Healthy Diet Research Articles

Potential of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A promising future

In this editorial, we provide insights into the publication by Niu et al featured in the latest edition of the World Journal of Gastroenterology . Specifically, our focus was on exploring the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet through various mechanisms. NAFLD is a common liver condition, affecting approximately 25% of the world's population. It is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, excessive body weight, and irregular lipid processing, leading to fat accumulation in the liver, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation. While maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle are essential for managing NAFLD, treatment options are limited due to undefined pathogenesis and a lack of specific medications. TCM, rooted in traditional Chinese practices, presents a promising alternative through its "syndrome differentiation and treatment" principles, enhancing liver lipid metabolism, reducing inflammation, and addressing fibrosis. Certain herbs, such as Poria cocos , Puaria lobata , and Salvia miltiorrhiza , have shown significant efficacy in reducing fat deposition and improving liver function. Due to systematic research and analysis of mechanisms, TCM is anticipated to yield new approaches to prevent and treat NAFLD, increasing its clinical application.

Development of a habit-based intervention to support healthy eating and physical activity behaviours for pregnant women with overweight or obesity: Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond (HHIPBe).

The number of women entering pregnancy with overweight or obesity is increasing. This can increase the risk for excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) which is associated with health complications for mother and baby. There are limited evidence-based interventions within antenatal care settings to encourage healthy eating and physical activity behaviours and support women with managing GWG. A previous habit-based intervention 'Ten Top Tips for a Healthy Weight' (10TT) was adapted and made suitable for pregnancy in line with the Medical Research Council's (MRC) complex intervention development guidelines. It involved three key activities: (1) identifying the evidence base; (2) identifying appropriate theory; and, (3) modelling processes. A core element was integrating lived experience via personal and public involvement (PPI). The original 10TTs were adapted with PPI in line with current advice on nutrition and physical activity in pregnancy. New intervention materials were devised, including a leaflet and a logbook and app for self-monitoring to be delivered alongside a brief 1:1 conversation. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) included in the new materials were coded using a number of behavioural taxonomies. An E-learning resource was created to help standardise the approach to delivery of the intervention and avoid stigmatising conversations. Following MRC guidance for the development of complex interventions alongside significant PPI allowed for the adaption of 10TT habit-based weight management intervention into the 'Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond' (HHIPBe) intervention. The feasibility and acceptability of implementing this intervention in the antenatal setting will be explored in a feasibility randomised controlled trial. This study was registered on Clinical Trials as 'Healthy Habits in Pregnancy and Beyond (HHIPBe)' ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04336878. The study was registered on 07/04/2020.

Identification of trait-associated microRNA modules in liver transcriptome of pig fed with PUFAs-enriched supplementary diet.

Dietary lipids provide energy, are cellular structural components, and are involved in physiological processes. Lipids are the dietary source in supplementary diet experiments in pigs. This study aims to investigate the dietary effects of PUFAs on the hepatic transcriptome and physiological pathways of two diets on two pig breeds. Polish Landrace (PL: n = 6) and six PLxDuroc (PLxD: n = 6) pigs were fed with a normal diet (n = 3) or PUFAs-enriched healthy diet (n = 3), and the hepatic miRNA profiles were studied for weighted gene co-expression network analysis biological interactions between gene networks and metabolic pathways of DE miRNA genes. The study identified trait-associated modules that were significantly associated with four phenotypic traits in the dietary groups of PL and PLxD: meat colour (a*), shoulder subcutaneous fat thickness, conductivity 24h post-mortem (PE24), and ashes. Trait-wise, a large set of co-expressed miRNAs of porcine liver were identified in these trait-associated significant modules (9, 7, 2, and 8) in PL and PLxD. Each module is represented by a module eigengene (ME). Forty-four miRNAs out of 94 miRNAs interacted with 6719 statistically significant target genes with a target score > 90. The GO/pathway analysis showed association with pathways including regulation of metallopeptidase activity, sebaceous gland development, collagen fibril organization, WNT signalling, epithelial tube morphogenesis, etc. The study showed the differences in miRNA expression between the dietary groups of PL and PLxD breeds. Hub genes of discovered miRNA clusters can be considered predicted miRNA genes associated with PE24, meat colour, shoulder subcutaneous fat thickness, and ashes. Discovered target genes for miRNA clusters play significant roles in biological functions such as (i) muscle and body growth development, (ii) different cellular processes and developments, (iii) system development, and (iv) metabolic processes.

Dynamics of Amaranthus in Urban and Rural Value Chains in Communities of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa falls among the developing countries with poor standards of living contributing to the high prevalence of malnutrition. Interventions have been conducted, but malnutrition continues to linger, with devastating impacts on vulnerable groups. In Africa, 90% of its children cannot access the minimum balanced diet. Also, 60% of the people in this region do not access daily meals for dietary needs. Traditional vegetables like Amaranthus are identified to have great potential to combat malnutrition; however, Amaranthus is underutilized due to limited awareness of its potential and poor post-harvest practices along the value chain. This study evaluates the dynamics of Amaranthus along its value chain in the urban and rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa. Mixed-design research and a purposive convenient random sampling approach were explored. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data for the survey, and this was strengthened by a series of five n = (30) face-to-face interviews with six key informants from urban and rural formal and informal markets. The findings revealed that eleven species of Amaranthus have been identified in South Africa such as Amaranthus spinosus varieties, including A. dubius, and A. cruentus, which are the most sold and consumed, mostly being sold by street vendors. Thus, poor perception and attitudes along with limited access to Amaranthus in some upper-class markets contribute to underutilization. Promoting Amaranthus at all levels of markets might create better awareness of its utilization.

The role of dairy alternatives in just food system transitions: a scoping review

AbstractAlternatives to dairy products are becoming part of mainstream food culture in Western societies amidst growing concerns for more sustainable and healthy diets, and improved animal welfare. As more citizens opt for plant-based milks, markets have responded with an abundance of alternatives to facilitate the transition. Previous systematic reviews have examined the environmental and health impacts of plant-based products compared with dairy, yet a synthesis of empirical research on the social and environmental justice impacts of dairy alternatives is lacking. This systematic scoping review aims to explore the extent, range, and nature of peer-reviewed studies on dairy alternatives that address their outcomes for justice. Publications were sought through systematic search of two comprehensive electronic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and screened by two independent reviewers following eligibility criteria. Included studies predominantly focused on consumer identities and values, and the market-led nature of dairy alternatives consumption. Gaps in the literature included impacts on nutritional equity and the innovation and adaptive capabilities of food producers and workers across geographies. We conclude that the heavy-handed regulation of dairy alternative terminology and the market-driven nature of this transition raise questions about injustices in governance and innovation in this sector.

Faecal microbiota composition and impulsivity in a cohort of older adults with metabolic syndrome.

Impulsivity is an important determinant of human behaviour, affecting self-control, reasonable thinking and food choices. Recent evidence suggests a role for gut microbiota in human behaviour, but the relationship between gut microbiota and impulsive behaviours remains largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, the present study aims to explore the associations between faecal microbiota composition with trait and behavioural impulsivity, in a subcohort of the PREDIMED-Plus trial, including older adults presenting overweight/obesity. Fecal samples (n = 231) were profiled for their microbiota composition using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and impulsivity was determined through four different assessments. Adherence to different dietary patterns was estimated through questionnaires. Beta diversity analyses showed a significant association with the Conner's Performance Test (CPT) in multivariate-adjusted models, and, in total, 13 bacterial genera associated with CPT. Erysipelotrichaceae UCG 003 showed the highest association with CPT and known butyrate producers such as Butyricicoccus spp., Roseburia spp., and Eubacterium hallii were among the identified bacteria. The bacteria Lachnospiraceae UCG 001, Anaerostipes and Blautia were associated with CPT and also the adherence to healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets. In addition, functional analysis showed a significant negative association between the CPT and the glucuronate and galacturonate metabolic pathways. From the other impulsivity assessments, two more associations were identified, for the genus Phascolarctobacterium with the Stroop test, and the genus Lachnospiraceae GAG 54 with the positive urgency subscore of UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale. Overall, our findings suggest potential links between the faecal microbiota composition and function with behavioural impulsive inattention as determined by the CPT.

The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Physical Fitness and Sport Performance – A Review

Introduction: Deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D affects all individuals, of both sexes and all ages, and consequently brings a series of negative health consequences for them. This deficiency seems to be a very widespread problem in the population in general and also among physically active individuals and particulary in athletes. Currently, the insufficiency of vitamin D is a problem appearing worldwide. While in the population the main source of deficiencies are insufficient exposure to the sun and deficiency in the food diet, in individuals who participate in physical activity and sports it seems that the main factors are high use and depletion of reserves from muscle and adipose tissue. Vitamin D deficiency has an important role not only in bone and muscle health, but also negatively affects physical fitness and sports performance. Therefore, continuing measurement and monitoring of free vitamin D and/or its bioavailable 25(OH)D metabolites is the best way to determine the true vitamin D status for preventive reasons or supplementation in all individuals. Objectives: This review aims to highlight the current situation of the status of vitamin D, especially in subjects participate in physical activity and sports, and its importance and role in the health of athletes and in sports performance. Methods: For this review, we used the database in Scopus and PubMed, searching with key words: vitamin D deficiency - vitamin D status - elite athletes - sports performance. Full articles in English, published from 2016 to 2024, that evidenced the association between vitamin D status and health outcomes and sports performance were included. Results and Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the deficiency of vitamin D in the general population, but also in those who are actively involved in sports and even elite sports, is present at worrying levels. In different groups and populations, the deficiency factors are partly different, but the results show that the lack of food in the diet today constitutes one of the main factors that has almost taken the same weight as insufficient exposure to the sun. For physically active subjects and those involved in various types of sports, deficiencies are present at an unpredictably high rate, putting in serious danger in some cases the lives of the athletes. This comes from a low attention regarding the deficiencies of this vitamin, compared to other elements that are usually taken in the form of supplements in sports. The results show that maintaining an optimal level of vitamin D affects not only the bone and muscle health, the optimal physical fitness of physically active individuals, but also the health and improvement of sports performance (not only physical) of athletes. Therefore, the measurement, monitoring, ensuring a balanced food diet and supplementing with this vitamin, if needed, should accompany the entire course and activity of the subjects of this category in a strict and consistent manner.

Local food procurement behavior and overall diet quality among adults in Québec: results from the NutriQuébec project.

Consumption of locally produced foods is generally perceived as being part of a healthy dietary pattern. Accordingly, in 2020, the provincial government of Québec (Canada) promoted the purchase of local foods for economic and health benefits. The present cross-sectional study aimed to document the association between the behavior of local food procurement and overall diet quality in a sample of adults from the province of Québec. Data were collected in a sample of 834 adults (86.6% females) from the NutriQuébec project, a web-based longitudinal population study that aims to document the lifestyle and eating habits of adults in Québec, Canada. Dietary intakes were measured using a validated web-based 24-h recall tool and diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI-2019), which measures adherence to the 2019-Canada's Food Guide recommendations on healthy food choices. Local food procurement behavior was measured using the Locavore-I-SF score, which assesses the frequency of short food supply chain use as well as the geographical origin of three locally produced foods. The Locavore-I-SF score was weakly correlated with the HEFI-2019 score (r = 0.08, p < 0.02). Positive correlations were observed for the Vegetables and fruits (r = 0.09, p = 0.005), Beverages (r = 0.08, p = 0.04) and Free sugars (r = 0.14, p < 0.001) components of the HEFI-2019. Associations between the Locavore-I-SF and the HEFI-2019 scores were found in specific subgroups of participants: males (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), participants aged between 50 and 70 years (r = 0.16, p = 0.003), participants with a greater education level (r = 0.13, p = 0.003) and higher income (r = 0.12, p = 0.02), non-vegetarian participants (r = 0.10, p = 0.008) and participants living in Census Metropolitan Areas (r = 0.11, p = 0.004). These results suggest that the behavior of local food procurement is only weakly associated with better overall diet quality among a sample of adults from Québec, raising doubts on the relevance of promoting local food procurement as an effective public health measure for improving diet quality in Québec. NCT04140071.

Association of Maternal Immigration Status with Emotional Eating in Taiwanese Children: The Mediating Roles of Health Literacy and Feeding Practices.

Emotional eating has been linked to childhood obesity. A variety of emotions often trigger this form of eating, which has been associated with stress-induced overeating, loss of control eating, and binge eating in children. However, research on how maternal immigration status and feeding practices influence emotional eating in children within Asian contexts is sparse. This study examines the association between maternal immigration status and emotional eating in children, exploring the mediating roles of health literacy and feeding practices. The study focused on children aged 10-11 and their mothers in Taiwan, utilizing a sample of 2,308 mother-child dyads. The Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) was used to assess mothers' feeding practices, while emotional eating was measured using a subscale of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18 (TFEQ-R18). Health literacy was evaluated using the Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q12). Confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation, and Structural Equation Models (SEMs) were employed to explore the potential pathways leading to children's emotional eating. Children of mothers with foreign nationality demonstrate higher emotional eating scores compared to those with native-born mothers (5.73 vs. 5.35, p = 0.04). These mothers also have significantly lower health literacy levels (35.21 vs. 38.52, p < 0.0001). They are more inclined to use rewarding and pressure-to-eat feeding practices while showing reduced tendencies toward monitoring and restriction. Serial mediation models suggest that maternal foreign nationality influences children's emotional eating primarily by increasing rewarding and pressure-to-eat practices alongside reduced health literacy, which ultimately lowers monitoring practices. Interventions should improve maternal health literacy and promote healthy feeding practices. Future research should investigate these pathways across various geographic regions and age groups to develop targeted interventions for immigrant families.

The Cross-Sectional Association of Health Literacy With Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in the Turkish Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To meta-analytically investigate the cross-sectional association between health literacy (HL) and healthy lifestyle behaviors (HLBs) in the Turkish population. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, DergiPark, TRDizin, and Türkiye Council of Higher Education Thesis Center. Not accessible in Turkish or English in full text; not on the Turkish population; addressed e-HL, digital HL, mobile HL or corporate HL; addressed HL in a specific context; did not seek any association between HL and HLBs. Cross-sectional studies that reported a correlation coefficient or any convertible equal statistical measure for the association between HL and HLBs. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, extracted the data from the included studies into a structured form and assessed their methodological quality. We conducted meta-analyses and reported the characteristics, outcomes, and quality assessment of studies. Of 3833 records accessed we included 52 that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Our primary findings demonstrated positive low-to-moderate associations between HL and health-promoting behaviors (r = .32 [CI:.30-.35; I2 = .00]), HL and physical activity (r = .23 [CI:.18-.27; I2 = .12]), and HL and vaccination (r = .12 [CI:.07-.17; I2 = .00]). In contrast, HL was not significantly associated with non-smoking (r = .02 [CI:-.02-.36; I2 = .09]), healthy diet (r = .02 [CI:-.01-.06; I2 = .00]), and screening (r = .07 [CI:.04-.11; I2 = .07]). However, our sensitivity and meta-regression analysis results suggested that the association of HL with healthy diet seems to increase with age. On the other hand, we failed to find any convincing evidence of any of the included variables affecting the association between HL and all types of HLBs (r = .17, I2 = 95.81%). HL has the potential to improve the HLBs of Turkish individuals, however, there is a need for better understanding of the possible underlying determinants of the association between them.

Dietary patterns and bone density among school-aged children: a cross-sectional study in China.

Diet is an essential modifiable determinant of bone health, yet the associations between dietary patterns (DPs) and bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese children remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between overall diet and low BMD risk among school-aged children in China. A total of 1,099 children aged 9-12 in China were recruited for this cross-sectional study. A semi-quantified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. A priori numerical index, the Chinese Dietary Guidelines Index for Children and Adolescents [CDGI (2021)-C] was utilized to assess dietary quality. Specific DPs were identified by using principal components analysis (PCA). The BMD of the left forearm was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Spearman correlation test was conducted to investigate the associations between DPs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline models (RCS) were applied to explore the associations between DPs and BMD. Three distinct DPs were identified: the plant-animal balanced pattern, the grain-tuber-meat pattern, and the bean-dairy pattern. We found a weak but significant positive correlation of the CDGI (2021)-C with the plant-animal balanced pattern (R = 0.318, P < 0.001), and with the bean-dairy pattern (R = 0.266, P < 0.001), respectively. After adjusting for covariates, adherence to the CDGI (2021)-C (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27-0.75), the plant-animal balanced pattern (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.81), and the bean-dairy pattern (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.96) were associated with a lower risk of low BMD. No significant association was observed between the grain-tuber-meat pattern and low BMD (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.90-1.31). Adherence to the CDGI (2021)-C and the plant-animal balanced pattern is advantageous for bone health and inversely correlated with the risk of low BMD among school-aged children in China. Additionally, moderate adherence to the bean-dairy pattern may also confer benefits to bone health. A balanced and overall healthy diet should be recommended in our daily life.

The role of anti-aging approaches in managing hypogonadism in sedentary older males

IntroductionWith thirty percent of the world’s population not getting enough exercise, Worldwide, physical inactivity ranks as one of the most common causes of premature mortality. Rapid drops in physical activity, decreased mobility, and early morbidity are aging characteristics. As the population over 80 continues to rise, aging raises the danger of age-related illnesses and changes in hormone release.AimUnderstanding the aging process is useful in developing pharmacological therapies and identifying therapeutic targets for age-related testosterone deficiency. Therefore, this study’s purpose is to present a thorough evaluation of the effects of anti-aging strategies on testosterone levels in older, inactive men.MethodsA literature search was completed for clinical and preclinical studies published in English between 2014 and 2024 related to age, sedentary life, testosterone, and anti-aging strategies.ResultsA sedentary lifestyle and low testosterone are linked to a vicious cycle. A sedentary lifestyle lowers testosterone levels, which leads to depression, exhaustion, low energy, and weakened bone and muscle strength. These effects exacerbate the detrimental consequences of aging and physical inactivity. Anti-aging techniques can prevent and treat age-related diseases, including calorie restriction, a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, diabetes management, and quitting smoking. Regular exercise raises total testosterone, free testosterone, and muscle steroidogenesis. In older men, testosterone replacement treatment increases bone density, cholesterol, protein synthesis, strength, erectile function, sexual desire, and general cognitive performance. However, some studies suggest dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation may provide health improvements without negative effects, potentially reversing arterial aging and reducing cardiovascular disease risk.ConclusionThis article evaluates the prospects for anti-aging procedures to assist in reducing the adverse effects of aging and physical inactivity in men.

Role of Dietary Patterns in Older Adults with Cognitive Disorders: An Umbrella Review Utilizing Neuroimaging Biomarkers.

Various dietary patterns (DPs) may benefit or harm cognitive status through their components. Publications assessing the impact of DPs on cognitive scores using neuropsychological tests have often led to less promising results. Recently, numerous meta-analyses and systematic reviews have utilized neuroimaging to identify more subtle brain-associated alterations related to cognition. Combining neuroimaging methods with neuropsychological assessments could clarify these findings. This umbrella review was conducted to systematically explore evidence on the impact of DPs on neuroimaging biomarkers in older adults with cognitive disorders. Scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, were comprehensively searched from the earliest available data until May 11, 2024. Out of 89 papers, 15 meta-analyses and systematic reviews were included in our umbrella review. These selected papers addressed 27 DPs and their impact on neuroimaging biomarkers. Most selected papers were of moderate quality. Studies revealed that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) correlated with increased cortical thickness, improved glucose metabolism in the brain, and reduced amyloid-beta and tau deposition, as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging and other neuroimaging techniques. Higher adherence to healthy DPs, such as the MedDiet, reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. In contrast, Western and high glycemic diets were associated with increased cognitive decline.

From Processed Foods to Ultraprocessed Foods: Evolution of an Industry Model and Impact on Dietary Quality, Health, and Society.

The impact of food technology and product development on the nutritional quality of foods is discussed in the context of food classification schemes, clinical research, and sociocultural studies. Food processing operations are analyzed in terms of their beneficial and detrimental consequences for the nutritional value of foods and ingredients. Several classification schemes are discussed, including dietary guidelines, nutrition information panels, and nutritional scores. The health impact of processed and ultraprocessed foods is discussed in connection with the processing-formulation scheme previously developed by the authors. The importance of product development as a driver for the food industry is highlighted, and formulation-based approaches to improve the healthfulness of industrially produced foods are discussed. Finally, the public perception of processed foods and its impact on the industry are discussed, and the need for a broad engagement among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of our food system and healthy diets for individuals is emphasized.

Abstract 4135206: Patterns of Lifestyle Risk Behaviors for Cardiovascular Disease in Family Caregivers: A Latent Class Analysis

Introduction: Lifestyle risk behaviors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) often co-occur. However, little is known about their behavioral patterns among family caregivers, a population at high risk for CVD. Aims: To identify distinct latent classes of caregivers of lifestyle risk behaviors for CVD and to examine the individual characteristics associated with membership in the identified latent classes. Methods: This study included 643 unpaid family caregivers from the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 3. The assessed lifestyle risk behaviors included cigarette use, non-abstinence from alcohol, low physical activity, long sedentary time, and low fruit and vegetable consumption. These behaviors were dichotomized based on established guidelines or cut-off points. Latent class analysis was performed to identify latent classes based on these lifestyle risk behaviors among caregivers. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate socio-demographic, health-related, and caregiving characteristics associated with the latent class membership. Results: Three distinct classes were identified (mean age = 55±16 years; 59.3% female; 57.1% non-Hispanic white): “overall healthy, but non-abstainer” (Class 1, 17.1%; reference), “overall unhealthy” (Class 2, 64.1%), and “inactive, but healthy eaters” (Class 3, 18.8%). In unadjusted multinomial logistic regression models, caregivers reporting greater financial hardship (relative risk ratio [95% CI] = 2.5 [1.0-5.9]), higher psychological distress (3.7 [1.9-7.3]), poorer sleep quality (3.3 [1.6-6.8]), longer caregiving hours (2.1 [1.1-3.9]), and providing dementia care (2.3 [1.3-4.3]) were more likely to belong to Class 2, relative to Class 1. In the adjusted model including the significant characteristics above and controlling for age and gender, psychological distress (2.7 [1.2-5.9]) remained significant. No characteristics were significantly associated with membership in Class 3, relative to Class 1. Conclusions: Lifestyle risk behaviors for CVD among caregivers may cluster in distinct patterns that vary by individual characteristics. Caregivers experiencing psychological distress may be particularly at risk for engaging in lifestyle risk behaviors. Our novel findings underscore the importance of adaptive lifestyle modification interventions that target caregiver subgroups with different patterns of health behaviors to promote their cardiovascular health.

Abstract 4141453: The Pandemic influenced the Self-care of African Immigrants with Diabetes and Hypertension

Background: Self-Care is essential for chronic illness management. Self-Care comprises three domains: Self-Care maintenance (daily behaviors to maintain health [e.g., medication adherence]), Self-Care monitoring (surveillance for changes), and (3) Self-Care management (prompt response to symptoms). The COVID-19 pandemic challenged self-care in some populations, but little is known about how it influenced the self-care of African immigrants living in the US with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, we enrolled a purposeful sample of 24 sub-Saharan African immigrant adults with self-reported symptomatic hypertension or diabetes. Participants who spoke English were enrolled between March 2020 and September 2021. Individual audio-taped interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was guided by the Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness. Results: Participants were mean=59 years (range 40-72). Most were Nigerian (n=16), male (n=16), married (n=17), living with family (n=21), highly educated (n=21), and reporting enough income to meet their needs (n=21). Five major themes were identified: (1) Being especially careful in following COVID-19 precautions (e.g., use of facemasks). (2) A focus on self-care maintenance (e.g., healthy diet, staying active while at home). Fear of COVID-19 increased medication adherence. Participants were diligent in taking medications as prescribed due to fear of COVID-19. (3) Close monitoring for symptoms. (4) Trouble reaching providers to discuss symptoms. (5) Access to resources. Participants reported loss of health insurance/jobs and lack of provider access, which impacted their ability to perform self-care. Conclusions: COVID-19 increased focused attention on self-care but also created barriers for sub-Saharan African Immigrants. Most impacted was self-care maintenance. Interventions to promote self-care in this population should leverage heightened vigilance to self-care and address challenges around access to resources.

Linking Big Five personality traits to components of diet: A meta-analytic review.

This research synthesis sought to determine the magnitude of associations between major personality dimensions and components of diet. A comprehensive literature search identified 49 articles (584 effect sizes; 151,750 participants) that met the inclusion criteria. Pooled mean effects were computed using inverse-variance weighted random effects meta-analysis. Mean effect sizes from 98 separate meta-analyses provided evidence that lower levels of neuroticism, r = -.05 (95% confidence interval, CI [-.09, -.01]), and higher levels of extraversion, r = .07 (95% CI [.03, .11]); openness, r = .13 (95% CI [.07, .18]); agreeableness, r = .07 (95% CI [.04, .11]); and conscientiousness, r = .12 (95% CI [.08, .16]), are associated with a healthier diet. Personality traits related to fruit and vegetable consumption; sugar intake (e.g., candy, sugary drinks); salt intake; consumption of meat, dairy, and fiber; low-fat foods; fast food and snacks; convenience foods; breakfast frequency; meal irregularity; and emotional and restrained eating. There was evidence of publication bias complicating conclusions for conscientiousness and meat eating. Random effects metaregression showed that agreeableness had a stronger positive association with healthy eating among older adults. These findings should be of interest to health care professionals developing health care services that aim to promote healthy eating. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Meat and the future of sustainable diets-Challenges and opportunities.

The British Nutrition Foundation convened a roundtable event in January 2024 entitled 'Meat and the Future of Sustainable Diets: Turning Challenges into Opportunities', bringing together multi-sector stakeholders to discuss the social, nutritional, public health and environmental aspects of meat consumption within a sustainable food system. Participants explored the challenge of the complexity of balancing nutrition and planetary goals, emphasising the need to navigate trade-offs between various dimensions of sustainability. Whilst recognising the global nature of the issue, the roundtable primarily focussed on a UK perspective. The discussion highlighted the urgency of transforming the food system to achieve net zero, whilst ensuring broader environmental benefits, nutritional adequacy and dietary and health equity across all life stages. Concerns about poor dietary patterns, particularly among vulnerable groups were raised, with participants stressing the need for policies that promote healthy, sustainable and equitable diets without worsening inequalities. These policies should also enhance livelihoods and community wellbeing, foster resilience and support local economies. On the supply side, participants called for better data within the agri-food system, particularly at the farm level. They advocated for a multidimensional, holistic approach that goes beyond greenhouse gas emissions to encompass wider environmental impacts and whole-farm benefits, such as enhancing soil health, promoting biodiversity, improving water management, supporting nutrient cycling and boosting farm-level resilience through diversified cropping systems. Roundtable participants acknowledged existing recommendations to reduce meat consumption for both environmental reasons, such as land use and greenhouse gas emissions, and health concerns, as evidence links red, particularly processed, meat consumption with increased colorectal cancer risk. Given the variation in meat consumption globally and even locally between individuals, the discussion explored the potential of targeted campaigns to reduce high meat intake, along with the role of public food procurement and the food industry in decreasing processed meat consumption. The consensus was that dietary changes must be framed within the context of a balanced diet and broader sustainability concerns. Despite some differing viewpoints on implementation, participants agreed that transitioning to healthier, more sustainable diets is a priority. Collaboration across the entire food chain, from farm to fork, with investment in innovation, robust data collection and research, alongside policy support, was emphasised as essential to achieving this goal.

Association between dietary consumption of multiple vitamins and age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional observational study in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2008

PurposeAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the common causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. Its prevention and monitoring indicators remain a key area of research. This study aims to examine the association between vitamin intake and AMD prevalence.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008 were used for cross-sectional analysis. Logistic regression models, subgroup analyses and multicollinearity regression were employed to assess the association between vitamin intake and AMD.ResultsA total of 1,627 participants were included, with 54.5% (weighted) males and 45.5% (weighted) females. Significant differences were observed in the intake of vitamins B (B1, B2, B6, and B12), E, and folic acid between the AMD and Non-AMD groups. The Non-AMD group had higher average intakes (weighted) of vitamin B1 (1.71 ± 1.10 vs. 1.37 ± 0.64), B2 (2.42 ± 1.22 vs. 1.86 ± 0.70), B6 (2.05 ± 1.25 vs. 1.71 ± 0.85), B12 (5.73 ± 6.18 vs. 4.54 ± 3.27), E (7.93 ± 5.47 vs. 6.39 ± 2.86), and folic acid (181.87 ± 178.04 vs. 140.72 ± 124.60). Logistic regression and subgroup analyses further supported these findings.ConclusionThis study found that higher vitamin intakes B and E were associated with a lower prevalence of AMD in the U.S. population. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins B and E, particularly B2 (eggs, green vegetables, meat, mushrooms, and almonds) may help to reduce vision loss due to AMD. However, since this is a cross-sectional study, causal associations between vitamin intake and AMD cannot be established. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Development of Body Weight Management Among the Hungarian Population

Background/Objectives: Nowadays, body weight management has gained significant consumer attention due to the health megatrend. It plays a key role in preventing diseases, maintaining health, and creating a balanced diet, as well as in mental and physical health. Overweight and obesity are serious problems that can result in various non-communicable diseases; thus, managing the body weight of those who are overweight or obese without pathological changes would help reduce the prevalence of these diseases. By reducing body weight, not only individual health expenses but also public health costs could be reduced. To do so, it is necessary to assess at what levels consumers perceive their own health status, as well as the extent to which they pay attention to body weight management. Our research aimed to contribute to the foundation of public intervention programs by exploring some characteristics of body weight management among Hungarian consumers. Methods: We used a large-sample questionnaire survey involving a total of 550 people. Various statistical methods were used to analyze the data, including descriptive statistics, association tests, and hypothesis tests. Results: According to our results, those who want to lose weight are more engaged in managing their body weight than those who are satisfied with their weight or who want to gain weight, often aiming to reach an ideal weight through diet and exercise, and are willing to invest more in healthier lifestyles, both in terms of their diet and physical activity. In this regard, we did not find significant differences between the genders. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we can conclude that dietitians and doctors should play a more active role in guiding lifestyle changes since the majority of our respondents do not consider them credible sources of information on healthy eating, and they do not consult them on this topic. On the other hand, however, a much larger proportion seek information from them regarding regular physical activity, and after personal trainers, they are considered the second most authentic source of information.