in the household (aOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.23–4.54, p < 0.05), and (iv) children playing outside regularly more than 2 h (aOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.31–3.67, p < 0.01).ConclusionIn rural Bangladesh, the nutritional status of T and NT school-going children did not show significant defferences. However, the mean z-score values for both groups of children were lower than the WHO standard, indicating that both communities have poor nutritional status.

Stakeholders engagement model- Social Marketing strategies to improve students’ eating behaviour

Abstract Previous studies have adopted the social marketing framework to investigate change behaviours towards healthier eating habits. However, despite the unequivocal link between Mediterranean Diet and healthy eating, the adoption of social marketing strategies to foster the adherence to such food pattern, remains unexplored, particularly in the context of HEIs. One research goal was to develop a stakeholder engagement model, in order to better craft social marketing strategies aligned with stakeholders’ needs. Hence, as different stakeholders call for different engagement designs, we consider that crossing the Social Marketing Framework with the Stakeholder Engagement Model, provides a solid basis to understand how to engage key stakeholders in the implementation of a program aimed at changing and influencing healthier eating habits aligned with the Mediterranean Diet within public HEIs canteens. Behavioural change in such contexts, demands a systemic and holistic approach, able to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, beyond those whose behaviour is expected to change. Social Marketing provides a strategic framework to promote behavioural change towards collective welfare. In the specific context of public health interventions towards healthier eating habits, this framework has been particularly useful. Hence, in-depth understanding on which stakeholders need to be involved in the social marketing process and at what stages, may yield insights into why some interventions change behaviour and why others do not. Findings revealed that it is not enough to create a single stakeholder engagement model throughout the social marketing plan in a more global perspective, as if one solution fits all. This study highlights the importance of designing glocal social marketing strategies, embedding glocal models of stakeholder engagement: standardizing the tools and practices that are possible and adapting what is necessary so that it has success in different national realities

Students’ Perceptions of Food Offer in Portuguese Canteens and Adherence to Mediterranean Diets

Abstract Adherence to healthy eating behaviors, as in the Mediterranean Diet, is related to a better quality of life, better educational performance, and reduced risk of physical illness among higher education students. The provision of good quality and sustainable food is imperative in university environments. Nevertheless, the availability of healthy options tends to be limited across campuses (e.g., affordable fast food; the convenience of high-sugary foods in vending machines), including university canteens. Understanding students’ views on canteens and the factors that prevent them from embracing healthy eating habits may help to improve the food supply on campuses. In the present study, we aimed to examine students’ perceptions of canteen services and its food supply and to verify students’ knowledge and promptness to comply with a Mediterranean Diet menu. A large sample of academic students from Portuguese universities answered an online survey with a mixed approach. Specifically, participants were requested to characterize their dietary practices and report their perceptions about food services and offers in campus canteens. Additionally, students were asked about their knowledge, perceptions, and adherence to Mediterranean Diet. Our findings allow us to map perceptions and attitudes regarding food offered in university canteens and to identify the potential to adhere to more sustainable and healthier food patterns according to individual. Moreover, we identified the main psychological and environmental barriers to adhering Mediterranean Diet. Correlational data indicated a relationship between health-related measures and food-related factors. Advancing data about modifiable factors associated with better adherence to healthy dietary habits in the university context informs the development of actions/interventions to prevent unhealthy food choices and overcome limited and unhealthy food offers in canteen campuses.

Development of a tool to assess the compliance of canteen menus with the Mediterranean Diet

Abstract The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is one of the healthiest food patterns associated with important health benefits. Acknowledging this, it’s important to understand how the dietary patterns of the consumers align with the MD. Over time, different authors have formulated several indexes for this purpose. However, current indexes lack standardization, and they only evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals to be used by health professionals and political decision-makers. Although there are indexes to assess the food options at the restaurants, none of them assess the menu compliance with the MD. Due to the importance of the food services in the food choices and dietary patterns of the consumers, this research developed an index to assess the alignment of the food availability with the MD key points. To address this gap, after reviewing the existing indexes in the literature, the authors created a tool that assesses the degree of compliance of menus with the MD - MedCIn. This index is divided into 4 dimensions, the first one assesses the availability (part A) and variety (part B) of the food/food groups. The second dimension assesses the nutritional quality of the menus based on the nutritional declaration, the third dimension assesses the food portions and culinary options, and the fourth dimension allows the verification of the previous information on site. Although the use of all dimensions allows for a more comprehensive menu evaluation, dimension one can be used as a first approach MD compliance. The index is meant to be applied in a 4-week cycle, though it can be adapted for each food service. Validation of this tool included construct validity, internal consistency and inter-rater reliability, all of which returned high values (alpha-Cronbach=0.88; Coheńs Kappa=0.92). The researchers consider this a reliable tool to easily assess compliance of menus with MD key points, allowing for the identification of issues to be addressed and improved

Evaluation of food pattern behaviours following nutritional education for health professionals

Abstract Background The “Work Programme - UN Decade of action on nutrition 2016-2025” highlights the importance of implementing Recommendation 19 of the Second International Conference on Nutrition of FAO and WHO related to nutrition education interventions (NEI) for health professionals (HP), in order to develop nutritional skills based on national dietary guidelines and coherent policies relating to food. The Local Health Agency integrated with Trieste University (ASUGI), since 2009, has performed 25 NEI with the formation of 910 HP. Post pandemic, the content of ASUGI’s last 5 NEI, programmed by the prevention plan of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, was aligned with the principles of the European Farm to Fork Strategy linked to Sustainable Healthy Diets (SHD). Objectives The objectives of the training programme (TP), approved for Continuing Medical Education, was to change and evaluate food pattern behaviour (FPB) of HP (n = 200) to adhere to the SHD. TP was characterized by a systemic view on complex interconnections between nutritional and sensorial food value, sustainability of food chain systems, evolution of urban food environments, as contexts into which SHD choices can be applied. The 2 days training, spread over 14 hours with 40 participants, concluded with interactive work and experiences to applied knowledge and beginning to make informed healthy dietary choices in practice. Results 6 months after the conclusion of TP it was reported that the percentage of HP who consumed the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables had increased from 62% to 70% and from 28% to 35% respectively, while those who consumed no cured meats, red meats or legumes, changed from 24% to 35%, from 19% to 25%, from 6% to 3% respectively. Conclusions The evaluation of the TP systemic structure has shown its effectiveness in improving some healthy FPB of HP and the importance of applying a continuous improvement process of the program to better adhere to the whole SHD. Key messages • The systemic and integrated structure of nutritional education intervention programs for health professionals contributes to improving their healthy food pattern behaviour. • The relationships between complex policies of food systems and the 17 SDGs included in the training programs on nutrition education are useful for promoting adherence to healthy and sustainable diets.

Association between vegetable intake and major depressive disorder: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018 and bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between vegetable intake and major depressive disorder (MDD) through cross-sectional analysis and bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR). Cross-sectional analysis was conducted on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2018 and the corresponding Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were obtained from UK Biobank and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) dataset. Logistic regression analysis was performed after calculating the weights of the samples. Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger and weighted median methods were used to evaluate the causal effects. A Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 10 was considered to indicate MDD. Low vegetable intake was defined as < 2 cups of vegetables per day. 30 861 U.S. adults from NHANES. The GWAS data sample size related to vegetable intake were comprised 448 651 and 435 435 cases respectively, while the GWAS data sample size associated with MDD encompassed 500 199 cases. There were 23 249 (75·33 %) participants with low vegetable intake. The relationship between vegetable intake and MDD was nonlinear. In the multivariate model adjusted for sex, age, education, marital status, poverty income ratio, ethnicity and BMI, participants with low vegetable intake were associated with an increased risk of MDD (OR = 1·53, 95 % CI (1·32, 1·77), P < 0·001). Bidirectional MR showed no causal effects between vegetable intake and MDD. Cross-sectional analysis identified a significant relationship between vegetable intake and MDD, whereas the results from bidirectional two-sample MR did not support a causal role.

Association between provegetarian food patterns and micronutrient adequacy in preschoolers: the SENDO project

This study aims to examine the association between different versions of a provegetarian food pattern and micronutrient adequacy in a population of children from the SENDO Project. Children aged 4–5 years old were recruited and baseline information on diet, lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics was collected through self-administered online questionnaires completed by their parents. Scores were calculated for overall, healthful, and unhealthful provegetarian food patterns (FP) using an a priori approach. Participants were categorized into tertiles according to their scores. Micronutrient adequacy was assessed using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-off point. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between tertiles of each provegetarian FP and the risk of inadequate micronutrient intake (failing to meet ≥ 3 requirements). Despite lower intakes of certain micronutrients, children with higher scores in the healthful provegetarian FP did not exhibit a higher prevalence of inadequacy. Children in the highest tertile of this index had 0.47-fold lower odds (95%CI 0.23–0.95) of having ≥ 3 inadequate micronutrient intakes than their peers in the lowest tertile, after adjusting for potential confounders. In contrast, children in the highest tertile of the unhealthful provegetarian FP had 20.06-fold higher odds (95%CI 9.19–43.79) of having ≥ 3 inadequate micronutrient intakes compared to children in the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Adherence to a healthful provegetarian food pattern is associated with improved nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, while following an unhealthful pattern is detrimental to micronutrient adequacy. These results suggest that moderate reductions in animal food consumption within a healthy diet may not compromise micronutrient adequacy in young children. Further research is needed to explore the impact of diets reduced in animal food intake on the health of children.What is Known:• There's a notable trend towards plant-based diets due to health and sustainability concerns.• Research links plant-based diets in adults with lower risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.What is New:• A new study examines how different versions of a provegetarian food pattern affect micronutrient adequacy in children, using a moderate and stepwise approach.• Following a healthful provegetarian food pattern enhances nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, whereas an unhealthful pattern negatively impacts micronutrient adequacy.

Effect of the Composition of the Mediterranean Diet on Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Fat Level, and Visceral Fat in Patients with Obesity

Excessive and unhealthy fat storage is known as obesity. Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are highly encouraged in the Mediterranean diet. Obese patients at a Bandung clinic were studied to examine how the Mediterranean diet affects their BMI, waist size, fat percentage, and visceral fat. Analytical observational methods utilizing prospective cohort observations were employed. A systematic random sample technique was used to carry out the sampling. Participants were 34 overweight individuals who had twelve monthly food pattern assessments and two monthly examinations for body mass index (BMI), waist size, fat percentage, and visceral fat. To compare proportions between the rMED adherence groups and to look for differences in the composition of the Mediterranean diet on BMI, waist circumference, fat content, and visceral fat, we used the ANOVA test and Tuckey’s post-hoc test. In addition, the eight tenets of the Mediterranean diet were assessed using linear regression. The average age of the obese patients who followed the Mediterranean diet was 57.54 years, and 79.41% of them were female. It was found that the components of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seafood, and dairy products had a substantial impact on the body mass index of the participants, while the components of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, seeds, meat, fish, olive oil, and dairy products did not have a significant impact on the waist circumference, fat content, or visceral fat. Keywords: body mass index, fat content Mediterranean diet composition, obesity, visceral fat, waist circumference

Patterns of complementary feeding introduction and associated factors in a cohort of Brazilian infants

BackgroundUnderstanding the timing of food introduction in infants is essential for promoting optimal complementary feeding practices. However, existing studies often rely on cross-sectional data, limiting the ability to capture age-specific patterns. We aimed to describe food introduction during the first year of life by identifying patterns related to age at food introduction and associated factors in a cohort of Brazilian infants.MethodsData were collected through standardized questionnaires administered to mothers via face-to-face interviews during the infant’s first month of life and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. Additionally, two telephone interviews were conducted at 2 and 4 months of age. Information regarding food intake was assessed using a list of 48 foods, with two key aspects recorded: whether the food was introduced (yes/no) and the age at introduction. To define food introduction patterns, we employed k-means cluster analysis. Hierarchical Poisson multiple regression was employed to examine the associations between sociodemographic, biological, and healthcare factors and patterns of food introduction.ResultsThree distinct patterns were identified and named according to their main characteristics: Pattern 1 – “Low Infant Formula and Timely CF Introduction”; Pattern 2 – “High Infant Formula and Early CF Introduction”; and Pattern 3 – “High Infant Formula and Later Ultra-processed Food Introduction”. Breastfeeding at six months showed a positive association with Pattern 1 (PR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.10–1.80), while bottle use at four months was negatively associated with Pattern 1 (PR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.53–0.87). No variables studied exhibited an association with Pattern 2. For Pattern 3, higher prevalences were observed among children whose mothers were aged < 20 years (PR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.13–2.01) or > 34 years (PR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.04–1.93). Not receiving guidance on the recommended duration of breastfeeding and complementary feeding during prenatal care was associated with a higher prevalence of children in this pattern (PR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.01–1.80).ConclusionsWe identified three distinct patterns of age at food introduction in the study population, although none perfectly aligned with Brazilian or WHO dietary recommendations. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote timely and healthy complementary feeding practices in Brazilian infants.

Influence of livelihood functional diversity on agro-food systems in rural communities from different macro regions of Brazil

Urbanization has changed the livelihood diversity of rural communities worldwide. This study aimed to fit an indicator of the functional diversity of livelihood activities to assess the heterogeneity of socioeconomic conditions and their influence on agro-food changes in rural communities in Brazil. This study was conducted in three macro regions of Brazil, through semi-structured questionnaire interviews conducted in 1012 households to verify details about food patterns, self-consumption farms, and socioeconomic conditions. Data from questionnaires were analyzed using multivariate statistical models to appraise similarities among communities and determine the relative influence of socioeconomic factors on agro-food patterns. Specific socioeconomic status and use of natural resource data were analyzed while adjusting for Petchey and Gaston's indicator of functional diversity to evaluate the heterogeneity of local livelihood activities and socioeconomic conditions. This indicator summarizes the proportional livelihood richness in all sampled places, as better conditions for survival were found in specific localities of the central-west and eastern Amazon regions of Brazil. We also verified that the remote areas of the Goiás and Pará states were regions with the most significant maintenance of traditional food habits and use of natural resources. Although these results do not allow us to establish that all of these areas are undergoing an agro-food transition process, some localities are more likely than others to adjust their livelihood strategies to face global food changes. This interdisciplinary approach facilitated the identification of the most similar groups regarding their livelihoods and socioeconomic conditions that influenced the agro-food transition process in rural regions.

Evaluating Weight Status, Snacking Patterns, and Physical Activity Levels Among Primary Schoolchildren in Relizane, Algeria: A Comprehensive Analysis.

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the weight status, snack consumption, and physical activity levels among primary schoolchildren, with a focus on both rural and urban areas. This cross-sectional study surveyed 557 primary schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years, covering general identification (age, gender), anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist, and hip circumference), food patterns (frequency of food consumption), and sports activities. Using CDC body mass index thresholds, we identified a 25% prevalence of obesity and over 17% for overweight, revealing a significant urban-rural disparity. In urban areas, boys had a higher obesity rate (32.58%), while girls had a higher overweight rate (15%). Conversely, in rural regions, girls had a higher obesity rate (24.82%), and boys had a higher overweight rate (22.3%). Dietary analysis showed that over 86% consumed three daily meals, but distinctions in snack choices, such as chips, wafers, and biscuits, were noted between urban and rural areas. Additionally, urban schoolchildren were more likely to participate in sports activities compared to their rural counterparts, with rates of 70.22% versus 55.08%, respectively. Findings provide valuable insights into the health and food behaviors of primary schoolchildren and can inform interventions and strategies to promote healthier lifestyles.

Correlation between diet, body mass index, and lipid profile in Kosovar women treated for primary infertility

The increasing prevalence of female fertility requires the identification of potentially modifiable factors and non-pharmacological treatments. There is strong evidence that healthy preconception dietary patterns of women of reproductive age have a beneficial effect on fertility. In accordance with the hypothesis, the aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of diet on overweight and obesity in infertile women as well as the correlation of serum lipid concentration by making a comparison between three observed groups with different body mass index (BMI). A total of 107 women who were treated for infertility were investigated. Diet and food pattern survey, BMI, and lipidogram determination from venous blood samples were carried out. The determination of lipidogram parameters was carried out by enzymatic colorimetric test with the COBAS INTEGRA 400 apparatus. From the total number of patients included in the study (107), infertile women with abnormal BMI accounted for 26.16%, while fertile women with normal BMI accounted for 73.83% (p&lt;0.001). The total cholesterol value for groups with BMI&gt;25 kg/m2 was 6.78 mmol/L (p=0.031). High triglycerides with increased BMI were observed (2.27 mmol/L versus 2.68 mmol/L) (p=0.028). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol had higher concentrations in obese women (n=28), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol had lower concentrations in women with BMI&gt;25 km2 (p&lt;0.05). Western dietary patterns of nutrition results in obesity and increased BMI values in infertile women. Increased BMI has a positive correlation with lipid profile in obese infertile women.

Impact of a Pulse-Enriched Human Cuisine on Functional Attributes of the Gut Microbiome Using a Preclinical Model of Dietary-Induced Chronic Diseases.

Introducing grain legumes, i.e., pulses, into any food pattern effectively increases dietary fiber and other bioactive food components of public health concern; however, the impact depends on the amount consumed. Given the convergence of preclinical and clinical data indicating that intake of at least 300 g (1.5 cup) of cooked pulse per day has clinically observable benefit, the feasibility for a typical consumer was demonstrated by creation of a fourteen-day menu plan that met this criterion. This menu plan, named Bean Cuisine, was comprised of a combination of five cooked pulses: dry beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry peas, and lentils. As reported herein, the impact of each menu day of the fourteen-day plan on gut microbial composition and predicted function was evaluated in female C57BL/6J mice, a strain commonly used in studies of metabolic dysfunction-associated chronic diseases. We report that pulse-related effects were observed across a wide variety of food item combinations. In comparison to a pulse-free human cuisine, all pulse menu days enriched for a gut ecosystem were associated with changes in predicted metabolic pathways involving amino acids (lysine, tryptophan, cysteine), short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate), and vitamins (B1, B6, B9, B12, K2) albeit via different combinations of microbiota, according to the PICRUSt2 estimates. The predicted metabolic functions correlating with the various pulses in the menus, indicate the value of a food pattern comprised of all pulse types consumed on a regular basis. This type of multi-pulse food pattern has the potential to enhance the taxonomic and functional diversity of the gut microbiome as a means of strengthening the resilience of the gut ecosystem to the challenges associated with the daily activities of living.

Experiences of ecosystem changes on food services of mopane woodland communities in Vhembe, South Africa

Mopane woodlands have been shifting. While it is important to understand the spatial patterns that characterise this phenomenon, it is even more important to understand the impacts of shifting Mopane woodlands on rural communities that rely on them. This study sought to establish the impacts of shifting mopane woodlands on the production of indigenous plant food in Ward 12 of Musina local municipality in the Vhembe District municipality in the Limpopo province of South Africa. To accomplish this, the study utilised a hybrid inductive approach involving thematic-based questionnaire interviews and an exploratory view to gain insight into the narratives of focus group participants. Results revealed that seven (7) out of eleven (11) indigenous plant foods are becoming extinct, thereby limiting food sources of indigenous and local people who used to rely on them. The spatial pattern of the plant foods that are still available has now changed as they no longer grow within the reach of local communities. The community members are struggling to adapt to these changes. From these observations, we recommend that local and regional levels’ policies related to natural resource management should consider the unique challenges faced by communities experiencing disruptive ecosystem changes and provide the necessary support for sustainable adaptation.