Improve Diet Quality Research Articles

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.

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

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

Empowering Rural Women through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Dietary Quality with Mushroom-enriched Foods and Participation in Local Mushroom Production Systems

Ensuring quality nutrition for rural women remains a critical public health challenge, particularly in regions where dietary diversity is limited, and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. One potential solution is the incorporation of mushroom-enriched food into the daily diets of these women, combined with effective nutrition education and active participation in the mushroom production system. Mushrooms are a nutrient-dense food source, rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin D, and B vitamins, and minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron, which are often deficient in rural diets. Additionally, mushrooms provide a valuable source of protein and fiber, making them an ideal complement to traditional staples. Nutrition education programs focusing on the health benefits of mushrooms can help shift dietary patterns and empower rural women to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. The integration of mushroom cultivation into local agricultural practices not only enhances food security but also provides an additional income source for women, supporting their economic empowerment. Moreover, the cultivation process is relatively low-cost and can be sustainably managed within small-scale farming systems, making it an accessible and feasible solution for rural communities. Training women to grow, harvest, and prepare mushroom-enriched foods can address both the supply and demand side of the nutrition equation, ensuring that nutrient-rich foods are both available and consumed regularly. The dual focus on nutrition education and production system participation also fosters a sense of ownership and self-reliance among rural women, leading to more sustainable long-term improvements in dietary quality. This approach has the potential to reduce gender disparities in agricultural participation by providing women with a specific and profitable area of expertise within their communities.

Production strategies for controlling greenhouse gas emissions in grass-fed beef production systems

Looking at pasture-based beef cattle production systems, there needs to be more pasture management and low zootechnical indexes, which culminate in low productivity and environmental impact. In this sense, cattle farming has been labeled as harmful to the environment due to the emission of gases that can contribute to the excessive increase in the greenhouse effect. These gases are methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, which come from ruminal fermentation, manure fermentation, and biomass management. The objective was to simulate eight scenarios: the first occurred in areas of degradation and desertification of pastures induced by livestock farming, the second occurred with the recovery of degraded pasture areas, the third occurred with the improvement of pasture management, the fourth occurred with the implementation of integrated production systems, the fifth occurred with the improvement in diet quality, the sixth occurred with the association of supplementation strategies for grazing cattle with fattening in confinement, the seventh occurred with the reduction in the feeding cycle production of beef cattle and the eighth occurred with the intensification of land use. It is concluded that the adoption of more intensive production systems proves to be more efficient, both productively and environmentally, by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and improving zootechnical indices, guaranteeing the supply of animal protein in the face of growing demand globally.

Proportional Contribution of the Women, Infant and Children's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program on Pregnant Women's Diet Quality

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the proportional contribution of the special Women’s Infant and Children Food Package V for pregnant women (WIC) supplementation on pregnant women’s diet quality. Methods: Image-based diet data collection using FoodFoto™ from 63 primigravid women with singleton pregnancies in Baltimore, Maryland receiving the special WIC Food Package V for pregnant women was converted to Healthy Eating Index - 2015 (HEI-2015) total and component diet quality scores. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the total and component HEI diet quality scores. Independent t-tests and linear regression models were used to assess the contributions that the percent of WIC food in the diet and sociodemographic and health characteristics had on the components and the overall HEI score. Results: The data showed a 1% rise in WIC approved foods in the diet was associated with a significant increase in the on the HEI-2015 score (b=0.77, t=6.35, p&lt;0.001). Higher diet quality scores were accounted for by increased consumption of four HEI components representing healthy foods and significantly lower sodium intake. Furthermore, the healthy food component scores and fatty acids ratio were at or above the 50th percentile. Conclusion: Small increases in consumption of WIC approved foods significantly improved diet quality among pregnant women in the program.

Impact of debranning on the nutritional, cooking, microstructural characteristics of five Indian small millets

BackgroundMillets are underutilized grains rich in nutrients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of debranning on the nutritional, cooking, and microstructural properties of five Indian millets namely foxtail, little, kodo, barnyard, and proso millet.MethodsThe proximate composition, mineral content, cooking properties (cooking time, solid loss, water uptake, alkali score), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectra, X ray Diffraction (XRD) and microstructural characteristics (Scanning Electron Microscopy) of dehusked and debranned millet samples were examined and analysed.ResultsDebranning resulted in decrease in protein (except for little and barnyard millets), dietary fibre, fat, mineral and phytate content in all the millets while enhanced available carbohydrates and amylose content. The cooking times for dehusked millets were significantly higher while, the solid loss and water uptake during cooking of debranned millets were higher. On debranning, Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectra showed changes in the pattern with increase in the intensity of amide II (1363 to 1367 cm−1) and amide III (1215 to 1231 cm−1) bands in the debranned foxtail, little, and kodo millets. The X-ray diffractogram (XRD) showed decrease in relative crystallinity on debranning. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) examination revealed that debranning resulted in the loss of seed coat, aleurone layer and partial loss of germ in the millets.ConclusionDehusked millets are nutritious and should be promoted in Indian diets to improve diet quality, debranned millets are nutritionally inferior, can increase the glycemic load of Indian diets.

Almond snacking modestly improves diet quality and waist circumference but not psychosocial assessments and other cardiometabolic markers in overweight, middle-aged adults: A randomized, crossover trial.

Almond snacking modestly improves diet quality and waist circumference but not psychosocial assessments and other cardiometabolic markers in overweight, middle-aged adults: A randomized, crossover trial.

Supply- and demand-side drivers of the change in the sugar density of food purchased between 2015 and 2018 in Great Britain.

The UK government launched a two-component sugar-reduction programme in 2016, one component is the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, and the second is a voluntary sugar reduction programme for products contributing most to children's sugar intakes. These policies provided incentives both for industry to change the products they sell and for people to change their food and beverage choices through a 'signalling' effect that has raised awareness of excess sugar intakes in the population. In this study, we aimed to identify the relative contributions of the supply- and demand-side drivers of changes in the sugar density of food and beverages purchased in Great Britain. While we found that both supply- and demand-side drivers contributed to decreasing the sugar density of beverage purchases (reformulation led to a 19 % reduction, product renewal 14 %, and consumer switching between products 8 %), for food products it was mostly supply-side drivers (reformulation and product renewal). Reformulation contributed consistently to a decrease in the sugar density of purchases across households, whereas changes in consumer choices were generally in the opposite direction, offsetting benefits of reformulation. We studied the social gradient of sugar density reduction for breakfast cereals, achieved mostly by reformulation, and found increased reductions in sugar purchased by households of lower socio-economic status. Conversely, there was no social gradient for soft drinks. We conclude that taxes and reformulation incentives are complementary and combining them in a programme to improve the nutritional quality of foods increases the probability of improvements in diet quality.

A personalised nutrition intervention for adolescent depression: a mixed-methods feasibility pilot study.

Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the benefit of diet modification to improve diet quality in the treatment of adult major depressive disorder (MDD). However, research examining nutritional interventions for adolescents with MDD is sparse. This pilot study examined the feasibility of a personalised nutrition intervention for adolescents with MDD. Ten adolescents with MDD and their parents recruited from a tertiary care setting participated in an 8-week, single-arm mixed-methods study. Feasibility was assessed using five criteria (demand, acceptability, implementation, adaptation and limited efficacy testing) alongside qualitative interviews. The intervention involved four bi-weekly virtual nutrition counselling sessions with a stepped approach to dietary change, menu planning, grocery delivery and educational eHealth messages. Study participants sought positive changes in diet, health and lifestyle for adolescents and family-wide benefits. Recruitment challenges included concerns about managing mood fluctuations, anticipated dietary restrictions and the potential time and effort required for diet adherence. Feedback based on interviews emphasised moderate to high acceptability, satisfaction with menu planning and counselling and recognition of the benefits of trying new foods and sustaining positive dietary changes beyond the study. Improvements in depression symptoms (Cohen's d = 0·36, 95 % CI (-0·24, 3·36)), parent food modeling (Cohen's d = 0·24, 95 % CI (-0·43, 1·16) and the family food environment (Cohen's d = 0·61, 95 % CI (-0·04, 2·61)) were observed. This nutrition intervention was feasible for adolescents with MDD and was acceptable to both parents and depressed adolescents. These preliminary data suggest that further examination of the intervention and its potential benefits on depression symptoms and family food dynamics are warranted.

Predicting food consumption using contextual factors: An application of machine learning models

Abstract Background Improving diet quality relies on making manageable adjustments to eating behaviours. Personalised nutrition interventions hold promise for modifying behaviour. Machine learning (ML) offers a novel approach to examining dietary behaviours in personalised nutrition by leveraging data on past behaviours and environmental contexts. This study aims to investigate whether contextual factors at eating occasions (EO) can predict food consumption to enhance diet quality. Methods Cross sectional data from the Measuring Eating in Everyday Life Study (MEALS) were analysed (n = 675, 18-35y). A smartphone food diary app recorded dietary intakes at EO for 3-4 non-consecutive days, also capturing social-environmental (e.g., activity) and physical-environmental factors (e.g., consumption location). Participant characteristics were collected via an online survey. Food groups intake (servings per EO) followed Australian Dietary Guidelines. This study benchmarked two established models, gradient boost decision tree and random forest, which have previously shown high performance in similar tasks. Performance was evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation, measuring mean absolute error (MEA), root mean square error (RMSE), and R squared. Feature importance analysis identified key variables for predicting food consumption. Results ML predicts most food groups at EO using contextual factors, with slight differences between actual and predicted consumption (&amp;lt;1 serving per EO). For fruits, dairy, and meat, MEA values were 0.35, 0.34, and 0.56 servings, respectively (RMSE values: 0.61, 0.50, and 0.80 servings). Self-efficacy, age and consumption location were influential in most ML models. Conclusions ML offers insights into contextual factors and food consumption, suggesting directions for precision nutrition interventions. Future research should identify positive influences of contextual factors on dietary behaviours and incorporate these insights into interventions. Key messages • Machine learning can effectively predict food consumption based on contextual factors at eating occasions. • Understanding the influence of contextual factors such as consumption location on food consumption can inform the development of precision nutrition interventions aimed at improving diet quality.

Does Contract Farming Improve Diet Quality? The Case of Senegalese Smallholders

ABSTRACTThe institution of contract farming has gained prominence in most developing countries owing to its numerous benefits. While several studies have already highlighted the welfare benefits of contract farming, very few have investigated the effects on diet quality, despite poor quality diets being a serious challenge in most parts of the developing world. Moreover, such existing studies deal with contract farming in speciality crops, although contract farming in staple crops may have different effects on diet quality. Therefore, this study evaluates the role of staple crop contracts on diet quality, proxied by two measures of dietary diversity. Using cross‐sectional data from rice‐producing households in Senegal, we employ linear models through ordinary least squares to estimate the relationship between contract farming and diet quality. Our results show that participation in contract farming is positively associated with household dietary diversity and hence, diet quality. Our results further show that income is the main pathway through which contracts and diet quality are associated. With increasing calls for agriculture to be nutrition‐sensitive, our results suggest that the institution of contract farming can play an important role in this regard by improving diet quality.

Incentivizing Youth and Family SNAP-Ed Participation With Fruit and Vegetable Rewards

Poor diet quality in the United States impacts millions of individuals, particularly in low-income communities. The Federal Government’s primary safety-net program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and its associated nutrition education initiative, SNAP-Ed, aim to improve food security and diet quality. A number of Food as Medicine interventions have demonstrated that tying nutrition education to healthy food incentives improves diet quality and metabolic disease markers. There have been recent efforts to provide fruits and vegetables to SNAP participants via GusNIP (Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program) and related programs. However, these incentives have not been tied to nutrition education opportunities. We argue that SNAP-Ed can have a greater impact on diet quality and food security by increasing its reach to a larger number of SNAP participants with the benefits of food incentives. Thus, we propose pilot studies to assess the efficacy of combining SNAP-Ed and healthy food incentives, targeting both adults and youth for a comprehensive impact.

Lifestyle changes and patient-reported outcomes over five years in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis after a single multimodal intensive lifestyle education workshop.

Modifiable lifestyle risk factors for progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been increasingly studied. This study employed a single-group design involving a one-off intensive live-in educational workshop on lifestyle modification for people with MS. We aimed to examine changes in a range of clinical and lifestyle variables and quality of life, self-efficacy, physical impact of MS and disability from baseline to 3- and 5-years post-intervention. 95 participants completed the baseline survey. Data included lifestyle risk factors of diet quality, meat and dairy consumption, omega 3 and vitamin D supplementation, physical activity, stress reducing activities, and smoking status, and use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Patient-reported outcomes included health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, physical impact of MS and disability. Generalised estimating equation models were used to account for within-participant correlation over time. Sixty participants (63.2%) provided data at 3- and 5-years. Significant improvements in diet quality, omega 3 supplementation, and non-smoking were seen at both timepoints. Use of DMTs and disability remained unchanged. Mental (8.8- and 6.9-point) and physical (10.5- and 7.3-point) quality of life, and self-efficacy (2.4- and 1.9-point) improved significantly at 3- and 5-years, respectively. Physical impact of MS reduced from baseline to 3-years (-3.7 points) with a trend towards reduction at 5-years (-2.9 points; p = 0.079). Education on lifestyle modification can lead to lifestyle modification and short and long-term improvements in mental and physical wellbeing outcomes. Results suggest potential value in lifestyle modification as an adjunctive component to standard therapy for MS.

Effects of Daily Almond Consumption on Glycemia in Adults with Elevated Risk for Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential for sustained almond consumption to reduce HbA1c concentrations among individuals with elevated values. A 16-week randomized, parallel-arm, controlled trial was conducted. Eighty-one adults with elevated HbA1c concentrations (>5.7%) were randomly assigned to incorporate 2 oz of raw almonds (A: n=39) or energy-matched snacks (C: n=42) into their daily diets. Body weight, body composition, plasma lipids, HbA1c, plasma vitamin E, glycemia (by meal tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring), dietary intake, and hedonic responses to test foods were measured at stipulated time points. Participants consuming almonds ingested 253 kcal/d more than participants in the control group (P=0.02), but this did not result in a significant difference in body weight. No statistically significant differences were observed in HbA1c concentrations, blood chemistries, body composition, or glycemia over time or between groups. However, Healthy Eating Index scores improved within the almond group as compared to the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the hedonic rating of almonds within the almond group did not decline as markedly as the control group's reduced liking of the pretzel snack. Alpha-tocopherol increased significantly, and gamma tocopherol tended to decrease in the almond group, indicating compliance with the dietary intervention. Overall, daily ingestion of 2oz of raw almonds in a self-selected diet for 16 weeks did not alter short-term or longer-term glycemia or HbA1c concentrations in adults with elevated HbA1c concentrations, but they were well-tolerated hedonically and improved diet quality without promoting weight gain.

Dietary Pattern Trajectories in French Adults of the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Over Time (2014-2022): Role of Socioeconomic Factors.

While dietary transitions towards more plant-based diets are urgently needed, few studies have investigated current diet trajectories, based on observed longitudinal data. This study investigated current dietary transitions of French adults over an 8 years period (2014-2022), while assessing the diet quality and the role of diverse socio-economic factors.Consumption data from 17,187 NutriNet-Santé cohort participants weighted for the French Census were collected using a food frequency questionnaire in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Adopting a gender-specific approach, consumption changes in 23 food groups were assessed over time. The diet quality was evaluated using the Comprehensive Diet Quality Index (cDQI) score, categorizing foods into "healthy" and "unhealthy". The socioeconomic analysis targeted four food groups (red meat (including fresh beef, pork, offal, and lamb), processed meat (e.g. sausages, ham, and bacon), legumes, and wholegrain products), strongly linked to mortality risk and recognized as significant markers of the sustainable diet transition. All analyses were conducted using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models.Consumption of some healthy plant-based foods (nuts +59 %, legumes +22%, wholegrain products +7%) significantly increased over time; while consumption of some unhealthy foods (red meat -19%, refined cereals -18%, sweetened drinks -15%) decreased. Conversely, consumption of prepared and mixed dishes (+16%), and processed meat (+35%) increased. These changes differed in magnitude between genders and translated into an improved diet quality score (cDQI). Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption, showing increased consumption of plant-based foods among students and higher socio-professional categories.Our findings provide accurate data on trends and factors for targeted initiatives, guiding strategic interventions for a sustainable dietary transition.

The association of diet quality with the mental health of students during their transition to university.

University students are at risk of experiencing mental health and diet quality problems during their transition to university. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional associations between the diet quality and mental health of students during their transition to universities in the UK, and the impact of the transition on diet quality and mental health. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and took place during the first semester of year 2021-2022. Participants were first year undergraduate students at four UK universities, living at student halls. They were invited to participate by completing online surveys, including a diet quality instrument (Short Form Food Frequency Questionnaire), a mental health instrument (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale) and a quality of transition instrument (College Adjustment Questionnaire). Results showed that a healthy diet was associated with good mental health (b = -3.46, 95% CI [-6.14, -.78]). Unfavourable mental health was associated with having an unhealthy diet (b = -.01, 95% CI [-.02, -.00]). Transition did not moderate the relationship between diet quality and mental health of students, or vice versa (ps> .05). Preliminary analyses showed a significant direct effect of good quality of transition to university on good mental health (b = -1.51, 95% CI [-1.88, -1.13]), but did not have an indirect effect via diet quality; there were no significant direct or indirect effects on diet quality, however larger studies are needed to replicate these preliminary analyses. Our current findings can inform university policies and health education research, and further research is needed to determine whether interventions to improve diet quality at the university level could reduce mental health issues, and whether interventions to support students under stress may lead to healthier dietary habits. Cross-sectional studies cannot determine the directionality of effects, hence longitudinal studies are required to enhance our understanding of the relationships between diet quality and mental health over time.

Dietary Intake and Diet Quality of Female and Male NCAA Division I Cross Country Runners from a Single University

BackgroundCollegiate student-athletes have unique nutritional requirements to support their athletic performance and health. Few studies have comprehensively characterized the diets of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student-athletes. ObjectivesTo characterize dietary intake and diet quality during a competitive season in female and male NCAA Division I cross country student-athletes from a single university. MethodsFemales and males (n = 14/sex) from the Florida State University cross country teams completed 9-d of food records across their competitive season. Nutrient intakes were compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes for the United States population [e.g., Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs)] and athlete-specific guidelines. Diet quality was assessed according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) using the 2020 Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020). Total daily energy expenditure was estimated from training records. ResultsCarbohydrate intakes were below athlete guidelines in 43% of females (mean ± SD, 5.67 ± 1.16 g·kg–1·d–1) and 29% of males (4.95 ± 1.05, P sex = 0.096). All participants met or exceeded athlete recommendations for protein (2.09 ± 0.425 g·kg–1·d–1, 1.92 ± 0.519, P sex = 0.36) and fat (32.8 ± 5.1% kcal, 34.4 ± 3.4%, P sex = 0.36). No participants met the RDA for vitamin D (5.14 ± 1.78 μg/d, 4.91 ± 3.24, P sex = 0.83). Only 79% of females and 36% of males met the RDA for calcium (1220 ± 307 mg/d, 1010 ± 296, P sex = 0.83). Most females (n = 13) and males (n = 11) consumed iron supplements where total intakes exceeded the tolerable upper intake level (110 ± 60.1 mg/d, 66.8 ± 36.3, P sex = 0.029). HEI-2020 indicated poor adherence to the DGAs, with better diet quality in females (65.3 ± 13.7) than males (50.6 ± 10.1, P sex = 0.0034). Participants failed to meet guidelines for all HEI-2020 food group components except total protein foods. Total daily energy expenditure was greater in males and declined across the competitive season (P sex < 0.0001, P time < 0.0001, P sex∗time = 0.25). ConclusionsNCAA Division I cross country student-athletes consumed inadequate carbohydrates, calcium, and vitamin D but met or exceeded intake guidelines for protein, fat, and iron. Diet quality was poor; HEI-2020 component scores may indicate food groups to target to improve diet quality and intake of nutrients important to runners.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04079322.

The Impact of Non-Fiscal Mandatory and Voluntary Policies and Interventions on the Reformulation of Food and Beverage Products: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Low quality diets are a risk factor for non-communicable diseases; therefore, improving diet quality is a public health and policy priority in the UK and elsewhere. Reformulating food/beverage products to make them healthier may be an effective approach. Evidence suggests that fiscal interventions, notably taxes/levies on soft drinks, can lead to reformulation but the evidence for voluntary or mandated non-fiscal interventions is less clear. We aimed to review and synthesise contemporary evidence to determine whether non-fiscal policies/interventions result in the reformulation of food/beverage products Methods: In April 2023, we systematically searched ten international academic and nine grey literature databases. We included real-world study designs, all nutrients, in- and out-of-home sectors, and studies published from 2013, to ensure policy relevancy. We excluded modelling studies. Using the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis method we conducted vote counting of studies based on the direction of effect and narrative synthesis by intervention type. Risk of bias was assessed using a tool developed by the EPPI-Centre and quality was assessed using GRADE. Results: We included 77 real-world studies from 19 countries, reporting 100 non-fiscal policies/interventions. Most commonly, these were reduction targets (n = 44), front-of-pack labels (n = 23), and advertising standards (n = 9). Most interventions were voluntary (n = 67), compared to mandatory (n = 33), and focused on the in-home sector (n = 63). The vote counting results showed non-fiscal policies/interventions overall led to improvements in reformulation in 60/63 studies with a valid direction of effect (95%, 95% CI 0.869, 0.984, p < 0.001). Mandatory implementations were more successful than voluntary implementations with 15/15 showing an improvement (100%, 95% CI 0.796, 1], p < 0.001), compared 40/43 showing an improvement (93%, 95% CI 0.814, 0.976, p < 0.001). Most of the studies were of low quality, due to the observational nature of the studies. Sodium was the most commonly targeted nutrient (n = 56) and was found to be reformulated in most studies. Causation is difficult to establish from real-world studies, but evidence suggests that regulatory and multi-component strategies may be effective at driving reformulation. Conclusions: Non-fiscal policies/interventions can play an important role in driving reformulation, alongside fiscal measures. This work was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research PRP-PRU-02-15-Healthy Weight and registered on Open Science Framework.

Spread developed with peanuts, baru almonds, and ora-pro-nóbis mucilage: chemical, technological, and bioactive characteristics

The number of people changing their eating habits towards healthier foods is increasing. Among foods, peanut butter is widely consumed all around the world. However, the lipid content of peanut butter is high, which ends up being a reason for restriction for some consumers. One strategy is to replace peanuts with baru almonds, an almond native to the Brazilian Cerrado, using ora-pro-nóbis mucilage to maintain the characteristics. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the spread with peanuts, baru almonds, and ora-pro-nóbis mucilage. Different baru almond and ora-pro-nóbis mucilage concentrations substituted the peanut concentration on the spread. Chemical, physical, technological, bioactive, and storage characteristics were evaluated. Spread with the highest amount of ora-pro-nóbis mucilage (0.2 g/100 g of butter) showed a 16% increase in protein content. The mineral profile was improved in the formulations developed compared with spreads. The firmness of the spread did not show a significant difference from the peanut-based control formulation. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was higher in a developed spread. During storage, up to 30 days, most formulations maintained their initial pH and acidity, with changes in color parameters. Spread showed great nutritional value, being an interesting food alternative to improve diet quality.

The contribution of dietary composition over 25 years to cardiovascular risk factors in childhood and adulthood: the Princeton Lipid Research Study.

Diet is a contributing factor to CVD risk, but how diet quality changes over the long term and contributes to CVD risk is less well studied. Diet data were analysed from parents and offspring from the Princeton Lipid Research Study (24-h recall in the 1970s; Block FFQ in 1998). Diet quality was assessed using an 8-point Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension nutrient-based scoring index, including a new method for scoring in children, as well as examining twelve key macro/micronutrients. Outcomes included blood glucose, blood pressure, serum lipids and BMI. The analysis included 221 parents (39 % male, mean age 38·9 ± 6·5 at baseline and 66·6 ± 6·6 at follow-up) and 606 offspring (45 % male, 11·9 ± 3·2 at baseline and 38·5 ± 3·6 at follow-up). Parents' Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score increased slightly from baseline to follow-up (1·4 ± 1·0 and 2·1 ± 1·3, respectively, P < 0·001), while offspring remained consistent (1·6 ± 0·9 and 1·6 ± 1·1, respectively, P = 0·58). Overall, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score, adjusted for age, race, sex and BMI, was not significantly associated with any examined outcomes. Of the macro/micronutrients at follow-up, saturated and total fat were associated with increased diabetes and dyslipidaemia in parents, while the inverse was seen with niacin. Among offspring, niacin was associated with lower rates of hypertension and dyslipidaemia. In conclusion, no relationship was detected between Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension adherence and disease outcomes. However, both saturated fat and niacin were associated with components of CVD risk, highlighting the need for improved diet quality overall.