Mediterranean Diet Score Research Articles

Nourishing Minds:The Effect of the Healthy Nutrition Education on Hedonic Hunger, Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Self-Efficacy for Healthy Eating among Early Adolescence.

Nutrition education is crucial for improving nutritional knowledge. This study aims to evaluate the impact of healthy nutrition education on hedonic hunger, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and self-efficacy for healthy eating among early adolescence. This one-group, pre-test-post-test, quasi-experimental study included 202 middle-school students. Data were collected using a researcher-designed survey that included demographic variables, the Children's Power of Food Scale (CPOF-S), the Self-Efficacy for Healthy Eating Scale (SEHE-C), the Mediterranean Diet Score (KIDMED), and the Brief Nutritional Knowledge Assessment Form. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference) were also taken. After the pre-test, each student received two hours of healthy nutrition education. A follow-up survey was administered four weeks later. The study revealed that most early adolescents exhibited unhealthy dietary habits, such as skipping main meals (15.3% all the time and 60.2% occasionally), snacking on sweet treats (33.3%), and having irregular eating patterns (47.4%). Additionally, the early adolescents had higher weights, body mass index (BMI), neck circumferences, and heights compared to reference values (p<0.01). Significant changes were observed post-intervention: lower hedonic hunger scores (beginning: 2.90±0.68, follow-up: 2.70±0.76, p<0.01), decreased self-efficacy for healthy eating (beginning: 5.41±3.50, follow-up: 4.33±3.61, p<0.01), and increased knowledge about healthy nutrition (beginning: 67.23±14.39, follow-up: 80.00±17.22, p<0.01). This study highlighted that healthy nutrition education enhances nutritional knowledge and decreases hedonic dietary tendencies among early adolescents. Continued nutrition education may further improve children's preferences for healthy foods.

Mediterranean diet score linked to cognitive functioning in Czech women: a cross-sectional population-based study

PurposeThe evidence suggests that adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) may be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline. We aimed to explore this association in a Central European population.MethodsA total of 6,028 men and women from the Czech arm of the HAPIEE study were included in the analysis. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire, and MD score (MDS) was calculated based on nine food groups. The MDS (range 0–17 points) was classified into three groups: low (0–7), medium (8–10), high (11–17). Cognitive function was measured using four tests assessing verbal memory and learning, verbal fluency, and attention, mental speed and concentration, and composite score, each of them converted to z-score. The associations between MDS and cognitive function were analyzed using multivariate linear regression in men and women.ResultsThere were no significant associations in men. By contrast, women with a dietary score of 8–10 points (B = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.002; 0.097), and those with a score of 11–17 points (B = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.016; 0.140) had a higher composite cognitive score than women in lowest adherence group. Regarding specific domains, women in the highest adherence group had significantly better immediate verbal memory (B = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.031; 0.205) and delayed recall (B = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.027; 0.212), respectively, than those in the lowest adherence group.ConclusionHigher adherence to the MDS was associated with better cognitive functioning in verbal memory and composite cognitive score in Czech women. The results suggest that the Mediterranean diet may help to improve cognitive functioning.

Associations of nutritional knowledge with dietary patterns and breast cancer occurrence

It is well-established that women’s nutrition knowledge (NK) is strongly associated with children’s nutritional outcomes. However, the association of women’s NK with their own diet and health status, including cancer occurrence, remains unknown. This case-control study aimed to assess the associations of NK with dietary patterns (DPs) and breast cancer (BC) occurrence in peri- and postmenopausal women. Data were collected for 417 women aged 40.0–79.9 years from north-eastern Poland, including 189 BC cases. The Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (QEB) was used to assess NK. Based on the dietary data collected with a food frequency questionnaire (62-item FFQ-6), the three DPs were previously identified, and the Polish-adapted Mediterranean Diet (Polish-aMED) score was calculated. The odds ratio of BC occurrence was lower at the higher level of NK (16–25 points) by 49% (p = 0.0280) compared to the lower level of NK (0–12 points). A higher level of NK was associated with higher adherence to the ‘Prudent’ pattern and the Polish-aMED score, as well as with lower adherence to the ‘Western’ and the ‘Processed plant fats and sweetened dairy’ patterns compared to the lower level of NK. In conclusion, the high level of nutrition-related knowledge seems to be associated with pro-healthy food choices and cancer prevention. Due to the case-control design of the present study and potential reverse causation, there is a need to confirm the obtained findings in further longitudinal studies.

Diet Diversity and Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Pattern in Pregnancy Is Protective Against the Development of Early-Childhood Atopic Dermatitis.

The role of maternal diet in atopic dermatitis (AD) requires better understanding, as AD often manifests early in life and precedes other allergic diseases. We evaluated the association between maternal diet and AD up to 2 years of age. A total of 116 mother-child dyads from the CARE birth cohort study were included. Maternal diet during pregnancy was assessed with a validated self-administered 97-item food frequency questionnaire, and dietary scores were calculated. AD was evaluated at ages 4 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The associations between maternal dietary patterns and AD were examined by logistic regression analysis adjusting for total energy intake, gender of the child, maternal antibiotic therapy during pregnancy, and history of atopic disease among both parents. Of the 116 children, 27 (23.3%) developed AD by 2 years, 11 of whom (40.7%) had persistent AD within the first 2 years. AD risk was reduced with a higher Mediterranean diet score during pregnancy (upper median > 3 points versus lower median: adjusted OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.69, p = 0.009) and with greater dietary diversity, as measured by the number of items consumed (upper median > 53 items versus lower median: OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.58, p = 0.005). No association was found with macronutrients and micronutrients. Red meat consumption showed a positive association with the persistent AD phenotype (adjusted OR 5.04, 95% CI 1.47 to 31.36, p = 0.034). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and a diverse diet during pregnancy may decrease the risk of developing early childhood AD. This highlights the synergistic role of nutrients in dietary patterns as they modulate immune development and disease susceptibility.

The effect of the Mediterranean diet on the risk of developing eating disorders and depression.

Background: The protective role of the Mediterranean diet (MD) in mental disorders has become a recent research focus over the last years. Aim: To examine the effect of the MD adherence on the risk of developing eating disorders (ED) and depression. Methods: Adults between 18 and 60 years of age were included. The MD score was applied from an 11-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. The Eating Attitudes Test was used for the detection of ED and depression was assessed using a subscale (BDI-21) of the Symptom Rating Scale for Depression and Anxiety. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 225 people with median age 23.0 (20.0, 28.0) years. 75.6% reported medium adherence to the MD, while 72.0% reported minimal or no depression and 38.7% had a tendency to develop ED. Also, males with high adherence to the MD had a 75% [0.25 (0.07, 0.86)] lower risk of developing ED compared to those with low adherence. Individuals with abnormal weight and medium or high adherence to the MD had an 89% lower likelihood of experiencing depression compared to those with low adherence [0.11 (0.03, 0.46) for medium adherence] and [0.11 (0.1, 0.88) for high adherence] indicating an effect size of 9, which represents a very large effect size. Conclusions: A high adherence to the MD is associated with a lower risk of developing ED in men, whereas a medium to high adherence to the MD is associated with a lower risk of developing depression, in both genders.

Combination of a traditional Mediterranean Diet with ultra-processed food consumption in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality: Prospective findings from the Moli-sani Study.

Combination of a traditional Mediterranean Diet with ultra-processed food consumption in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality: Prospective findings from the Moli-sani Study.

Dietary patterns, serum metabolites, and risk of cardiovascular disease in United States Hispanic/Latino adults: a prospective analysis of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Dietary patterns, serum metabolites, and risk of cardiovascular disease in United States Hispanic/Latino adults: a prospective analysis of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Association Between Dietary Patterns and All-Cause Mortality in Individuals with Hypertension and Osteoporosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo explore the association of dietary patterns with all-cause mortality in individuals with hypertension and osteoporosis.MethodsData on individuals aged ≥20 years who completed bone mineral density tests were retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Three dietary patterns were Mediterranean Diet Score (MeDS), Alternative Health Eating Index (AHEI) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). The relationships between osteoporosis (OS), hypertension (HTN) and all-cause mortality were assessed by multivariate and univariate Cox proportional hazard models, with hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Interaction of OS and HTN on overall mortality was evaluated by the attributable proportion (AP), relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), and synergy index (S). Associations of three dietary patterns with all-cause mortality were explored in different groups, including adults with HTN or OS only, and adults with or without OS and HTN. Subgroups of gender and menopausal state were further evaluated these associations.ResultsOf the total 16,358 participants, 1383 (5.84%) died during the follow-up duration. Participants who had HTN (HR=1.272, 95% CI: 1.083–1.494) or OS (HR=1.674, 95% CI: 1.262–2.221) had a higher risk of overall mortality. There was an interaction between HTN and OS on overall mortality (RERI=0.677, 95% CI: 0.070–1.285; AP=0.293, 95% CI: 0.094–0.492; SI=2.070, 95% CI: 1.124–3.813). The AHEI-2010, MeDS, and DASH were related to overall mortality in individuals with OS and HTN. The MeDS and DASH were concerned with all-cause mortality in HTN patients without OS. The MeDS and AHEI-2010 were linked to overall mortality in adults without OS and HTN.ConclusionThe impacts of different dietary patterns were differences in multi-feature population. It was suggested that reasonable dietary management is beneficial to the prognosis of different populations.

Evaluating Food Intake of Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients According to a European Guideline and Mediterranean Diet Score: DICA-NUTS Substudy

Contextualization: Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and healthy eating, are essential for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The 2021 update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines highlights the need to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in patients who have suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and dietary 2021 ESC guidelines of individuals who have suffered AMI and to evaluate the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with the adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from participants prior to enrollment in the DICA-NUTS multicenter clinical trial. The dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and 24 h dietary recall. The nutrient intake was compared with the nutritional recommendations of the 2021 ESC guidelines, and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet was analyzed using a Mediterranean diet score. Furthermore, the analyses of the factors associated with the Mediterranean diet score and 2021 ESC were performed. Analyses were conducted using Stata Data Analysis and Statistical Software version 15.0. Values were considered statistically significant when the p-value &lt; 0.05. Results: Among 488 participants aged ≥ 40 years, moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed obtaining an average of nine points, with a low intake of vegetables, fish, and cereals. The protein intake was adequate with 18% (interquartile range [IQR] 15.0–23.1) of the total energy value, and the saturated fat intake was high with 9.7% (IQR 7.3–12.7) of the total energy value, while the carbohydrate and total fat intake was adequate. According to the 2021 ESC guidelines, the fiber intake was low with more than 79% of the sample consuming less than 30 g per day. The multivariate analysis using the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations showed that older age (≥60 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.63; 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.44–1.91], never smoking (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.17–1.65), and higher education (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.17–1.77) were correlated with an increased fruit and vegetable intake. Non-white, never-smokers, and former smokers were more likely to consume fish. The alcohol scores were higher in older age participants and women. The dairy scores increased with older age, while the cereal scores decreased. No significant association was found for legumes. Conclusions: According to the scores used, the diet of these individuals moderately reflects the Mediterranean characteristics. Analyzing the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations, the studied population was inadequate. This study found different factors associated with an adequate food intake in post-AMI patients. The highlight of this study was that older age is more likely to increase fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake.

Role of Mediterranean Diet and Ultra-Processed Foods on Sperm Parameters: Data from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Male infertility is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors. Recent research has underscored the influence of lifestyle choices, such as dietary habits, smoking, alcohol abuse, and metabolic disturbances, on sperm quality. In this context, nutrition plays a pivotal role: adherence to a healthy diet like the Mediterranean Diet (MD), which emphasizes seasonal, fresh, and whole foods, has been linked to improved sperm performance. Conversely, a high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), characterized by additives, high levels of sugars, fats, and salt, and a nutrient-poor profile, may impair sperm quality. Methods: Based on data supporting the reproductive health benefits of the MD, this observational cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the possible relationship between MD adherence, assessed using the 14-point a priori Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), based on the NOVA classification, and sperm quality in 358 individuals (mean age 34.6 ± 9.3 years) who spontaneously referred to our center of reproductive medicine. Semen analyses were performed according to the WHO 2021 criteria. Hormonal profiles (FSH, LH, testosterone, SHBG, bioavailable testosterone, and calculated free testosterone) were also determined. Results: MD adherence score was significantly and positively correlated with semen parameters, whilst negatively correlated with FSH and LH levels. In contrast, UPF intake was correlated with poor semen parameters, whilst no association was observed with hormonal levels. Multivariate analyses confirmed these associations and showed the independency from age and BMI. Notably, among men with FSH levels < 8 IU/mL, higher quartiles of UPF intake had lower markers of sperm quality, particularly for viability and typical morphology. Differently, high MD adherence scores were associated with high quality sperm parameters even when FSH levels were >8 IU/mL. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the adherence to MD, and conversely reduced intake of ultra-processed foods, is associates with a better semen profile. These findings suggest the possible role of dietary interventions as a modifiable factor in the management of male infertility.

Comparison of the association between different dietary pattern scoring indices and periodontitis and their population heterogeneity

ObjectivesAssociation between different dietary indices and periodontitis remained unclear. This study aims to compare the associations of four commonly dietary indices (including Healthy Eating Index-2020, HEI-2020; alternative Mediterranean Diet Score, aMED; Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, DASH; Dietary Inflammatory Index, DII) with the risk of periodontitis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was designed using a publicly available data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2009 and 2014 (N = 8,571 adults over 30 years). After adjusting for confounders, dietary indices were included in logistic regression models by single, double and overall forms to explore the association with periodontitis. Odds ratios (ORs) for the dietary indices were adjusted by one-fourth of their scoring range to compare the effect sizes; and diminishing marginal receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis with univariate exclusion in the overall model was used to compare the contribution of the dietary indices to periodontitis. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) was used to explore the non-linear association in both the total population and various sub-populations.ResultsAlthough all dietary indices exhibited a significant effect on periodontitis in single exposure model; only DASH and DII retained complete significance in the double exposure condition. In the overall model, aMED and DASH presented significantly positive associations, the corresponding OR were 1.147 (95%CI: 1.002–1.313) and 1.310 (95%CI: 1.139–1.507); but DII showed a negative association with OR of 0.675 (95%CI: 0.597–0.763). The ROC analyses showed that the contribution of dietary indices to periodontitis was second only to sex and ethnicity. The non-linear tests showed an approximately linear association for HEI-2020, aMED, and DASH, but a significant non-linear association for DII (p = 0.024). Subgroups of females, younger than 50 years old, non-Hispanic White, smokers, and the ratio of family income to poverty ≤ 2.4 were more consistent with the association found in the total population.ConclusionA poor habit for DASH was robustly linked to the occurrence of periodontitis, while the other three dietary patterns were not. Our research suggests that including the DASH index in the evaluation of periodontitis risk and implementing targeted prevention strategies may be beneficial.

Sweetened Beverages and Incident All-Cause Dementia Among Older Adults

Intake of sweetened beverages, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASB), has been linked to multiple health outcomes, but their associations with dementia risk among older adults are unclear. To assess whether the consumption of SSB and ASB is associated with the risk of all-cause dementia in older adults. This multicohort study examined data from US adults aged 65 and older enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study (2013), the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (1987-1995), the Chicago Healthy and Aging Project (1993-2012), the Rush Memory and Aging Project (1997-2005), the Framingham Heart Study original cohort (1986-1994), and its offspring cohort (1991-2001). Data were analyzed from May 27 to September 24, 2024. SSB and ASB intake was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires. The primary outcome was all-cause dementia ascertained at least 2 years after baseline from active research follow-ups and passive surveillance. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the associations of SSB and ASB with incident dementia. Of 10 974 participants (60.0% female, mean [SD] age: 73.2 [6.8] years), 2445 developed incident all-cause dementia over 116 067 person-years of follow-up. Consumption of SSB and ASB in older adulthood was not associated with dementia risk in later life. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) per serving per week for SSB was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.01; P = .18; I2 = 0%) and for ASB was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99-1.01; P = .99; I2 = 1%). The pooled HRs comparing the highest (≥1 serving per day) with lowest (0 to <1 serving per month) consumption groups were 0.90 (95% CI, 0.78-1.03) for SSB and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.83-1.21) for ASB. These findings were similar across cohorts and subgroups. In contrast, an inverse association was observed for the Mediterranean diet score (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.99 per 5-unit increment) as a positive control. In this study, late-life consumption of SSB or ASB was not associated with the risk of dementia. However, given their detrimental effects on metabolic health and related chronic diseases during early life and midlife, the effects of early-life consumption of SSB and ASB on the risk of dementia warrant further investigation.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the chrono-med diet score (CMDS) for adult participants

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Chrono-Med Diet Score (CMDS) to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Turkish adults.MethodsThe methodological research conducted in Gümüşhane and Ordu from January to June 2024, including 592 individuals (62.3% women, 37.7% men, and the mean age 43.4 ± 10.6 years). Data were collected through face‒to‒face interview that contained socio-demographic characteristics, the CMDS, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and 24-h dietary recall. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while repeatability was examined using the test–retest method. Construct validity was assessed by the MEDAS, and components of the adapted CMDS obtained from the 24-h dietary recall were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The content validity was assessed by the Paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon test. The Bland–Altman test with 95% limits of agreement was used to evaluate the agreement between sum of CMDS. The results were statistically evaluated at a p < 0.05 significance level.ResultsThe content validity index of CMDS was 0.87. The overall Turkish version of CMDS had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.853), thus indicating that the score was reliable. The Paired samples t test coefficients between each item and the overall questionnaire ranged from 0.234 to 1.000. A higher intake of olive oil and fish obtained from a 24-h dietary recall was associated with a higher CMDS quartile (p < 0.05). The MEDAS score was correlated with a higher CMDS quartile (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was determined between total CMDS and MEDAS (r = 0.467; p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur assessments of the CMDS, consisting of 13 items, in Türkiye demonstrate that it is a viable and reliable instrument to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet for the adult population. The CMDS is more accurate than other Mediterranean diet scores as it questions about the amount of physical activity and grain products, which helps determine each participant’s eating patterns and general health.

Cooking Skills and Mediterranean Diet Adherence: Societal Insights from the iMC SALT Trial

Background: Cooking skills represent an important yet often overlooked form of social and cultural capital, influencing dietary quality and health outcomes. As modern societies face growing challenges related to unhealthy eating patterns and a loss of traditional food practices, understanding the societal role of culinary competence becomes critical. This study explored the association between culinary skills, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and nutritional intake. Methods: Baseline data from 111 adults (60 women; mean age 47.6 ± 10.5 years) participating in the iMC SALT randomized controlled trial (Portugal) were analyzed. Culinary skills were assessed using the Cooking Skills Score, while the dietary intake was evaluated with a Food Frequency Questionnaire and adherence to the Mediterranean diet through the alternative Mediterranean Diet (aMED) Score. Food and beverage processing levels were categorized using the NOVA classification, and the sodium/potassium intake was measured via 24 h urinary excretion. Results: Women demonstrated better culinary skills (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.0 ± 1.1, p &lt; 0.001) and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (5.1 ± 1.9 vs. 3.8 ± 1.8, p = 0.001) than men. Better culinary skills were associated with younger age, larger households, and increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Culinary skills significantly explained 27.2% of the variance in the Mediterranean diet adherence. Better culinary skills were linked to a greater energy and protein intake; but a lower sodium and potassium intake. Conclusion: These findings highlight culinary skills as a key societal factor shaping dietary behavior and nutritional intake. Promoting culinary education may offer a powerful strategy to address dietary inequalities, support cultural food heritage, and foster healthier, more resilient societies.

Association of Food Insecurity with Diet Quality and Anthropometric Measurements among American Elderly: Results from 2017-2020 NHANES.

Food insecurity (FIS) is a critical public health issue, particularly among older adults. This study investigates the association between FIS with diet quality and anthropometric indices in the US older adults. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using NHANES data from 2017-2020, involving 2,592 participants aged ≥60 years. FIS was assessed using the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020 and adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) score. Anthropometric measures calculated following standardized protocols. Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors, examined the association between FIS and higher quartile and tertile of anthropometric and diet quality indices, respectively. Of the participants, 27.4% experienced FIS. FIS participants were younger and had lower education and income levels compared to FS individuals (p < 0.05). In the adjusted model, food insecurity was associated with lower adherence to both the Mediterranean Diet (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.31-0.67) and HEI-2020 (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.37-0.84), indicating poorer diet quality in older adults. In adjusted analyses, FIS was significantly associated with higher A Body Shape Index (ABSI) quartiles (Q3: OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06-1.95; Q4: OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07-2.01), the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (Q4: OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01-2.06), and the Conicity index (Q4: OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02-1.81). FIS in older adults is associated with unfavorable diet quality and body composition patterns, particularly central obesity measures. Addressing FIS may mitigate health risks related to obesity and its complications.

Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and its associated factors in Portuguese workers

Purpose This study aims to characterize the adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) among Portuguese workers and to identify specific demographic and lifestyle factors associated with adherence to this dietary pattern. Understanding these associations can guide public health interventions to improve dietary habits within this population group. Design/methodology/approach The study used a cross-sectional design, analysing data from a sample of 2,119 Portuguese workers, drawn from the latest National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey of the Portuguese General Population (2015–2016). Adherence to the MDP was measured using the Mediterranean diet score, and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between workers’ characteristics and high adherence to the MDP. Findings Results indicate that 72.2% of Portuguese workers exhibit low or moderate adherence to the MDP. Key factors significantly associated with high adherence include age group, marital status, smoking habits and the place of food preparation. Specifically, younger, single workers, smokers, those who consume more restaurant-prepared food and less from home or work canteens are less likely to closely adhere to the MDP. Originality/value This study highlights the low adherence to the MDP among Portuguese workers and identifies specific groups that may benefit from targeted public health initiatives. By focusing on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, this research offers novel insights that can inform strategies to enhance adherence to healthier dietary practices in the workplace and beyond.

Adherence to major dietary patterns and sleep quality, sleep related outcomes, mental health and state of mood in older adults: a cross sectional study

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the association between major dietary patterns and sleep quality, mental health and status of mood among Iranian older adults Method This cross-sectional study included 400 healthy older adults between 60-84 years with mean BMI of 28.86 kg/m2. Dietary intake was assessed using validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to assess sleep quality, ­DASS-21 was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress and the profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire was utilized to evaluate the status of mood. Results It was found that there is a favorable significant association between Mediterranean diet and PSQI score, depression, anxiety, stress and status of mood (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was a significant association between adherence to traditional diet and poorer sleep quality, anxiety and stress (p < 0.05). Adhering to an unhealthy diet was also associated with higher risk of depression (p < 0.001). Conclusion In older adults, adhering to a dietary pattern with high amounts of vegetables, fruits and healthy fats may be more beneficial for their mental health. While higher consumption of refined grains and tea may be associated with higher risk of depression and anxiety.

Mitigating air pollution's impact on lung cancer in a large-scale longitudinal study: The unexplored potential of dietary interventions.

Mitigating air pollution's impact on lung cancer in a large-scale longitudinal study: The unexplored potential of dietary interventions.

Association between dietary patterns, sleep disturbance and stroke: A large cross-sectional study in US adults.

Association between dietary patterns, sleep disturbance and stroke: A large cross-sectional study in US adults.

Negative associations of age and lifestyle factors with the antibody response to the COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2 in health workers from Spain.

Despite the high efficacy of the anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) BNT162b2 vaccine (Comirnaty®, Pfizer-BioNTech), variability in the antibody titers following vaccination has been described. However, little is known about the risk factors that are associated with a poorer antibody response to the BNT162b2 vaccine. We studied the determinants of the humoral response to the anti-COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2 in 200 healthcare workers followed up for 2 years. Serum samples were tested for the anti-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and neutralizing antibody titers against selected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants at different time points after primary and booster vaccinations. Anthropometric data and clinical and lifestyle information were also collected. Statistical analyses consisted of linear and logistical regressions for point estimations and the Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and generalized estimating equations for repeated measures. After the primary vaccination, the antibody titers and the percentage of seroconverted individuals peaked at 5 weeks but declined after 1 year; however, they remained high after the booster administration. After the first dose of the vaccine, negative associations of the anti-spike IgG levels with age (β = -0.01, 95%CI = -0.03 to -0.003), smoking habit (β = -1.08, 95%CI = -1.70 to -0.46), and alcohol consumption (β = -1.43, 95%CI = -2.20 to -0.65) were found. With regard to the booster vaccine, the following associations were retained in the stepwise multivariate model: anti-Delta neutralizing antibodies with hip circumference (OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.01-1.12, p = 0.008), anti-Delta-K antibodies with hip circumference (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.01-1.11, p = 0.007), and anti-Omicron antibodies with the Mediterranean diet score (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.58-0.96, p = 0.023). Lifestyle habits and age had an association with the humoral response to the BNT162b2 vaccine.