Sugar Intake Research Articles

Dietary intakes, food behaviours, and health indicators among Métis youth in Manitoba, Canada.

Poor diets and food insecurity during adolescence can have long lasting effects, and Métis youth may be at higher risk. This study, as part of the Food and Nutrition Security for Manitoba Youth (FANS) study, examines dietary intakes, food behaviours, and health indicators of Métis compared to non-Métis youth. This observational cross-sectional study involved a cohort of adolescents completed a self-administered web-based survey on demographics, dietary intake (24-h recall), food behaviours, food security, and select health indicators. Manitoba, Canada. Participants included 1587 Manitoba grade nine students, with 135 (8.5%) self-identifying as Métis, a distinct Indigenous nation living in Canada. Median intake of sugar was significantly higher in Métis (89.2 g) compared with non-Métis (76.3 g) participants. Percent energy intake of saturated fat was also significantly higher in Métis (12.4%) than non-Métis (11.6%) participants. Median intakes of Grain Products and Meat and Alternatives servings were significantly lower among Métis than non-Métis (6.0 vs. 7.0 and 1.8 vs. 2.0, respectively) participants. Intake of Other Foods was significantly higher in Métis (4.0) than non-Métis (3.0). Significantly more Métis participants were food insecure (33.1%) compared to non-Métis participants (19.1%). Significantly more Métis participants ate family dinners and breakfast less often than non-Métis participants, and had lower self-reported health. Significantly more Métis participants had a BMI classified as obese compared to non-Métis participants (12.6% vs. 7.1%). The dietary intakes observed in this study, both among Métis and non-Métis youth, are concerning. Many have dietary patterns that put them at risk for developing health issues in the future.

Survey of nutritional intake status in college baseball players.

Diet is closely related to exercise performance. To improve athletes' performance and manage their condition, it is important to get sufficient energy and various nutrients. Thus, it is necessary that athletes understand their nutritional intake status to improve performance and maintain health. This study aimed to explore the nutritional intake status of college baseball players using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Furthermore, the characteristics of their nutritional intake status with respect to athletic performance were evaluated. The result of this studyprovide an opportunity for many under-developed college athletes with irregular lifestyles to recognize and improve their nutritional problems. In October 2022, a questionnaire survey of 116 male members of a college baseball club was conducted. Of whom, 100 (94.3%) members responded to the survey and 92 (92.0%) provided valid responses. The survey items included basic characteristics such as college grade and type of living arrangement, and information on living conditions, e.g. whether the participant ate breakfast. Nutritional intake was evaluated using the FFQ. Players were divided into the first (regular players in official games), second (bench players in official games), third (players who may join the second or higher team in the future), and fourth teams (players who do not belong to the first to third teams); these categories were used as a marker of performance level. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the association between the performance levels of baseball players and the intake of each nutrient and food group obtained by the FFQ. For items that showed a significant association, inter-group comparison was performed using the Dunn-Bonferroni method. Carbohydrate intake was greater in the second team compared with the third and fourth teams; saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid intake was higher in the third team compared with the fourth team. Calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, insoluble dietary fiber, iodine, and molybdenum intake was higher in the second team compared with the fourth team. Intake of grains, sugar, dairy, and total energy was significantly higher in the second team compared with the fourth team. However, the protein intake ratio was significantly lower in the second team compared with the fourth team. Overall, energy deficiency and associated deficiencies in protein, fat, and carbohydrate were observed, in addition to dietary fiber and calcium deficiencies. The intake of several food groups appeared inadequate, such as potatoes, beans, vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, and fats. The study showed deficiencies in the amount of energy and nutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrate in college baseball players. Differences in the intake of carbohydrate, calcium, and insoluble dietary fiber among different performance levels were observed, with significantly higher intake of carbohydrate, calcium, and insoluble dietary fiber in the second team. Implementing organized and strategic remedial measures and athletes' identification of nutritional problems are vital to overcome nutritional and energy deficiencies. This study provides useful information for the development of strategies to support nutritional intake in college baseball players.

Food consumption and cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents living with HIV: a systematic review

ABSTRACT The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the dietary intake of children and adolescents living with HIV and its association with cardiovascular risk factors. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, BIREME and LILACS were searched for original observational studies. The studies were extracted between June and August 2021, in addition to a manual search of references. Twelve studies involving 1,805 participants aged 6.5 to 17.3 years were included. An association between energy intake, low sugar and fat intake and the presence of lipodystrophy syndrome was reported in 1 of the 12 (8.3%) studies, between fat intake and plasma lipid levels in 1 (8.3%), and between low fiber intake and high z-scores for BMI in 1 (8.3%); there was a positive correlation between cholesterol intake and plasma triglyceride levels in 1 study (8.3%). In conclusion, a dietary pattern of low consumption of fruits and vegetables was identified, but few studies have reported associations between dietary intake and cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, there is a need for nutritional guidance strategies aimed at changing inappropriate eating habits in order to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in this population.

Dietary simple sugar intake, metabolic indicators, markers of inflammation, and injury among semi-professional football players

Background: Dietary sugar intake has been implicated in the development of metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and immune dysfunction, contributing to the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary total simple sugar intake and glycemic markers, lipid profile, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and adenosine deaminase activity (ADA), among semi-professional football players. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 semi-professional football players. Dietary intake of simple sugars was assessed using validated dietary assessment tools, while serum levels of biochemical variables were measured using standard laboratory assays. Multinomial logistic regression analysis and partial correlation analysis were performed to examine the associations between dietary simple sugars and serum biomarkers, adjusting for confounders. Results: Strong positive associations were observed between dietary total simple sugar intake and hs-CRP and ADA levels in multinomial regression analysis. Also, among individual assessment of dietary simple sugars, dietary fructose and glucose intake were positively correlated with serum hs-CRP levels (r = 0.484, P < 0.001 and r = 0.393, P < 0.001, respectively) and serum ADA levels (r = 0.233, P = 0.001 for glucose; r = 0.188, P = 0.01 for fructose). There was no other association between dietary simple sugar intake and metabolic parameters. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significant impact of dietary sugar intake on inflammation, as reflected by serum hs-CRP and ADA levels. Strategies aimed at reducing sugar consumption may help mitigate inflammation and improve overall health outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting dietary sugar intake for the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition

Background: In recent years, juicing has often been promoted as a convenient way to increase fruit and vegetable intake, with juice-only diets marketed for digestive cleansing and overall health improvement. However, juicing removes most insoluble fiber, which may diminish the health benefits of whole fruits and vegetables. Lower fiber intake can alter the microbiota, affecting metabolism, immunity, and mental health, though little is known about juicing’s specific effects on the microbiota. This study addresses this gap by exploring how juicing impacts gut and oral microbiome composition in an intervention study. Methods: Fourteen participants followed one of three diets—exclusive juice, juice plus food, or plant-based food—for three days. Microbiota samples (stool, saliva, and inner cheek swabs) were collected at baseline, after a pre-intervention elimination diet, immediately after juice intervention, and 14 days after intervention. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to analyze microbiota taxonomic composition. Results: The saliva microbiome differed significantly in response to the elimination diet (unweighted UniFrac: F = 1.72, R = 0.06, p < 0.005; weighted UniFrac: F = 7.62, R = 0.23, p-value = 0.0025) with a significant reduction in Firmicutes (p = 0.004) and a significant increase in Proteobacteria (p = 0.005). The juice intervention diets were also associated with changes in the saliva and cheek microbiota, particularly in the relative abundances of pro-inflammatory bacterial families, potentially due to the high sugar and low fiber intake of the juice-related products. Although no significant shifts in overall gut microbiota composition were observed, with either the elimination diet or the juice intervention diets, bacterial taxa associated with gut permeability, inflammation, and cognitive decline increased in relative abundance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term juice consumption may negatively affect the microbiota.

A gut microorganism turns the dial on sugar intake.

A gut microorganism turns the dial on sugar intake.

Impact of Free Sugar Consumption on Dental Caries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Children in the United States

Background/Objectives: The excessive consumption of free sugars adversely impacts health, contributing to systemic disorders and significantly increasing the risk of dental caries. Children are particularly vulnerable to dental caries due to their dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sugar intake and dental caries experience in a sample of children aged 6–12 years. Methods: Data were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2011–2016. This cross-sectional study utilized nationally representative data from NHANES, which provides comprehensive health assessments on the U.S. population. This study focused on 3658 children aged 6–12 years. Free sugar intake and its association with dental caries were evaluated using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, a widely accepted measure for assessing cumulative caries experience in permanent teeth. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were also accounted for. The sample primarily consisted of generally healthy children, with mild to moderate health conditions included in the analysis. Results: The average Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was 1.69 (SD = 2.61). Untreated dental caries affected 19.1% of the sample, with disproportionately higher rates observed among Mexican American children (23.8%), children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (24.2%), those with less-educated parents (25.1%), and overweight children (22.9%). Mean daily free sugar intake was 72.46 g (SD = 50.45), with significant variations across race/ethnicity, parental education, and gender. A statistically significant association was found between free sugar intake and dental caries in U.S. children (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Free sugar intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of dental caries. Disparities in caries prevalence were evident based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and parental education levels. Regulating sugar intake and promoting dietary education are effective strategies to reduce the risk of dental caries and improve oral health outcomes among children.

P0622 Total emulsifier intake, but not ultra-processed food consumption is higher in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease compared to healthy controls

Abstract Background Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, which often contains emulsifiers that might affect the intestinal barrier, has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence and progression.1 Here, we assessed intake of UPFs, emulsifiers and macronutrients in patients with IBD and healthy controls. Methods Dietary intake was cross-sectionally calculated from Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) and food logs. Two 24-hour dietary recalls in IBD patients attending the infusion unit were compared to two prospective logs from healthy controls from the FOAM study.2 Kruskal Wallis with post-hoc Dunn test was used for continuous data, and Fisher exact test for proportions, with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Results We included 186 subjects (Table 1). Assessing food logs, UPF intake was similar in all groups, yet emulsifier intake was higher in UC and CD compared to controls (p=0.03 and p=0.0004, resp). Compared to controls, higher intakes of E402 (UC p=0.02, CD p=0.002), E411 (both p=0.01), E471 (UC p=0.02, CD p=0.0009), as well as carrageenan E407 (UC p=0.001, CD p=0.002), and xanthan gum E415 (UC p=0.03, CD p=0.01) were seen (Fig 1). Intake of E476 was higher in CD compared to controls (p=0.02), while intake of guar gum E412 was higher in UC compared to controls (p=0.02). The proportion of non-consumers of E402 was higher in controls (100%) compared to IBD (CD 83%, UC 67%, p=0.03). Sugar intake was higher in UC (p=0.004) compared to controls. When comparing FFQs, a higher intake of deli meat in CD was seen, compared to UC (p=0.04). Compared to controls, soft drink (UC p=0.0005, CD p=0.001), meat (UC p=0.02, CD p=0.04), and butter intake (UC p=0.03, CD p= 0.005) was higher in IBD. However, intake of breakfast cereals (UC p=6e-13, CD p=1e-10), legumes (UC p=2e-04, CD p=1e-05), meat substitutes (UC 6e-04, CD p=0.02), whole grain pasta and rice (UC p=2e-6, CD p=4e-5), and fibre (UC p=0.01, CD p=0.002) was lower in UC and CD. Coffee (p=0.03), potato (p=0.01), deli meat (p=3e-04), and sodium intake (p=0.02) was higher in CD patients than controls, while nut and seed intake was lower (p=3e-04). For UC, polysaccharide intake was lower in UC than controls (p=0.007). There was no correlation between C-reactive protein and intake of UPFs, emulsifiers, macronutrients or total energy intake (p>0.1). Conclusion We show higher intakes of emulsifiers in patients with IBD compared to controls, while UPF intake was comparable. The concomitant increased intake of specific emulsifiers such as carrageenan and guar gum that have previously been associated with disruption of the intestinal barrier, warrant further investigation into their role in the propagation and maintenance of gut inflammation.

The effect of a 14-day Gymnema sylvestre intervention to reduce sugar intake in people self-identifying with a sweet tooth.

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) contains gymnemic acids which can reversibly suppress sweet taste responses. This randomised crossover study aimed to investigate whether supplemental GS use can reduce sugar cravings, sweet food desire and consumption among adults that identify as high sweet food consumers (having a 'sweet tooth'). Participants were told three different mints were trialled to avoid bias. On day zero, 32 healthy participants underwent baseline sensory testing for sweet taste perception using the placebo mint (PLAC). Participants were then randomised into the two intervention groups. On day 15 and 30, participants underwent further sensory testing using the GS mints, before embarking on each 14-day intervention using the GS mints, using either a systematic (at 3 specified times/day; SYS) or ad libitum (up to 6 mints/day at times of their choosing; AD-LIB) regimen, as assigned. On day 30, participants swapped over to the other intervention (using the other regimen), completing final data collection in day 45. At all visits participants completed questionnaires (food frequency questionnaire, beverage questionnaire and cravings questionnaire), anthropometric measures, and sensory testing. Sensory testing was not required for day 45. The AD-LIB condition reduced daily sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) intake by 42% relative to PLAC (p=0.015) and reduced overall sugar cravings by 28% relative to PLAC (p=0.045). Both AD-LIB and SYS reduced pleasantness ratings (p<0.005) and desire (p=0.005) for more chocolate. Using GS with an ad libitum regimen reduced sugar cravings and changed sweet food desire and consumption in people identifying as having a sweet tooth.

Does maternal consumption of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners result in offspring hypertension?

The consumption of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) has increased significantly in recent decades. The nutritional status of pregnant women plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of their offspring developing hypertension in adulthood. While NNSs provide a sweet taste without adding to sugar intake, emerging evidence suggests that maternal consumption of not only nutritive sweeteners (such as fructose) but also NNS may lead to adverse outcomes in offspring, including hypertension. This review provides an overview of the latest research connecting maternal intake of sweeteners to the long-term risk of hypertension in offspring. We examine proposed mechanisms underlying the programming of offspring hypertension by sweeteners, encompassing oxidative stress, dysregulated nutrient sensing signals, abnormal renin-angiotensin system, transcriptome changes, and dysbiotic gut microbiota. Additionally, we outline preventive strategies that can help alleviate offspring hypertension programmed by maternal diets high in sweeteners. Recent advancements in understanding the mechanisms through which maternal consumption of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners contributes to offspring hypertension offer promise for addressing this widespread health concern at its developmental roots. Nonetheless, further research is needed to educate the public about the safety of sweetener consumption during pregnancy and lactation.

Neurobehavioral plasticity in the rodent gustatory system induced by regular consumption of a low-calorie sweetener during adolescence

Habitual consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) during juvenile-adolescence can lead to greater sugar intake later in life. Here, we investigated if exposure to the LCS Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) during this critical period of development reprograms the taste system in a way that would alter hedonic responding for common dietary compounds. Results revealed that early-life LCS intake not only enhanced the avidity for a caloric sugar (fructose) when rats were in a state of caloric need, it increased acceptance of a bitterant (quinine) in Ace-K-exposed rats tested when middle-aged. These behavior shifts, which endured months after the end of Ace-K exposure, were accompanied by widespread changes in the peripheral taste system. The anterior tongue had fewer fungiform taste papillae, and the circumvallate papillae had a reduced anterior to posterior span and diminished expression of genes involved in sweet reception, sweet and bitter intracellular signaling, fructose transport, and cellular progeneration in the Ace-K-exposed rats. Ace-K exposure also led to a significant reduction in dopamine-producing cells of the ventral tegmental area. The collective findings reveal that LCS intake early in life alters the taste-brain axis and the behavioral responsiveness to both positive and negative tastants that are important determinants of dietary preferences.

Effects of an intervention on immigrant parents' knowledge and attitudes toward their children's oral health: A cluster randomized trial in Norway.

There are no interventional studies on the oral health of immigrant children in Norway. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a culturally adapted oral health intervention for parental knowledge, attitude to oral hygiene, attitude to diet, and indulgence (permissiveness toward oral hygiene and sugar intake) concerning their children's oral health. A cluster randomized control trial, including immigrant parents of newborns, was conducted at seven health centers in Bergen (Norway) involving a 2-session one-to-one motivational interviews, toothbrushing demonstrations and pamphlets in the participants' native languages at baseline and after 6 months. Mean differences in outcome scores were assessed and compared between intervention and control groups using generalized linear mixed model. In an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (n=345), the estimated mean difference in parental attitude to diet and indulgence between the groups indicated more improvement in the control than in the intervention group in the adjusted models. For all outcomes within both groups, a slight positive change was observed in marginal mean scores from baseline to follow-up. The two culturally adapted intervention sessions had no impact on oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and indulgence of immigrant parents. These findings suggest that more comprehensive interventions may be needed to improve parental knowledge and attitudes toward children's oral health. Trial Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05758454.

Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption on Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference Among Adolescents in Erbil City, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study Using 24-h Dietary Recall

(1) Background: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major source of added sugars and have been linked to adverse health outcomes, including obesity and metabolic disorders. The global rise in adolescents who are overweight and obese presents critical public health challenges. Although there is a growing focus on SSB consumption globally, data on sugar and SSB intake in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan region, remain scarce. This study aims to assess SSB consumption and its association with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference among adolescents in Erbil, Iraq, contributing to efforts to address obesity in this population. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included 379 intermediate school students aged 11 to 16 years from Erbil, Iraq. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire to gather information on sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, and sleep duration. Weight and height were measured, and age- and sex-adjusted BMI z-scores were calculated. Waist circumference was measured twice, with the average value recorded. Dietary data were obtained using two non-consecutive 24 h recalls (one on a school day and one on a weekend day), and the average daily SSB consumption was calculated. Multiple regression modeling was used to evaluate the associations between SSB consumption, BMI, and waist circumference, adjusting for potential confounders. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, with statistical significance set at 5%. (3) Results: The mean daily intake of SSBs was 686.71 ± 197.50 milliliters (mL), with males consuming significantly more (719.8 ± 185.9) than females (658.0 ± 185.3) (p = 0.001). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 41.7%. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant positive association between BMI and SSB consumption, sedentary behavior, and total caloric intake (p &lt; 0.001), while age was negatively associated with BMI. The consumption of SSBs was strongly associated with BMI, with each additional milliliter of SSB intake associated with a 0.002 unit increase in BMI (t-value = 12.498, p &lt; 0.001). Waist circumference was significantly positively associated with SSB consumption, total caloric intake, and sedentary behavior (p &lt; 0.001), while age (p &lt; 0.001) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.005) were negatively associated with waist circumference. For each additional milliliter of SSB consumed, waist circumference increased by 0.028 units (t-value = 12.498, p &lt; 0.001). (4) Conclusions: High levels of SSB consumption were observed among adolescents in Erbil, particularly among males. Significant associations were found between SSB intake, overweight/obesity, and waist circumference. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and further investigation into the factors driving SSB consumption in this population.

Nutritional assessment of adolescents: A cross-sectional study from public schools of North India.

Technological advancements and globalization have shifted dietary behaviours, contributing to increased chronic disease prevalence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like India. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to these changes, which can impact their lifelong health. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of adolescents in public schools in Chandigarh, India. Conducted as part of a cluster randomized control trial, the study used two-stage random sampling to select 12 schools and eighth-grade classes, recruiting 453 adolescents aged 10-16 years. Nutritional status was evaluated through dietary behaviour assessments, anthropometric measurements, and 24-hour urinary salt-level analysis. Dietary patterns were recorded using two 24-hour recalls, and analyzed with PURE study software based on 2010 Indian dietary data from ICMR-NIN. Anthropometric measures followed standardized protocols, and salt levels were assessed in laboratories. The mean age of the adolescents was 13.06 years, with 55% being boys. Among them, 32% had high salt intake, and 55% had high sugar intake. Additionally, 90% had low fruit intake, and 83% had low vegetable intake. The adolescents were deficient in several macro and micronutrients, including energy, fats, fibre, iron, zinc, iodine, riboflavin, and vitamins B-6 and B-12. A higher proportion of boys (10%) were classified as thin compared to girls (2%), while a greater proportion of girls (36%) had abdominal obesity. In contrast, a larger proportion of boys (23%) were severely acutely malnourished. Nearly all adolescents exhibited high urinary excretory salt levels. Most adolescents exhibited dietary risk factors, including high salt and sugar intake, along with low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Many were deficient in various macro and micronutrients, with the coexistence of both thinness and obesity. Regular nutritional assessments in schools are essential to address the dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition. Furthermore, health-promoting interventions should be developed within school settings to encourage healthy dietary practices.

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms: Associations with self-reported dietary and exercise changes.

Exposure to trauma and subsequent posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) increase the risk of poor physical health outcomes. Yet, the nuances of the paths from trauma to poor health are largely theoretical, and research regarding how trauma types relate to specific trauma-related changes to diet and exercise is needed. The present study examined the associations between noninterpersonal and interpersonal trauma and PTSS with several novel dietary and exercise changes (i.e., perceived trauma-related diet changes in intake of calories, comfort food, refined carbohydrates, and sugar as well as changes in exercise amount and intensity). Participants were 430 Midwestern University trauma-exposed students (Mage = 23.87, SD = 6.90, range = 18-63; 81.1% female; 56.9% White). Higher PTSS corresponded to increased perceived trauma-related changes in consumption of calories, comfort foods, carbohydrates, and sugar (Bs = 0.1-.02). Interpersonal trauma was not tied to dietary changes, and noninterpersonal traumas were linked to decreased sugar intake. For trauma-related exercise changes, higher PTSS was associated with both increased likelihood of lower intensity exercise (B = .02) and higher intensity exercise (B = .03), yet neither trauma types were related. Further, neither trauma exposure nor PTSS was associated with perceptions in trauma-related increases in exercise amount. PTSS, as opposed to types of trauma exposure, may be the primary driver of perceived trauma-related diet and exercise changes. The identification of trauma-related health modifications may help improve health outcomes of trauma survivors, and ongoing work should examine whether trauma-focused treatment reduces maladaptive changes to diet and exercise. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Free fatty acid receptor 4 modulates dietary sugar preference via the gut microbiota.

Sugar preference is a key contributor to the overconsumption of sugar and the concomitant increase in the incidence of diabetes. However, the exact mechanism of its development remains ambiguous. Here we show that the expression of free fatty acid receptor Ffar4, a receptor for long-chain fatty acids, is decreased in patients and mouse models with diabetes, which is associated with high sugar intake. Deletion of intestinal Ffar4 in mice resulted in reduced gut Bacteroides vulgatus and its metabolite pantothenate, leading to dietary sugar preference. Pantothenate promoted the secretion of GLP-1 which inhibited sugar preference by stimulating hepatic FGF21 release, which in turn regulates energy metabolism. These findings uncover a previously unappreciated role of Ffar4 in negatively regulating sugar preference and suggest B. vulgatus-derived pantothenate as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes.

Effect of a Nutritional Education Intervention on the Reduction of Added Sugar Consumption in Schoolchildren in Southeastern Mexico: Community Study.

Consumption of added sugars negatively affects schoolchildren's health, making it essential to promote strategies designed to reduce their intake through educational interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutritional education intervention, INCAI, on the consumption of added sugars among schoolchildren in southeastern Mexico. A 9-month educational intervention was designed to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and the development of socio-emotional skills among primary school children. Information on the usual intake of foods and beverages was collected from 400 schoolchildren at the beginning and end of the intervention using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. For the analysis, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was constructed using the Poisson distribution family to estimate the effect of the intervention. The relative incidence in the final stage showed a slight increase of 4% (p = 0.093) in the percentage of added sugars compared with the baseline levels in the control group. By contrast, the intervention effect, represented by the interaction between treatment and time, showed a 10% reduction in the final stage in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Based on these findings, the INCAI educational intervention effectively reduced added sugar consumption by 10% in the intervention group, while no significant reduction was observed in the control group. These results suggest that nutritional education programs can be a useful strategy for lowering added sugar intake among schoolchildren, highlighting the importance of incorporating such interventions into public health policies targeting child populations.

Maternal sucrose consumption alters steroid levels in the mother, placenta, and fetus.

Maternal diet has long-term effects on offspring brain development and behavior. Sucrose (table sugar) intakes are high in modern diets, but it is not clear how a maternal high-sucrose diet (HSD) affects the offspring. In rats, a maternal HSD (26% of calories from sucrose, which is human-relevant) alters maternal metabolism and brain and also alters adult offspring endocrinology and behavior in a sex-specific manner. Maternal sucrose intake increases corticosterone levels in adult female offspring and increases motivation for a sugar reward in adult male offspring. Here, to identify possible underlying mechanisms, we examined how a maternal HSD affects steroids in the dam, placenta, and fetus at embryonic day 19.5 using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Maternal sucrose intake increased glucocorticoids (11-deoxycorticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone) and tended to increase the mineralocorticoid aldosterone in maternal serum. In the placenta, maternal sucrose intake decreased androstenedione and testosterone. Maternal HSD increased aldosterone in the fetal blood. Similarly, in the fetal brain, maternal high-sucrose intake increased aldosterone in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, decreased testosterone in the nucleus accumbens, and decreased corticosterone the orbital cortex. In addition, the 11-dehydrocorticosterone/corticosterone and aldosterone/corticosterone ratios were increased in most examined brain regions. Lastly, maternal HSD increased 11-dehydrocorticosterone and aldosterone in the amniotic fluid. In summary, we found dramatic and widespread changes in maternal, placental, and fetal steroids that might mediate the long-term effects of maternal sucrose consumption on adult offspring neuroendocrinology and behavior.

Spatial Distribution and Behavioural Causes with Prevention of Non- Communicable Diseases in Urban Populations: A Case Study of Salamulla, Kolonnawa, Colombo, Sri Lanka

At present, non-communicable diseases record an extreme prevalence around the world, and Salamulla Grama Niladhari Division is no exception. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the spatial distribution of non-communicable diseases in Salamulla, effect of the behaviour and lifestyle of urban population on the occurrence of NCDs, most common non-communicable diseases, and the prevention measures taken by the community and the government. The mix-method approach was employed, collecting primary data through questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. Analysis was performed by displaying GPS locations, creating kernel density maps through ArcGIS Pro 3.2, performing descriptive statistics with histogram through IBM SPSS 21 and MS Excel 2016, and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the distribution of NCDs in Salmulla spans the South-eastern, Western, Central, North-western, and Northern regions. South-eastern, North-western regions and central area, which were urbanised during a 10-year period, are the highest kernel density areas recorded from the majority of NCDs. Gastritis is the most abundant non-communicable disease. Further, internal factors like bad habits, attitudes, age, posture, occupation, daily activities, socio- economic status, parenthood, and external factors like religious ideologies, food patterns, and physical activities were identified. It indicates that the behaviour and lifestyle of respondents play a significant role in the prevalence of NCDs. The community takes preventative interventions like controlling sugar and/or salt intake, and meditation. Government contributes by distributing pots for cultivation and implementing awareness programmes to address the issue.

Adolescents as food designers: The value of co-creation for the development of healthy dairy products

Healthy eating habits may protect adolescents against disease development, ensure optimal physical and cognitive development, and may persist in adulthood. However, adolescents usually prefer sweetened dairy products and show a low consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and pulses. Co-creation offers an innovative and inclusive alternative for the development of new products. Adolescents’ involvement in the co-creation process may promote the development of healthy products that they can effectively choose. This study aimed to use the co-creation process through exploring, prototyping, refining, and validation stages for developing healthy dairy products with and for adolescents, aiming to obtain comprehensive insights into theiropinions, perceptions, preferences, and needs. Twenty-eight adolescents (14–18 years old) participated in three co-creation sections, while the other 65 (14–18 years old) participated only in the validation stage. The adolescents created a healthy dairy product using a set of ingredients in the first section (grouped into dairy base, fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, and culinary ingredients). The adolescents could select the ingredients in the number and quantity they wanted for developing the product. There were only two rules: the dairy base was limited to one, and at least one ingredient of each group must be used. Four factors drove the ingredient selection (hedonic, sensory properties, health impact, and novelty). Afterward, they tasted their prototype and noted possible improvements. In the second section, they created a concept prototype (post) as a product communication strategy. They were requested to create a post similar to those shared on social media to promote their product and invite other adolescents to try it. Seven factors drove the post design (product name, poster visual design, promotional image, ingredients, sensory properties, health compounds and health claims, and marketing purposes). The third section validated the refined products (products with the improvements suggested during the tasting stage) and posts for acceptance and perceptions. The products were accepted by adolescents involved or not in the co-creation process despite using healthy and novel ingredients and sugar reduction. Furthermore, based on the posts, the products were perceived as healthy, nutritious, tasty, and with suitable texture. The concentration of vegetables, grains, and nuts was lower than the fruits, demonstrating that, although the adolescents accepted the products, they would not be the central ingredient. The adolescents participating in the co-creation sections were not biased towards higher acceptance scores or more positive perceptions of the posts than general adolescents. These results demonstrated the high potential to involve adolescents in product co-creation and provide helpful subsidies for its implementation. The healthy dairy products co-created in this study could comply with policy measures designed to reduce added sugar intake and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. Public health policies may encourage schools to engage adolescents in cooking activities and meal planning, besides performing marketing restrictions and food reformulation strategies, mainly related to sugar reduction.