Frequency Of Vegetable Consumption Research Articles

Association between work-related factors and health behaviour clusters among Finnish private-sector service workers.

We examined how work-related factors associate with several health behaviours that appear together among the large, but less-studied, blue- and pink-collar worker group, which is characterized by low education and income levels. In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among private sector service workers (n = 5256) in Finland. We applied two-step cluster analysis to identify groups on the basis of leisure-time physical activity, sleep adequacy, frequency of heavy drinking, smoking status, and frequency of fruit, vegetable and berry consumption. We examined the associations with work-related factors, using multinomial regression analyses and adjusting for confounding factors. We identified six clusters labelled as Moderately Healthy (28% of the participants), Healthy - Vigorous Exercise (19%), Sedentary Lifestyle (16%), Inadequate Sleep (15%), Mixed Health Behaviours (15%), and Multiple Risk Behaviours (8%). Those who perceived their work to be mentally or physically strenuous more commonly belonged to the Inadequate Sleep and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters. Time pressure made belonging to the Inadequate Sleep, Mixed Health Behaviours, and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters more likely. Those who were dissatisfied with their work more often belonged to the Healthy - Vigorous Exercise, Inadequate Sleep, and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters. In addition of finding several considerably differing health behaviour clusters, we also found that adverse working conditions were associated with clusters characterized by multiple risk behaviours, especially inadequate sleep. Private-sector service workers' working conditions should be improved so that they support sufficient recovery, and occupational health services should better identify co-occurring multiple risk behaviours.

Insights into feeding preterm infants in Aotearoa, New Zealand: a mixed-method study

Optimal nutrition is essential for preterm infants as they face many barriers to achieving exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and successfully introducing complementary foods (CF)(1). There is limited evidence of early feeding practices of preterm infants in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ). We aimed to investigate the facilitators and barriers to EBF and CF introduction in preterm infants in NZ. A nationwide self-completed electronic questionnaire was disseminated via social media to mothers of preterm infants. The survey collected quantitative data on hospital feeding practices, breastfeeding rates, timing of CF introduction, and fussy eating behaviours. Relationships between feeding practices and maternal and infant characteristics, such as ethnicity and level of prematurity, were explored using the Chi-Square statistical test in SPSS. Qualitative information regarding mothers’ experiences with breastfeeding, CF introduction, type of education and support received about the nutrition of preterm infants were collected for thematic analysis using Nvivo. The survey started in April and will close on 20th August 2023. Here we present preliminary findings of a subset of responses collected to date, and full results will be available for the conference. Up to 1st August 2023, 201 mothers had completed the survey. Most mothers self-identified as of New Zealand European (58%) and Māori (13%) background. Most infants (39%) were older than 12 months of chronological age (CA) and born moderate or late preterm (32+0 – 36+6 weeks’ gestation, 70%). Almost 50% of mothers required in-hospital supplementation of mothers’ milk (infant formula, 28% and donor breastmilk, 20%), and 44% of mothers were EBF at the time of hospital discharge. EBF for 5-6 months of CA was reported by 21% of mothers, and 46% provided any breastmilk for more than 6 months of CA. Among mothers who had introduced CF (n = 138), 74% reported introducing CF between 5-8 months of CA, and the infant’s first foods were primarily vegetables (65%) and fruits (60%). Fussy eating behaviour was reported by 47%, and food fussiness was significantly associated with a decreased frequency of vegetable (p<0.001) and fruit (p = 0.004) consumption. Challenges with breastfeeding included the infant’s feeding difficulties, low milk supply, maternal stressors, lack of support and education from health professionals. Challenges to CF introduction included fussiness and maternal fears such as choking and lack of confidence. Support from lactation consultants and previous experience with introducing CF were the most common enablers for breastfeeding and timely CF introduction, respectively. Our findings provide the first insight into the early feeding practices of preterm infants in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This information will support strategies to improve the nutritional management of preterm infants by increasing awareness of common challenges mothers face to achieve the recommended breastfeeding guidelines and CF practices in this vulnerable population.

The association between unhealthy dietary behaviors and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): No evidence in support of the self-selection hypothesis

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants tend to have unhealthier dietary consumption compared to eligible non-participants. It has been suggested, though never empirically tested, that individuals who enroll in SNAP may have unhealthy diets prior to program participation. Using a longitudinal cohort study design, we examined the association between low-income adults' SNAP participation status and prior dietary behaviors to test the argument that individuals with unhealthier dietary consumption self-select into SNAP. A sample of households from predominantly lower-income cities were surveyed at baseline (T1) and 2–4 years later (T2). The main analyses were restricted to adults who did not participate in SNAP at T1 and with household income <200% of the federal poverty line (n = 170) at both T1 and T2. Participants were grouped into two categories, based on their SNAP participation at T2; (a) Non-participants (n = 132): no SNAP participation at T1 or T2, and (b) T2 SNAP participants (n = 38): SNAP participation at T2 but not T1. Daily consumption frequency of whole fruits, fruit juice, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and energy dense snacks were measured through self-reports. To observe dietary differences between the two groups prior to SNAP participation, T1 behaviors were compared. There were no significant differences in dietary behaviors at T1 (prior to SNAP participation) between non-participants and T2 participants, providing no evidence of self-selection of individuals with unhealthier dietary consumption into SNAP among our study sample. Improvements in SNAP participants’ diets may benefit from focusing on policy changes that encourage healthy dietary habits during participation in the program.

Eating Habits and Nutritional Status of Adolescents and Young Adults in Tertiary Institutions in Port Harcourt Metropolis

University students tend to have poor eating practices which are related to nutritional status. The objective of this study was to assess the eating habits and nutritional status of adolescents and young adults in tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt metropolis. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. The population consisted of adolescents and young adults in tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt aged 17-25 years. A multistage sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of 296 respondents from the study. Data were obtained using a three-part questionnaire (socio-demographic profile, eating habits, and anthropometric parameters). The data were statistically analyzed using frequency and percentage and findings were presented on charts and tables. Females constituted 64.86% of respondents with about 83.78% of the respondents within the ages of 21-25. Most students (78.38%) reported taking one meal a day with breakfast being the most skipped meal. Most students (56.76%) eat in the cafeteria and 72.97% ate late. Snacking was common among these students as 75.67% admitted consuming snacks 1-3 times, 3-5 times or more than 5 times weekly. Weekly intake of fish and meat, and fruits and vegetables were high (83.49% and 81.09% respectively). Among the respondents, 20(6.76%) were underweight and 99(33.49%) were obese. About half (147) of the respondents (49.54%) had normal weight while 30(10.21%) were overweight. Frequency of consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, meat and fish intake, fast food consumption, and breakfast skipping were related to nutritional status. Overall, the results revealed that the majority of the students had poor eating habits. This suggests the need to increase nutritional counselling on healthy eating habits in universities and to take appropriate interventions to improve nutritional status among university students.

Factors associated with frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among selected sub-Saharan African populations: evidence from the Cardiovascular H3Africa Innovation Resource Project.

Frequent fruit and vegetable consumption is considered a promising dietary behaviour that protects health. However, most existing studies about the factors associated with this phenomenon among Africans are based on single-country reports, apart from one meta-regression combining smaller studies. This study harmonized large datasets and assessed factors associated with the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption in this population. Individual-level data on sociodemographics, lifestyle and diet from 20 443 participants across five African countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria), from the Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) and Africa Wits-INDEPTH partnership for Genomic Research (AWI-Gen) studies, were harmonized. Total frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (in portions/week) was classified as 'low' (≤6), 'moderate' (7-14) and 'high' (≥15). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of factors associated with the total frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (using 'low' consumption as the reference) were estimated using multinomial regression models. Mean age of participants was 54.3 ± 11.8 years, 10 641 (52.1%) were female, and the median (interquartile range) frequency of total fruit and vegetable consumption was 10.0 (4.0, 21.0) portions/week. Participants with a family history of cardiovascular disease [moderate (aOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85, 1.00) and high (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78, 0.92)], current smokers [moderate (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74, 0.94) and high (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69, 0.88)], current alcohol users [moderate (aOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85, 1.00) and high (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76, 0.89)] and physically inactive participants [moderate (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75, 0.96) and high (aOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70, 0.90)] were less likely to consume fruits and vegetables frequently. Africans with lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease were less likely to consume fruit and vegetables frequently.

Evaluation of a Distribution Model to Increase Access to Affordable Fruits and Vegetables.

Identifying effective, sustainable strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption is critical to addressing chronic disease risk. Models that provide incentives for produce purchases through reduced-cost or no-cost produce shares are promising. The purpose of our study was to examine the impact on fruit and vegetable intake of Good Food for All, a community-based program to distribute no-cost produce boxes to participants with low incomes. We also assessed program satisfaction and future interest in purchasing an affordable produce box. The Good Food for All program was implemented in 22 US cities. Surveys were administered at baseline and postintervention. An online research panel was used as a comparison group and weighted to be demographically comparable to the intervention group. Descriptive statistics and adjusted difference-in-difference (ADID) models were used to examine differences in outcomes between groups. Respondents (intervention n = 632; comparison n = 1,153) were primarily White, non-Hispanic, and female. Intervention participants had a greater increase in total fruit consumption frequency (ADID: 0.43 times/d; 95% CI, 0.21-0.64; P < .001), total vegetable consumption frequency (ADID: 0.52 times/d; 95% CI, 0.12-0.91; P = .01), and total fruit and vegetable consumption frequency (ADID: 1.03 times/d; 95% CI, 0.49-1.56; P < .001) than comparison respondents. Most intervention participants reported boxes contained the right amount of food (71.9%) and high-quality produce (68.4%) and were willing to purchase a future produce box (85.0%). Findings indicate that a produce box distribution model increased fruit and vegetable consumption, had high satisfaction among participants, and generated interest in purchasing affordable produce boxes. Future studies should explore feasibility of offering low-cost produce boxes at grocery stores and determine appropriate pricing models to enhance access and sustainability.

Trends in Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among the Labor Force Population - China, 2010-2018.

This research investigates trends pertaining to the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption among the labor force population in China. The study considered data derived from four nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. The data under review for this study was derived from the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance (CCDRFS) carried out in 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2018, correspondingly. We utilized a food frequency questionnaire to evaluate the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption. The estimated prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated for each survey, while considering factors such as sex, age, location, and socioeconomic status (SES). Participants' SES was ascertained via latent class analysis, serving to identify distinct classes based on criteria such as education, occupation, and household income per capita. Logistic regression was deployed to determine the statistical significance of trends. From 2010 to 2018, there was a notable increase in the average daily consumption of vegetables and fruits among the working population, rising from 418.6 g/day to 491.8 g/day (P<0.01 for trend). During the same period, the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable intake declined from 51.1% to 43.5% [P<0.001 for trend; -1.6% average annual percent change (AAPC)]. This downward trend was prevalent across genders, however, certain subgroups of adults (e.g., those living in rural areas or those of low SES) saw stable consumption levels throughout this period (P>0.05 for trend). Over the past nine years, there has been a notable decline in the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption among the labor force population in China. Moreover, the comparatively deficient intake of fruits and vegetables evident among individuals of lower SES warrants further attention.

Relationship between home garden ownership and the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

This study assessed the extent to which access to home gardens associate with the frequency of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption. The study was carried out in fifty rural communities in Northern Ghana where food insecurity and malnutrition including micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. A community-based comparative analytical cross-sectional study. A sample of 847 randomly selected rural households. The proportion of households that consumed FV at least 3 d in a week was 45 %. Members in households who owned a home garden were 1·5 times more likely to consume FV at least 3 d in a week (adjusted OR (AOR) = 1·46 (95 % CI 1·06-2·0)), compared with their counterparts who had no home gardens. Furthermore, households in which mothers had a positive attitude towards FV consumption were 1·6 times more likely to consume FV (AOR = 1·63 (95 % CI 1·17-2·27)) compared with mothers who were less positive. Our results suggest that food and nutrition policy measures that promote home gardens can improve consumption of diversified diets including FV among vulnerable rural households in Northern Ghana. Additionally, households with lower income may benefit from nutrition behaviour change communication campaigns directed towards increasing a positive attitude to FV intake.

Research on the Influencing Factors that May Lead to Obesity

The global obesity problem is getting more and more serious, which not only affects the quality of life but also induces a series of complications. In this study, multiple linear regression method was used to study the influencing factors of obesity, and their answers were linked to the literature review to draw conclusions. And their responses were linked to literature Review to draw conclusions. Calorie consumption monitoring, physical activity frequency, and vehicle use also have significant positive effects on obesity levels. Frequent consumption of vegetables, main meals, smoking times, and alcohol consumption will also have a significant negative impact on the obesity level. Due to the limitations of this data set and other reasons, the model test results will be inaccurate. In the future, people from other regions may be included, making the research more scientific. The research in this paper has a positive effect on the treatment of obesity, which will help people to find it earlier, treat it as soon as possible, and improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients.

Cross-Sectional Study on the Association between Dietary Patterns and Sarcopenia in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Conservative Treatment

Sarcopenia is a poor prognostic factor in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Adequate dietary patterns are important for preventing sarcopenia; however, evidence regarding the underlying association between sarcopenia and diet is insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and dietary patterns in CKD patients receiving conservative treatment. In this cross-sectional study, 441 patients with conservative CKD were examined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia diagnostic criteria. CKD was defined as an eGFR of &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 present for &gt;3 months. The participants were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, and dietary patterns were compared between the two groups using the dietary variety score, a simple dietary survey method that investigates the weekly frequency of consumption of 10 food groups. Logistic regression analysis for CKD G3 showed that female sex (odds ratio (OR): 0.166, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.086–0.320), increased body mass index (OR: 0.663, 95% CI: 0.590–0.745), and almost daily consumption of green/yellow vegetables (OR: 0.350, 95% CI: 0.176–0.695) were positively associated with non-sarcopenia. Although further prospective studies are required, the results suggest that low frequent consumption of vegetables is associated with sarcopenia in patients with CKD.

Pattern of Vegetable Consumption among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: Vegetables provide key nutrients essential to promoting and maintaining good health. This study aimed to determine the perception of the importance and pattern of vegetable consumption among pregnant women attending Primary Health Care facilities in Patani Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional survey of 368 pregnant women aged 15-49 years was conducted in Patani L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria using a multi-stage cluster random sampling design.&#x0D; Methodology: Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) data were used to estimate habitual frequency of intake of dark green leafy vegetable for previous 7 days.&#x0D; Results: Of the 368 pregnant women, age group 21-25 years and 26-30 years with prevalence of 95 (25.8%) and 90 (24.5%) respectively were the highest age groups. Two hundred and twenty-one (60.1%) agree that a maternal diet rich in vegetables and eaten during pregnancy reduces risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth and foetal growth restriction, and the perception of the respondents was high. Ugu leaf 257 (69.8%), Bitter leaf 173 (47.0%) and water leaf 151 (41.0%) were the most available vegetable in the respondent’s community. 19% of the respondents did not consume vegetable, 26.6% consumed vegetable seven times and 13.9% consumed vegetables three times in the last 7 days prior to the study. The mean frequency of vegetable consumption is 11.6%. 55% of respondents put vegetables into food towards the end of cooking the food. 33.4% of the respondents spent N 150- N 200 to purchase vegetable to cook.&#x0D; Conclusion: Vegetable consumption is highly nutritious especially during pregnancy. Its pattern of consumption varies depending on the perception of its importance, educational status, age group, types of vegetable available and the financial power of purchase.

Influence of advertisements on consumption of organic vegetables

ABSTRACT There is little information on the impact of advertising on organic vegetable consumption. A survey was conducted among 135 households. Information were collected on demographic characteristics of the consumers, frequency of vegetable consumption, attitude toward organic vegetable consumption, consumers’ sources of information and types of information sought on organic vegetable. Organic vegetable consumers sought information on hygiene (61.5%), environment where vegetable was grown (71.9%), type of fertilizer used (53.3%), nutritional value (71.9%), pesticide free (58.5%), safety or health consciousness (65.2%), and price of the produce (64.4%) from the internet (75.6%), social media (74.8%), and mobile marketing (66.7%) before making consumption decision. The majority of respondents (55.6%) consumed vegetables once weekly. Age (β= −1.54; p<0.05), and primary occupation (β=−0.85; p<0.05) discouraged organic vegetable consumption while gender (β = 0.72; p<0.05), and advertising messages contents (β = 0.18, p<0.05) promote consumption of organic vegetables. Advertising messages contributed to consumer awareness and consumption of organic vegetables. However, additional effort is required for increased consumption and frequency of consumption. Marketing strategies should target a broad population of potential consumers to increase the frequency of organic vegetable intake among potential consumers.

Consumer Profiles of Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in the European Union

Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) advocating a healthy and balanced diet for consumers for many years, inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption remains a substantial issue with economic, social, environmental, and nutritional implications. This study aims to identify consumer profiles for sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption in the European Union, considering specific demographic and socio-economic factors. The analysis is based on data from the 2019 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). This article provides a clear understanding of how gender, age, education level, income, and place of residence relate to sustainable FV consumption through a principal component analysis (PCA). By defining consumer profiles linked to sustainable and healthy FV consumption, the study aids in creating cohesive goals for promoting health within European society. The results of the PCA reveal four distinct consumer profiles and enhance our understanding of the factors influencing these profiles. These findings align with previous research, indicating that consumer profiles remain relatively consistent. According to the PCA classification, sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption is more prevalent among women, educated individuals, higher-income consumers, and those over 55 years old. In contrast, the opposite profile consists of consumers with lower income, younger and middle-aged individuals, men, and those with less than a high school education, highlighting the need for effective strategies to promote a healthier diet in this group. Countries with lower economic development, reflected in consumer incomes, deviate the most from the recommended “at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day” consumption pattern, and do not exhibit a sustainable consumption model. Thus, continued monitoring of consumer profiles is essential, with a focus on both the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as strategies aiming to increase their intake.

Food insecurity and diet quality in households accessing food membership clubs in Wessex: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundFood membership clubs that charge a small fee for a set number of items are in place in Wessex to address food insecurity (inadequate reliable access to sufficient affordable, nutritious food). These clubs incorporate longer-term solutions such as budgeting support, benefit maximisation, and cooking skills. The Wessex DIET project was established to measure acceptability and impact of these clubs. Given the paucity of evidence on the prevalence of food insecurity in those accessing such clubs, we aimed to quantify food insecurity and assess diet quality and wellbeing at recruitment. MethodsIn this mixed-methods study, we recruited individuals accessing food clubs in Wessex from March 31 to July 31, 2022. Participants provided informed consent and completed a survey (paper or online) at recruitment that collected data on diet and health. We used the modified six-item US Department of Agriculture (USDA) food security survey module. Follow-up surveys were administered after use of clubs (planned for 3, 6, and 12 months). Participants were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. We used data from the baseline survey to quantify food insecurity and assess diet quality and wellbeing at point of first access to food clubs. FindingsOf 97 participants recruited, five (5%) were aged 18–24 years, 15 (15%) 25–34 years, 48 (49%) 35–54 years, 13 (13%) 55–64 years, and nine (9%) 65 years and older (seven [7%] did not report their age). 69 (71%) participants were female and 23 (24%) were male (five [5%] did not respond to this question), 79 (81%) were White, and 65 (67%) reported having at least one dependent child. 55 (57%) reported skipping or cutting size of meals because there was not enough money for food. Food security status was calculated in 74 participants who answered all six questions of the USDA module, with 30 (41%) reporting low food security and 32 (43%) reporting very low food security. 31 (32%) of 97 participants reported rarely or never eating fruit, with 23 (24%) eating fruit at least once a day. The most common reported frequency of vegetable consumption was 2–3 times a week (26, 27%) and 4–6 times a week (23, 24%). 12 participants agreed to an interview. The clubs were well received, with participants noticing an improvement in their diet and finances. InterpretationThis study highlights the high prevalence of food insecurity in those accessing food clubs in Wessex, which is expected in a population using food aid, and positive reflections from participants regarding their diet quality after using this service. Findings might not be generalisable nationally. Follow-up will assess impact of the clubs on food insecurity, diet quality and wellbeing, contributing to the evidence base of the effectiveness of food clubs to address these outcomes. FundingNational Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Wessex.

The edible plant microbiome: evidence for the occurrence of fruit and vegetable bacteria in the human gut

ABSTRACT Diversity of the gut microbiota is crucial for human health. However, whether fruit and vegetable associated bacteria contribute to overall gut bacterial diversity is still unknown. We reconstructed metagenome-assembled genomes from 156 fruit and vegetable metagenomes to investigate the prevalence of associated bacteria in 2,426 publicly available gut metagenomes. The microbiomes of fresh fruits and vegetables and the human gut are represented by members in common such as Enterobacterales, Burkholderiales, and Lactobacillales. Exposure to bacteria via fruit and vegetable consumption potentially has a beneficial impact on the functional diversity of gut microbiota particularly due to the presence of putative health-promoting genes for the production of vitamin and short-chain fatty acids. In the human gut, they were consistently present, although at a low abundance, approx. 2.2%. Host age, vegetable consumption frequency, and the diversity of plants consumed were drivers favoring a higher proportion. Overall, these results provide one of the primary links between the human microbiome and the environmental microbiome. This study revealed evidence that fruit and vegetable-derived microbes could be found in the human gut and contribute to gut microbiome diversity.

An Investigation of TAS2R38 Haplotypes, Dietary Intake, and Risk Factors for Chronic Disease in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

BackgroundVariation in common taste receptor type 2 member 38 (TAS2R38) haplotypes is associated with bitter-taste sensitivity, but associations with dietary intake and risk factors for chronic disease are inconsistent. ObjectivesTo determine whether common TAS2R38 haplotypes are associated with dietary intake and risk factors for chronic disease using cross-sectional data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (n = 26,090). Outcomes were assessed among the full sample and stratified by sex. MethodsTaster status was determined from TAS2R38 haplotypes, and the respondents were classified as supertasters, tasters, and nontasters. Primary outcome variables were the consumption frequencies of vegetables, sweet-tasting foods, alcoholic beverages, and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Secondary outcome variables were the individual VAI components. Multivariable regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were used to assess associations between the taster status and outcome variables. ResultsAmong the sample, 5655, 12,821, and 7614 respondents were classified as supertasters, tasters, and nontasters, respectively. Vegetable consumption was significantly higher among nontasters than among supertasters (1.23 ± 0.26 and 1.20 ± 0.22, respectively, P = 0.02). Among males, the consumption of sweet-tasting foods (0.40 ± 8.80 and 0.38 ± 7.55, P = 0.02) and green salad (0.35 ± 0.31 and 0.33 ± 0.27, P = 0.02) was also higher for nontasters than supertasters. Nontasters were more likely to be regular alcohol consumers compared with supertasters among the full sample (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.12 [1.03, 1.22]; P = 0.01) and among females (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.27; P = 0.04). No significant associations were observed between TAS2R38 haplotypes and VAI, although high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower among supertasters than nontasters (1.45 ± 0.59 and 1.47 ± 0.63, respectively; P = 0.04). ConclusionsAmong middle- to older-aged adults, minor associations are observed between TAS2R38 haplotypes, dietary intake, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Genetic predisposition to bitter-taste sensitivity is linked to diet; however, further research is needed to understand the relevance for chronic disease risk.

VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AND COOKING SKILLS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

A high vegetable diet has proved to offer health benefits that can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect on blood sugar, which can help control appetite. However, the prevalence of vegetable consumption below the recommended daily intake is worrying. Nearly 95% of Malaysian adults, including university students, have not met the recommended daily amount of vegetables. Sociodemographic factors and a lack of cooking skills may contribute to inadequate vegetable consumption. A study was carried out to determine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and cooking skills with vegetable consumption among Malaysian university students. By utilizing a random sample, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of vegetable consumption and cooking skill among university students aged 18 and older. The data was obtained via online survey using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the Cooking Skills Questionnaire validated and tested by previous researchers. Vegetable consumption was divided into daily and non-daily consumption and a chi-square test was performed to analyze the association followed by the Bonferroni posthoc test. The association between sociodemographic and five dimensions of cooking skills with daily vegetable consumption was subject to logistic regression and an adjusted odds ratio was applied. Results demonstrated that only 24% of students (20% of males and 52% of females) consumed vegetables regularly, while the rest did not. There is a positive association between cooking skills dimensions (availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables; produce consumption self-efficacy and knowledge of cooking terms and techniques) with daily vegetable consumption. Students who were 25 years old and older, male, lived alone, with friends, or with children, understand how to cook, ordered outside during lunchtime, and dined at the cafeteria for lunch were significantly associated with daily vegetable consumption.

Assessment of the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and adolescents’ knowledge of their benefits in Ain Temouchent (Western Algeria)

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical and sensitive period of life, a fundamental stage of development, and special attention must be paid to the quality of food. Healthy eating habits at adolescence can be an important factor for healthy eating habits later in life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and knowledge of fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents in Ain Temouchent (Western Algeria). METHODS: A study was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2022. 103 adolescents responded to the questionnaire. The participants were boys (n = 48) and girls (n = 55) aged 12 to 18 years from two educational levels (middle school and high school). RESULTS: Adolescents surveyed had a mean BMI equal to 23.2 (kg/m2), considered overweight. The frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption it does not differ between girls and boys (p &gt; 0.05). The consumption of fruits and vegetables was below recommended levels. The evaluation showed that most adolescents do not have a good knowledge of food composition and are not interested in fruits and vegetables in their daily diet (p &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that adolescents consume few fruits and vegetables, and they have little knowledge of the value of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.

Abstract P155: Low Vegetable Consumption Doubles The Risk Of Stroke Among Hypertensives In West Africa

Background: Low vegetable consumption and hypertension are independently associated with stroke, but little is known about the interaction of these two factors. This study evaluated the interaction of low vegetable consumption with hypertension in stroke occurrence among West Africans. Methods: The dataset for this study was from the 3684 stroke case-control pairs matched for age, sex, and ethnicity in the SIREN Study. Based on clinical examination, stroke assessment was confirmed with cranial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Controls were recruited from communities around hospitals where stroke cases were recruited. A conditional logistic interaction model was fitted to assess the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), interaction attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index of hypertension and low vegetable consumption in stroke manifestation, adjusting for relevant covariates at a two-sided P &lt;0.05. Results: Participants' mean age was 59.0±14.0 years, 54.2% (4984 of 7368) were males, 62.8% (4627 of 7368) had vegetable consumption of ≤5 servings/week and 76.6% (5643 of 7368) were hypertensives. The odds ratio and 95%CI for stroke among hypertensives with low vegetable consumption was 31.7 (21.3, 42.3) {with RERI of 15.5 (8.7, 22.2); P &lt;0.0001, AP of 49.0%, and the synergistic interaction of 2.0 (1.7, 2.4); P &lt;0.0001}, but 15.7 (10.6, 23.4) among hypertensives without low vegetable consumption. Conclusion: Low frequency of vegetable consumption potentially aggravates the stroke odds, even with hypertension. Interventions promoting vegetable consumption might be promising in alleviating stroke burden and associated complications.

Nutritional Quality of Eleven Leafy Vegetables Consumed in the Malagasy Highlands

The Malagasy population generally consumes rice with "laoka" as a side dish. A diet that has become an atypical practice, a lifestyle well structured around the very common foods for typical Malagasy dishes. A nutritional analysis enabled us to determine their nutritional composition, and thus the energy intake that these foods can contribute to the proper functioning of the human metabolism for good health. A survey to assess the weekly consumption frequency of leafy vegetables by Tananarivians was carried out in 1,280 households. The constituent elements were then determined using TXRF for each elemental constituent of the solid samples. The macronutrient contents obtained from the analyses of these samples were used to determine overall energy values. Analysis of the extracts showed that most of them contained flavonoids and phenolic compounds respectively. Based on these results, Anatsinahy (Bidens pilosa) was found to be the most lipid-rich of the other brede species. Anamamy (Solanum nigrum) (38.88%) and Anandrano (Nasturtium officinale) (34.28%) are recommended for their high protein content. The carbohydrate content, ranging from 20.85% for Bidens pilosa to 52.69% for leaves of Ypomeas Batatas, could contribute to the nutrition, food security, and health of resource-poor people. The presence of these secondary metabolites in leafy vegetables may explain the particular pharmacological virtues of some of them, such as the alterative, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and styptic properties of Bidens pilosa, and the anesthetic, diuretic, digestive, sialagogue, antiasthmatic and antiscorbutic properties of Spilanthes acmella Murr. The presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids reported in this study may induce antidiarrheal activity.