Fruit Consumption Research Articles

Association between fruit intake and non-small cell lung cancer: a Mendelian randomization study.

Several studies have explored the potential relationship between fruit consumption and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the impact of dried fruit on NSCLC risk remains unclear. Additionally, the presence of confounding variables in these observational investigations could not be avoided. Therefore, the aim of this article was to explore the potential relationship between fruits intake and NSCLC. We extracted fruit intake data from the UK Biobank and utilized a genome-wide association study (GWAS) encompassing 218,792 individuals for NSCLC data. We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the potential causal associations between fruit intake and the risk of NSCLC. The major method of analysis was the inverse variance weighted (IVW). Furthermore, we conducted sensitivity analyses to corroborate the robustness of our findings. The result of our study showed convincing evidence suggesting that dried fruit intake is effective in reducing the risk of NSCLC. Specifically, the odds ratios (ORs) for NSCLC exhibited a noteworthy reduction at 0.32 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15, 0.67; P=0.003] with respect to dried fruit intake. Our study underscores a significant correlation between dried fruit consumption and reduced NSCLC risk. In contrast, the association with fresh fruit intake did not reach statistical significance. To substantiate and validate these findings, further prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted in the future.

Individual- and environmental-level determinants of fruit and vegetable intakes in rural Georgia.

To investigate the ways in which food insecurity, food acquisition behaviors, and perceived and objective food access influence fruit and vegetable intakes among rural Georgians. A population-based survey was merged with USDA's Food Access Research Atlas, and multilevel modeling was used to determine individual-level (eg, food insecurity, food acquisition behaviors, perceived access) and environmental-level (eg, census tract food access) predictors of fruit and vegetable intakes. Twenty-four rural census tracts in 6 counties in Georgia, USA. One thousand four hundred and seventy-four adults. Residing in a low food access census tract was not associated with fruit or vegetable intake. Food insecurity had negative effects on both fruit and vegetable intakes. Perceived access to fresh fruits and vegetables was positively associated with fruit intake, and obtaining fresh fruits and vegetables from community or home gardens was positively associated with both fruit and vegetable intakes. Findings are unique from previous research on census tract-level fruit and vegetable determinants, underscoring the need for a better understanding of influences on fruit and vegetable intakes among rural populations. Interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in rural areas should prioritize food security.

The Effect of Multi-Strategy Nutrition Education Programs on Hedonic Hunger and Nutrition Status in Adolescents.

Objective: Increasing the awareness of adolescents about hedonic hunger, understanding the difference between homeostatic hunger and hedonic hunger, and adolescents learning to control themselves to stop excessive food consumption are extremely important for a healthy adulthood. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the multi-strategy nutrition education programs (MSNEP) on hedonic hunger, food addiction, nutrition literacy, and nutritional status in adolescents. Methods: This study was planned using a pre-test and post-test design. The MSNEP was conducted with 132 adolescents (11-15 years; 69 boys, 63 girls) for 4 weeks (45 min-1 h/session). Data were obtained using questionnaires with face-to-face interviews at pre-education (baseline) and post-education (week 4 and week 8). The survey form included sociodemographic information, nine item short version of Children's Power of Food Scale (C-PFS-9), the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (YFAS-C 2.0), the Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS), anthropometric measurements, and 24-hour dietary recall. Results: A decrease in C-PFS-9 total scores was found compared to the baseline (p < 0.001). While the YFAS-C 2.0 score decreased in boys compared to the baseline (p < 0.05), no significant difference was found in girls (p > 0.05). A difference was found in the ANLS scores for girls (p = 0.01), but no difference was found in the scores for boys during the study (p > 0.05). At week 4, the consumption of dairy products, legumes, vegetables and fruits, bread and grains, nuts, and hard-shelled seeds increased compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). Also, daily protein and fiber intake increased (p < 0.05). Accordingly, a higher YFAS-C 2.0 score predicted greater hedonic hunger. A lower ANLS score was a predictor for higher food taste and food available scores. Conclusions: In conclusion, the MSNEP was found to have positive effects on hedonic hunger, food addiction, nutritional literacy, and healthy eating behaviors. The study revealed differences between girls and boys. In order to maintain healthy body weights in adolescents, it is recommended that the MSNEP be provided in schools.

The commitment of the population of the Russian Federation to healthy nutrition

Introduction. The increase in the number of diseases associated with malnutrition has reached global proportions and has become a serious problem for health systems around the world. For example, in the United States, about 36 % of the adult population is obese, in Russia, Georgia and the Republic of Belarus this figure ranges from 21% to 24%. Foreign experience (the Netherlands and the USA) illustrates that the population’s idea of proper nutrition is unrealistic: underestimation of high fat intake, low consumption of vegetables and fruits, etc., relative to their daily allowance, misconception in assessing the balance of their own diet, etc. The purpose of the study: to study the commitment of the population to proper nutrition and to determine the factors influencing people’s choice. Materials and methods. In this work, a questionnaire method was used using a developed questionnaire consisting of seven blocks and 46 questions. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using the programs Statistica for Windows version 10.0 and R-studio. Results. 2,731 respondents over the age of 18 (45.7 % men and 54.3 % women) from all regions of the Russian Federation took part in the survey. Only 5 % (n = 136) replied that they constantly adhered to proper nutrition, a large proportion preferred not to do it at all (43.4 %, n = 1,186) and a third – from time to time (37.3 %, n = 1,018). In addition, it is important that 14.3 % of respondents (n = 391) found it difficult to answer the question, which is most likely due to a lack of understanding of what the concept of «proper nutrition» includes. The parameters related to the observance of proper nutrition by the respondents were female gender, high financial status and regular breakfast intake. In addition, non-smokers, as well as people who, when choosing food in the store, paid attention to the composition, calorie content and the inscription «GMO-free»/ «Sugar-free»/ «Healthy food», had a higher chance of adhering to a proper diet compared to the rest of the participants. Conclusion. It is necessary to increase the commitment and awareness of the population about proper nutrition, focusing primarily on men, obese people, low financial status, workers/employees/specialists, smokers, who often ate at night, ate semi-finished products at home, and ate everything that was on the plate to the end.

Keep on truckin’: how effective are health behaviour interventions on truck drivers’ health? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTruck drivers are a vital workforce, but have higher rates of obesity and other chronic diseases than the general population. The occupation’s sedentary nature, limited physical activity opportunities and access to healthy food, and irregular sleeping patterns contribute to poor health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on health behaviours and cardiometabolic biomarkers of health in truck drivers.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in February 2024, and reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Experimental studies targeting physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, diet, weight loss, drug/alcohol use, and/or smoking were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened and completed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Data were combined at the study level. Pooled statistics were calculated using mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD) for outcomes that were reported in ≥2 studies. Pre- and post-intervention means and standard deviations (SD) for the intervention and control groups were used to compute effect sizes.ResultsNineteen studies (n=2137 participants) were included. Meta-analyses found a small-to-moderate increase in fruit and vegetable consumption (SMD 0.32, p=0.03) with no other significant effects on other outcome variables.ConclusionsInterventions are moderately effective in increasing truck drivers’ fruit and vegetable consumption, but not other outcomes. There is a dearth of research in the driver population compared to other occupational groups. Future interventions should consider workplace and environmental factors to promote the health and wellbeing of truck drivers.Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021283423).

Seed morphometrics unravels the evolutionary history of grapevine in France.

The cultivation of grapevines has spanned millennia, leading to thousands of varieties through exchanges, mutations, and crosses between genotypes, as well probably as gene flow from wild populations. These varieties are typically categorized by regional origin and primary use, either for wine production or fruit consumption. France, within the Western European group, hosts many of the world's renowned wine grape varieties. However, the historical development of cultivated grapevines in France and in the world remains poorly understood. This study applies morphometry on 19,377 charred and waterlogged archaeological grape pips to investigate the evolutionary history of grapevine in France over the last 10,000 years. The study compares seed outlines and lengths, corrected for taphonomic distortions, with a reference collection of 80 wild and 466 modern domestic grapevine accessions. Findings reveal a shift from wild grapevine exploitation to the expansion of domestic varieties around 600-500 BCE, coinciding with Mediterranean cultural influences and the introduction of eastern grape types. The identification of the East-Table group, a group of varieties of eastern origin for fruit consumption, indicates that grapes were also grown for food, especially in Mediterranean regions and near urban areas, alongside wine production. Early French viticulture featured a notable presence of Western European wine-type grapevines. The abundance of pips with wild-like morphology suggests early cultivation involved plants at an initial domestication stage and gene flow between introduced and wild grapevines. As viticulture spread northward, wild and Eastern morphotypes declined, leading to the dominance of Western European wine types in inner France during the Middle Ages.

Development and validation of the Health Activation Scale for Children (HAS-C): an important intermediate outcome measure for health promotion initiatives

BackgroundValid and reliable measures for assessing health activation in school-aged children are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a scale to measure health activation and evaluate its psychometric properties among English-speaking primary school children in Singapore.MethodsThe development of the Health Activation Scale for Children (HAS-C) involved an extensive literature review, expert consultations, cognitive interviews with primary school children, and thorough discussions for dimension and item refinement. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 597 children aged 8 to 12 years, recruited from four mainstream primary schools, comprising 50.1% boys and 64.8% Chinese students. The potential scale, along with other measures, was independently completed by the children. Descriptive statistics were provided for individual scale items. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to assess factorial validity. Convergent validity was examined by correlating the scale scores with scores of health confidence and self-efficacy measures. Hypothesis-testing validity was evaluated by assessing the scale’s correlation with self-reported health behaviours, including daily consumption of vegetables and fruits, time spent on sedentary activities and physical activities. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsEFA suggested a three-factor structure for the 12-item HAS-C, which was subsequently confirmed by CFA with a good model fit. All three HAS-C dimension scores demonstrated moderate correlations (rho = 0.34–0.52) with health confidence and self-efficacy measures, indicating good convergent validity. They were positively correlated with more vegetable and fruit intakes, more time spent on exercises, and negatively correlated with time spent on sedentary activities, supporting hypothesis-testing validity. Internal consistency reliability for individual HAS-C dimensions was generally acceptable, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.70 or above.ConclusionThe 12-item multi-dimensional HAS-C exhibited good validity and reliability, making it a valuable tool for assessing health activation in primary school-aged children.

Nutrition literacy and eating habits in children from food-secure versus food-insecure households: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to explore whether maternal food and nutrition literacy (FNL) can mitigate negative effects of food insecurity on children's eating habits and assist food-insecure households in making better nutrition choices with limited resources available. A cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 6 to 12 years and their mothers. FNL was assessed using a validated Food and Nutrition Literacy Assessment Tool, and household food security was evaluated with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Eating habits were measured through a structured questionnaire that focused on various dietary habits. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between maternal FNL, food insecurity status, and children's eating habits. A total of 327 children-mothers, comprising 159 food-secure and 168 food-insecure households, were evaluated. Maternal FNL was inversely associated with consumption of fast-foods and fried foods, and skipping breakfast in both food-secure and food-insecure participants. However, only food-secure participants showed an inverse association between FNL and the habit of eating out. Both groups indicated lower sweet consumption associated with higher FNL. Maternal FNL was inversely associated with lower dairy and nut intake in food-secure group and lower fruit and vegetable consumption in food-insecure participants. This study suggests that in conditions of food insecurity FNL may reduce the negative impact of food insecurity on children's nutrition choices and food habits.

Effectiveness of the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child’s Health) Rainbow Program in Elementary Schools for Change in Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Background: Nutrition, cooking, and gardening lessons individually and together have been shown to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in school-aged children. The CATCH Rainbow program incorporated nutrition education, cooking, and gardening lessons aimed at increasing FV consumption in elementary school-aged children and assessed changes in participants’ BMI, self-reported FV consumption, and skin carotenoid levels at baseline and post-intervention. Methods: Two-hundred and twenty-five 4th and 5th graders (mean age: 9.8 years and 52% male participants) at Genoa Elementary School participated in six cooking and six gardening sessions between September 2021 and May 2022. Each nutrition education session was 25 min long, paired with either hands-on cooking activities or gardening skills. At baseline and post-intervention, participants’ height and weight were assessed with a stadiometer/scale, and skin carotenoid measurement was taken by a Veggie Meter® (Longevity Link Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT, USA)). Students also completed the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire to self-report FV consumption at both time points. Focus groups were conducted with children at the end of the program for qualitative feedback. Results: paired samples T-test and regression analysis results indicate no significant decrease in BMI or significant increase in skin carotenoid scores from pre- to post-intervention. However, though not significant, there was an increase in self-reported FV intake by 0.4 servings. Additionally, the qualitative feedback was positive, as children mentioned benefits of healthy eating and expressed enjoyment for growing, cooking, and tasting fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Results from this study can be used to guide future cooking and gardening programs for elementary school children. Time of the year when implementing these programs and collecting data may impact study outcomes due to seasonal variations in fruit and vegetable intake.

A comprehensive analysis of fruit, vegetable, and legume consumption and the risk of hypertension: results from the KoGES_CAVAS cohort.

This study aimed to investigate the association between total consumption of fruits (F), vegetables (V), and legumes (L) and their subgroups and hypertension risk in adults aged ≥ 40years in the Cardiovascular Disease Association Study (CAVAS). We analyzed data from 10,325 normotensive participants using cumulative average dietary consumption from repeated food frequency questionnaires during the follow-up. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated with a modified Poisson regression model and a robust error estimator to evaluate the association between hypertension risk and total consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, as well as their 17 subgroups. During an average follow-up of 5.20years, 2159 cases of hypertension were recorded. Total consumption of FVL, FV, fruits, vegetables, and legumes showed overall inverse trends with hypertension risk. Considering multiplicity, fruit consumption was inversely associated with hypertension risk in both men (IRR 0.64; 95% CI 0.52-0.79) and women (IRR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64-0.91). Vegetables were inversely associated with hypertension in women (IRR 0.67; 95% CI 0.53-0.86). Most subgroups showed inverse associations, especially in men with overweight/obesity. However, frequent pickled green leafy vegetable consumption was positively associated with hypertension risk in postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women (Pinteraction = 0.0004). Consumption of FVL, including their subgroups, generally shows inverse associations with hypertension risk. However, caution is advised for recommending pickled vegetables, particularly for postmenopausal women, due to the potential adverse effects of sodium. The benefits of these foods in preventing hypertension are especially pronounced in men with overweight/obesity.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Gestational Excessive Weight Gain Among Pregnancy Women at St Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2024, a Crosse-Sectional Study

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Women invariably gain weight during pregnancy due to fat deposition, fluid retention, and the weight attributed to the growth of the fetus, uterus, and breasts. Gestational weight gain can influence pregnancy outcomes as well as the long-term health of both the mother and child. It is reported that nearly 50 percent of mothers worldwide experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Suboptimal weight gain during pregnancy is also a recognized risk factor for adverse delivery outcomes. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; To assess the magnitude of excess maternal gestational weight gain and the associated factors influencing pregnancy complications among pregnant women at St. Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods and Materials:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; An institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional quantitative approach was used to conduct the study. Data were collected using both primary and secondary sources. Well-organized interviewer-administered questionnaires and a checklist were utilized. The sample size was determined using a single population formula Considering the proportion to be 50% to get the maximum possible sample size. A total of 422 mothers participated in the study, and a systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study population. Data were collected, summarized, tabulated, and analyzed using the Statistical Package Epi-Info version 7 and SPSS version 26 software. Frequencies, proportions, and dispersions were estimated to describe the variables. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the association between explanatory variables and gestational weight gain. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; A total of 422 pregnant mothers participated in the study, resulting in a 100% response rate. The majority, 201 (47.6%), were in the age group of 20 to 25 years, and 179 (42.4%) had delivered two children. Additionally, 112 (26.5%) ate more than four times per day, and 303 (71.8%) consumed carbohydrates daily. Of the participants, 375 (88.9%) gained adequate weight, 35 (8.3%) gained excessive weight, and 12 (2.8%) gained inadequate weight during their current pregnancy. Being employed and consuming fruits and vegetables were associated with a lower likelihood of excessive gestational weight gain, while high carbohydrate consumption was linked to a higher risk of excessive weight gain. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion and Recommendation: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;A significant proportion of women (35%) gained excessive weight. Unemployment and daily carbohydrate and fruits consumption were significantly associated with excessive weight gain. Women of childbearing age should be informed about the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables and reducing carbohydrate intake during pregnancy to prevent excessive weight gain.

Trend Analysis of the Burden of Hypertensive Heart Disease in China from 1990 to 2021

Objective: To quantitatively analyze the burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in China and provide a scientific basis for prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database were used to assess the disease burden, deaths, years lived with disability (YLDs), and risk factors for HHD in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2021. Results: From 1990 to 2021, HHD cases in China increased from 1.5 million to 3.9 million, with an average annual growth rate of 2.83%. Prevalence rose from 127.76/100,000 to 259.00/100,000, while age-standardized prevalence decreased by 0.68% annually. HHD deaths increased from 232,478 to 320,247, with a mortality rate rise from 19.76/100,000 to 22.56/100,000, though age-standardized mortality decreased by 2.68% annually. YLDs rose from 124,386 to 301,426, with the rate increasing by 2.20% annually, while age-standardized YLDs decreased by 0.67% annually. High sodium intake and low fruit consumption were key risk factors for HHD deaths. Deaths related to low vegetable intake decreased until 2005 and then rose, while deaths from lead exposure showed a similar pattern. Conclusion: HHD cases and prevalence increased significantly, but age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates declined, reflecting the impact of an aging population and improved health interventions. The rise in YLDs highlights the long-term impact on patients’ quality of life. Key risk factors included high sodium intake and low fruit consumption, emphasizing the importance of dietary improvements in HHD prevention. HHD remains a significant public health challenge in China, requiring continuous research and targeted prevention strategies.

Maternal dietary practices during pregnancy and obesity of neonates: a machine learning approach towards hierarchical and nested relationships in a Tibet Plateau cohort study.

Studies on obesity and risk factors from a life-course perspective among residents in the Tibet Plateau with recent economic growth and increasing obesity are important and urgently needed. The birth cohort in this area provides a unique opportunity to examine the association between maternal dietary practice and neonatal obesity. The study aims to detect the prevalence of obesity among neonates, associated with maternal diet and other factors, supporting life-course strategies for obesity control. A cohort of pregnant women was enrolled in Tibet Plateau and followed till childbirth. Dietary practice during pregnancy was assessed using the Chinese FFQ - Tibet Plateau version, food items and other variables were associated with the risk for obesity of neonates followed by logistic regression, classification and regression trees (CART) and random forest. Of the total 1226 mother-neonate pairs, 40·5 % were Tibetan and 5·4 % of neonates with obesity. Consuming fruits as a protective factor for obesity of neonates with OR (95 % CI) = 0·61 (0·43, 0·87) from logistic regression; as well as OR = 0·20 (0·12, 0·35) for consuming fruits (≥ weekly) from CART. Removing fruit consumption to avoid overshadowing effects of other factors, the following were influential from CART: maternal education (more than middle school, OR = 0·22 (0·13, 0·37)) and consumption of Tibetan food (daily, OR = 3·44 (2·08, 5·69). Obesity among neonates is prevalent in the study population. Promoting healthy diets during pregnancy and strengthening maternal education should be part of the life-course strategies for obesity control.

Abuse and neglect as indicators of unhealthy behaviours among 15-year-old schoolchildren in Albania

ObjectiveWe assessed the independent associations of lifetime child abuse and neglect indices with behavioural characteristics of children. Study designA cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022. MethodsParticipants consisted of a nationwide representative sample of 1877 schoolchildren aged 15 years (55 % girls; response: 96 %). Data on lifetime child abuse and neglect were collected, along with behavioural factors and sociodemographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the independent associations of child abuse and neglect with behavioural factors of schoolchildren. ResultsIrrespective of sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime physical abuse was positively related to lifetime smoking (OR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.4–2.3), lifetime alcohol consumption (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.9–2.9), and breakfast skipping (OR = 1.3, 95%CI = 1.0–1.6). Furthermore, positive independent factors associated with emotional abuse included lifetime alcohol intake (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.3–2.1) and breakfast skipping (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.0–1.8). Additionally, positive factors associated with lifetime emotional neglect consisted of lifetime smoking (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.6–3.0) and alcohol intake (OR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.5–2.6), and a lower fruit consumption (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.3–2.3). Positive factors associated with lifetime sexual abuse included lifetime alcohol consumption (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.4–4.1) and especially smoking (OR = 4.3, 95%CI = 2.6–7.3). Also, lifetime witnessing of family violence was positively related to lifetime smoking (OR = 2.7, 95%CI = 1.8–4.1) and alcohol intake (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.2–2.6). ConclusionsWe evidenced strong and consistent links between child maltreatment indices and unhealthy behavioural practices among 15-year-old children in Albania. These findings underscore the potential impact of early trauma on developmental trajectories. The association between child abuse and the adoption of detrimental behaviours highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support and intervention strategies to break the cycle of harm.

Food craving, vitamin A, and menstrual disorders: A comprehensive study on university female students.

Menstrual disorders, influenced by dietary habits like high fat intake and low fruit and vegetable consumption, are a global public health issue. This study assessed the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular menstrual cycle (IMC) among female university students in Bangladesh, focusing on food cravings and low vitamin A intake as risk factors. In this comprehensive study, data from randomly selected female university students were collected using a structured questionnaire. The associations were analyzed through chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR). The most prevalent menstrual disorder was dysmenorrhea (68.3%) followed by PMS (33.8%), and IMC (24.3%). Food cravers for high-fat and sweet foods were likely to experience dysmenorrhea (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.9, P<0.001), suffer from PMS (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 2.3-6.6, P<0.001), and have IMC (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.6-5.3, P<0.001) vs. subjects who didn't. Subjects consuming vitamin A-rich plant foods had 40% (AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, P < 0.01) and 60% (AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.6, P<0.001) less likely suffering from dysmenorrhea and IMC vs. who didn't. Both underweight and overweight/obese subjects experienced more than 2-fold dysmenorrhea vs. normal-weight peers. The chance of IMC was nearly 3-fold among overweight/obese subjects. However, lower physical activity was associated with PMS and IMC whereas family history was associated with dysmenorrhea and PMS. Among the socio-demographic factors, maternal education, place of residence, and earlier menarche (≤12 years) were associated with dysmenorrhea while marital status was associated with IMC. This study indicates that increasing the intake of vitamin A-rich plant foods and reducing high-fat, sweet foods can lower the risk of dysmenorrhea and IMC. Additionally, it highlights the need for regular exercise to mitigate the increased risk of PMS and IMC.

PELATIHAN PENGOLAHAN “PAYA BITES”, CEMILAN SEHAT BERBAHAN PEPAYA, BAGI ANGGOTA FKIF UNNES

&lt;em&gt;Papaya is a seasonal fruit that is rich in water content and has a relatively short shelf life. Nowadays, people's interest in consuming fruit directly after it is ripe is relatively low because some of them don't like fruit. For this reason, it is necessary to innovate fruit-based products, as an effort to overcome the problem of lack of fruit consumption. This article discusses "PAYA BITES", an entrepreneurial venture that presents papaya crackers as an innovative snack product made from papaya with a variety of contemporary flavors. In this activity, the method used was training (socialization) aimed at 41 members of the Islamic Physics Study Forum (FKIF) at Semarang State University. This activity aims to be a form of education and training for FKIF UNNES members in processing papaya fruit into papaya crackers and has the potential to be marketed to the general public. The result of this training is to provide knowledge and convenience for FKIF UNNES members in processing papaya fruit into papaya crackers which have so far been underutilized so that they become a more valuable commodity&lt;/em&gt;

Fatores de risco e sua influência na Síndrome Metabólica: Uma revisão narrativa da literatura

Objective: To analyze risk factors and their influence on Metabolic Syndrome. Literature Review: METABOLIC SYNDROME (MS) represents a set of risk factors of metabolic origin that promote the development of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Regardless of the group or entity that defines MS, the risk factors, that is, the components adopted for its definition, are practically the same. The following components are included: obesity (especially abdominal obesity), high blood pressure levels, glucose metabolism disorders, and hypertriglyceridemia and/or low levels of HDL cholesterol. Final considerations: It is noteworthy that dietary factors can play a fundamental role both in the individual components and in the prevention and control of MS. Recent data associate the presence of MS with lower consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. There is a close relationship between these foods and dietary fiber, and it is likely that soluble fibers are more directly related to these effects

Interventions for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and under.

Interventions for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and under.

Urban-rural differences in food consumption and central obesity among middle-aged adults: A cross-sectional population study in Indonesia

Background: The prevalence of central obesity is increasing in many regions, including low- and middle-income countries. It has been identified that a poor diet has become a significant risk factor for central obesity. However, the relationship between diet and the prevalence of central obesity among rural and urban communities remains unclear in low- and middle-income countries. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the association of food consumption with central obesity among middle-aged adults (45–59 years) in urban and rural areas in Indonesia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data from a national survey (Indonesia Basic Health Survey) in Indonesia in 2018. A total of 154,449 subjects were analyzed for the study. We used the International Diabetes Federation to define central obesity. Food consumption was measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between food consumption and central obesity. Results: Frequent consumption of refined desserts, fried food, processed food, and inadequate consumption of fruit was significantly associated with central obesity in urban and rural areas ( p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, frequent consumption of seasoning and inadequate consumption of vegetables was significantly associated with central obesity only in rural areas ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Food consumption has a different association with central obesity risk in rural and urban areas in Indonesia.

Dried Fruit, Acetate, and Asthma: A Mediation Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Background Asthma is a common chronic condition with increasing prevalence. Diet, including dried fruit consumption, has been linked to asthma risk, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates how dried fruit consumption affects asthma risk, focusing on acetate as a potential mediator. Methods We used Mendelian Randomization (MR) to analyze the relationships between dried fruit intake, acetate levels, and asthma. We applied three MR methods—Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median (WM), and MR-Egger—to determine causal effects. Results Dried fruit intake was inversely associated with asthma risk (IVW: β=-0.506, p = 0.0135) and positively associated with acetate levels (IVW: β = 0.269, p < 0.0001). Higher acetate levels were also linked to lower asthma risk (IVW: β=-0.361, p < 0.0001). Mediation analysis showed that acetate mediates approximately 19.22% of the effect of dried fruit on asthma risk. Conclusion Dried fruit consumption reduces asthma risk, partly through increasing acetate levels. This acetate-mediated pathway accounts for about 20% of the effect, suggesting potential for dietary strategies in asthma prevention and management. Further research could enhance the understanding and applicability of these findings.