Poor Nutritional Quality Research Articles

Total Fat and Fatty Acid Content in Meals Served by Independent Takeaway Outlets Participating in the Healthier Catering Commitment Initiative in London, UK.

Out-of-home meals are characterized by poor nutritional quality, and their intake has been linked to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, national and local government initiatives have been implemented in the UK to promote healthier out-of-home meals. However, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness. This study evaluated the fat content and fatty acid profile of takeaway meals from 'standard' and from Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC)-approved takeaway outlets. Meals from 14 'standard' and 13 'HCC-awarded' takeaways (74 meals and 26 side dishes) were analyzed for total fat and fatty acid composition. No statistically significant differences in total fat, saturated, and trans fatty acids per 100 g and per portion between HCC and standard meals were observed, except for donner kebabs. Over 70% of all meals contained more than the recommended 30% of daily fat intake from a single meal. Some meals could provide more than 50% of the recommended total fat and SFAs intake. Despite businesses participating in the healthier out-of-home meal initiative, there has not been a significant improvement in the nutritional quality of the meals they offer. Further research to develop effective approaches to support independent takeaway businesses in offering meals with improved nutritional quality is warranted.

Nutritional stress in larvae induces adaptive responses that transcend generations in males of a model insect.

The ability of organisms to cope with poor quality nutrition is essential for their persistence. For species with a short generation time, the nutritional environments can transcend generations, making it beneficial for adults to prime their offspring to particular diets. However, our understanding of adaptive generational responses, including those to diet quality, are still very limited. Here, we used the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to investigate whether females developing as larvae on a nutritionally poor diet produce offspring that are primed for nutrient deficiencies in the following generations. We found that females developed on low-quality diets produced offspring that, on similarly low-quality diets, had both increased egg-to-adult viability and starvation tolerance compared with offspring of females experiencing a nutrient-rich diet. When testing the persistence of such generational priming, we found that just one generation of high-quality diet is sufficient to erase the signal of priming. A global transcriptomic profile analysis on male offspring suggests that the observed phenotypic priming is not a constitutive transcriptomic adjustment of adults; instead, offspring are probably primed as larvae, enabling them to initiate an adaptive response as adults when exposed to low-quality diets. Our results support that generational priming is an important adaptive mechanism that enables organisms to cope with transient nutritional fluctuations.

Sea urchin intestinal bacterial communities depend on seaweed diet and contain nitrogen-fixing symbionts.

Kelp deforestation by sea urchin grazing is a widespread phenomenon globally, with vast consequences for coastal ecosystems. The ability of sea urchins to survive on a kelp diet of poor nutritional quality is not well understood and bacterial communities in the sea urchin intestine may play an important role in digestion. A no-choice feeding experiment was conducted with the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, offering three different seaweeds as diet, including the kelp Saccharina latissima. Starved sea urchins served as experimental control. Amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene were analyzed from fecal pellets. One dominant symbiont (Psychromonas marina) accounted for 44% of all sequence reads and was especially abundant in the sea urchins fed seaweed diets. The starved and field captured sea urchins consistently displayed higher diversity than the seaweed-fed sea urchins. Cloning and sequencing of the nifH gene revealed diverse nitrogen fixers. We demonstrate that the sea urchin intestinal microbiome is dynamic, with bacterial communities that are plastic depending on diet and have the capacity for nitrogen fixation. This reflects the dietary flexibility of these sea urchins, and their intestinal microbiota could be a key component in understanding catastrophic kelp forest grazing events.

Assessing Lifestyle in a Large Cohort of Undergraduate Students: Significance of Stress, Exercise and Nutrition.

Lifestyle (in particular, nutrition and exercise) determines present and future youths' health. The goal of the present study was to identify specific student groups who deserve precise lifestyle improvement interventions, tailored to their characteristics. An anonymous web-based questionnaire to assess lifestyle was posted on the websites of two main Italian Academic Institutions, and 9423 students voluntarily participated. A personalised immediate report was provided to improve compliance/motivation. We assessed age, sex, affiliation, anthropometrics, lifestyle components (nutrition, exercise, sedentariness, stress perception, smoking, alcohol, sleep), and the desire to be helped with lifestyle improvement. Cluster analysis was performed to identify healthy lifestyle groups among the students. In total, 6976 subjects [age: 21 (20, 23) yrs; 3665 female, 3300 male] completed the questionnaire and were included. Of these students, 73.9% expressed the need for lifestyle improvement help, particularly for becoming physically active (66.7%), managing stress (58.7%), and improving nutrition (52.7%). We unveil three clusters of subjects, each corresponding to a distinct lifestyle pattern. The clusters are differentiated by exercise level and perceptions of stress/fatigue/somatic symptoms (cluster 1: 74.8% meet international exercise guidelines (IEGs), 67.4% have high stress perception, 49.1% drink 1-3 glasses of wine/beer per week, and 63.3% drink 0-1 glass of spirits per week; cluster 2: 75.6% meet IEGs, 75.7% have low/medium levels of stress perception, and 65.8% have low alcohol consumption; cluster 3: 72.5% do not meet IEGs, 77.6% have high stress perception, and 67.5% have low alcohol consumption). More active students present lower stress/somatic symptoms perception. Interestingly, the AHA diet score (nutrition quality) was not in the ideal range in any cluster (nevertheless, obesity was not of concern), being worst in cluster 3, characterized by higher stress perception (59.7% had poor nutrition quality). Those who were physically active but showed a high stress/fatigue perception were used to drinking alcohol. Students desire help to improve their lifestyle, and this approach might help identify specific student groups to whom LIs in Academic Institutions can be tailored to foster well-being and promote health.

The more fun, the more dangerous: The nutritional quality of foods with child-directed marketing

In this study, we applied four distinct nutritional classification schemes (NCSs) to evaluate the nutritional quality of foods and beverages that use child-directed marketing strategies in labels, and examined the agreement between different NCSs. Data were collected before the implementation of the front-of-package labeling (FOPL) legislation in Brazil. Food labeling information was collected from among the 8,942 products in different Brazilian supermarkets between February 2021 and September 2023. More than 10 % of products (n = 959) used one or more child-directed marketing options on their labels. Over half (54.5 %) of the analyzed products fell into the group with the highest sugar and fat contents. Products with two or more marketing strategies targeting children had higher energy, carbohydrate, and sugar contents. On the other hand, micronutrient levels were generally low, with some exceptions. Almost half of the sample included a declaration of vitamins and minerals. Two-thirds (67.47 %) of the products did not have nutritional claims. The Nutrition Profiling Model (NPM) from Brazil has proved to be the least stringent classification system. Agreement between the different NCSs was low for some groups. The use of sweeteners was infrequent; however, dyes were present in almost half of the products (mainly G7). Red and blue dyes were the most common, with artificial dyes predominating. The increased use of marketing strategies was associated with poor nutritional quality in studied foods. These findings highlight the urgency for stricter regulations in Brazil, particularly those prohibiting child-directed marketing strategies in unhealthy food products.

Evaluating the application of front-of-package labelling regulations to menu labelling in the Canadian restaurant sector using menu food label information and price (Menu-FLIP) 2020 data.

To evaluate the application of front-of-package (FOP) labelling regulations to menu labelling in the Canadian restaurant sector by assessing the proportion of menu items that would be required to display the 'high-in' FOP symbol if the policy were extended to the restaurant sector. Nutrition information of 18 760 menu items was collected from 141 chain restaurants in Canada. Menu items were evaluated using the mandatory FOP labelling regulations promulgated in Canada Gazette II by Health Canada in July of 2022. Chain restaurants with ≥20 establishments in Canada. Canadian chain restaurant menu items including beverages, desserts, entrées, sides and starters. Overall, 77 % of menu items in the Canadian restaurant sector would display a 'high-in' FOP symbol. Among these menu items, 43 % would display 'high-in' one nutrient, 54 % would display 'high-in' two and 3 % would display 'high-in' all three nutrients-of-concern. By nutrient, 52 % were 'high-in' sodium, and 24 and 47 % were 'high-in' total sugars and saturated fat, respectively. Given the poor nutritional quality of restaurant foods, the current regulations, if applied to restaurant foods, would result in most menu items displaying a FOP symbol. Therefore, expanding the Canadian FOP labelling regulations to the restaurant sector can be key to ensuring a healthy food environment for Canadians. Furthermore, menu labelling along with other multi-faceted approaches such as reformulation targets are necessary to improve the dietary intake of Canadians from restaurant foods.

Early diagnosis, monitoring, profiling, and management of bayberry twig blight disease by nitrogen metabolism

Pestalotiopsis versicolor, pathogen of Bayberry Twig Blight Disease causes wilt and leaf spots thereby reducing the photosynthetic area which ultimately leads to production of small fruits with poor nutritional quality. Due to heavy dependence on chemicals with its detrimental effect, new biofriendly measures are sort. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering technology was used in early discovery and monitoring of the disease progression in bayberry seedlings. The spectra 1454.46 cm−1 was inferred as the fingerprint of the fungus. MgO nano-bioprotectant (MgONBs) antifungal mechanism of action was studied via transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling at 12 and 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) with P. versicolor and metagenomics profiling at 7 and 14 days post-inoculation (dpi) with P. versicolor. MgONBs enhanced the recruitment of Bradyrhizobium to overcome the attack of P. versicolor. Nitrogen fixation activities in the diseased leaves at 7 and 14 dpi were significantly reduced, while it was significantly increased from 17.74 % in the diseased leaves to 26.79 % in the diseased leaves treated with MgONBs at 14 dpi. Thus, activating bayberry defense by increasing its nitrogen metabolism. In addition, in MgONBs group compared to control, urea, L-Methionine sulfone, and 5-Aminosalicylic acid compounds were activated which enriched its defense and signaling pathways. Upregulated differentially expressed genes in MgONBs relative to the control at 12 and 24 hpi mapped to KEGG pathways involved in amino acid metabolism which was tightly linked to photosynthesis gene (CJ030_MR1G012863). Our results reveals the mechanism of action of MgONBs in combatting phytopathogens.

School feeding for improving child nutrition in conflict-affected settings: Feasibility and cost efficiency of alternative models in Yemen.

School feeding programs can support children's nutrition, health, and education in emergencies. This study assessed the feasibility, trade-offs, cost efficiency, and perceived benefits of school feeding modalities operating in urban Yemen. It draws on primary data from a qualitative evaluation with 21 school feeding implementers and 88 beneficiaries conducted in Feb-Mar 2023, and secondary data from a desk review of published and program literature on school feeding operations. Results showed that school feeding provided students with on average 18%, 40%, and 66% of daily energy, protein, and micronutrient requirements, respectively. Models including fortified snacks were 3-11 times more cost-efficient in terms of nutrient delivery. The most prominent strength of the models examined were the perceived benefits on child, family, and financial outcomes. Among the main weaknesses was the poor nutritional quality of the meal, which in turn emerged as a primary opportunity to improve school feeding through hybrid models providing a combination of fortified snacks and healthy meals. Other weaknesses such as poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, and desired improvements such as the school kitchen and canteen, require considerable investments. Hybrid models are cost-efficient, acceptable, and feasible in Yemen and can serve the diet and nutrition needs of school-aged children.

Food Banks as a "Treasure Trove": Users' Experiences of a Western Australian Food Relief Organization.

Food banks are providing crucial relief as food insecurity increases worldwide. While these services are essential for vulnerable populations, there is variability in foods available and users may experience poor nutritional quality, and an overabundance of discretionary foods, contributing to public health risks including overnutrition and obesity. Understanding how customers perceive food availability, variety, and quality is important to inform relief services and health interventions. This study reports the findings of a convergent parallel mixed-methods investigation of user experiences and perceptions of food availability, variety, and quality at a major food bank in Western Australia. Food bank customers (N = 207) at a food bank branch and mobile van locations completed a survey, with an option to complete a subsequent semi-structured interview (n = 15). Approximately 80% of the survey sample had low (48%) or very low (30%) food security, half of the sample had been using the food bank for longer than 6 months, and 77% reported the food bank as their first choice for food. Three-quarters (77%) reported financial barriers to a balanced diet in the past twelve months and described how limited availability and variety complicated shopping. Interviewees explained complex perceptions of these issues, including favouring healthy food while considering discretionary food as a "luxury" that enhanced their quality of life. Our findings suggest that food bank users experience barriers to maintaining a balanced diet, encounter variable supplies of healthy and nutritious foods, and have concerns about the impacts of frequent discretionary food consumption. These findings have implications for public health promotion.

Women, income use and nutrition quality: effects of women’s decision-making in rural households in Cameroon

BackgroundWomen remain central to household food and nutrition security. However, they continue to face several constraints with respect to access, control and use of credit and income. There is theoretical assertion that increasing women's decision-making authority over family income increases spending and leads to gains in nutrition. However, empirical evidence on the links between rural women's income control and household food and nutrition security is inadequate, especially for a developing country, such as Cameroon.MethodologyWe employ the food consumption score nutrition quality analysis, the income domain of the Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index and the Partial Least Square Structural Equations Modelling to examine data collected from 600 rural households in the West region of Cameroon to establish the effects of women’s control over income use on household nutrition quality. To ensure the reliability of our findings, additional tests such as the Confirmatory Tetrad Analysis, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test with Lilliefors correction, and the Finite Mixture PLS approach are employed.ResultsFrom the analyses, we observed that a significant percentage of households have poor nutritional quality, particularly in terms of iron-rich food consumption. Women's control over income use remains low and varies based on the source of income. The analyses show that women's decision-making concerning income use and women's perception of their decision-making ability regarding income use and expenditure are positively associated with higher nutritional quality for the household. In addition, we establish that women's perceptions of their ability to make decisions about income use have a positive direct and total effect on nutrition quality, but a negative indirect effect on the latter, with the direct positive effect outweighing the indirect effect.ConclusionsInadequate consumption of iron-rich foods is pervasive for most households and there is limited control over income used for the majority of women in the study area. Enhancing women’s control over income use has significant implications for household nutrition quality. Hence, women should be empowered to fully exploit their potential at the household level to enhance food security at the community, regional and national levels.

Application of Cations, Acids, and Antioxidants on Mitigating Acrylamide Formation in Food with a Special Focus on Potato and Cereal Based Foods - A Review

Acrylamide is a toxic substance that formsin food during high-temperature processing methods such as deep-frying, baking, and roasting, through the Maillard reaction or the acrolein pathway. Since acrylamide has been identified for its carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity, global food authorities have established benchmark levels for different food categories. Consequently, researchers have proposed various mitigation strategies, focusing on agronomical, chemical, physical, and microbial approaches. However, most of these approaches are associated with high cost, technology, extended time, and poor sensory and nutritional quality. In this context, application of various additives such as metal cations, organic and inorganic acids, and antioxidants in optimum amounts have been effective in reducing acrylamide formation. Additives contribute to reducing acrylamide either by interacting with its precursors and/or intermediate products or by breaking down acrylamide into other non-toxic substances. Since cations can form thermostable asparagine/matrix intermediates through chelation reaction between asparagine and metal cations, asparagine will be unavailable to react with carbonyl compounds to form the Schiff base. Lower pH conditions inhibit the acrylamide formation by blocking the protonation of the α-amino group of asparagine and reducing any possibility for nucleophilic addition reactions with carbonyl groups. Toxicity associated with Maillard products can be reduced by using antioxidants in the frying oil or the food. Polyphenols are capable of reducing the acrylamide formation by directly trapping acrylamide at elevated temperature. It is essential to identify the most appropriate additive, its concentration and the optimum process conditions when applying additives to get an optimal acrylamide inhibition. This review article highlights the effect of various additive applications, their effectiveness and possible future advances in food to control acrylamide formation within the accepted level.Keywords: Acrylamide, Antioxidant, Carcinogenicity, Deep-frying, Maillard reaction

Techno-functional and nutritional variations of Cardaba banana flour as influenced by different modification techniques

The majority of gluten-free flours have significant techno-functional shortcomings as well as occasionally poor nutritional quality, all of which necessitate modifications. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine how different modification techniques such as fermentation, pre-gelatinization, acetylation, oxidation, and acid-thinning influence the nutritional, functional, pasting, and thermal properties of Cardaba banana flour – a gluten free flour. Oxidized flour exhibited improved setback viscosity and trough, in addition to protein and crude fibre. The technological parameters and general nutritional profiles of the flour were not considerably improved by acid-thinning and acetylation modifications. However, the most significant and crucial nutritional, functional, pasting and thermal properties of the flour experienced a substantial improvement during pre-gelatinization and fermentation treatments. Total phenol contents and antioxidants, dietary fibre, resistant, slowly digestible and rapidly digestible starches, essential mineral elements such as Na, K, P and nutritional important mineral ratios, Na/K, and Ca/P, as well as functional, pasting, and thermal stability indices, were improved during fermentation and pre-gelatinization, thus indicating the potential of these methods to minimize the inherent drawbacks of the native flour. Pre-gelatinization and fermentation technologies could considerably improve the technological, functional and nutritional characteristics of Cardaba banana and improve its food and industrial applications.

What Is the Nutritional Quality of Pre-Packed Foods Marketed to Children in Food Stores? A Survey in Switzerland.

Food marketing targeting children influences their choices and dietary habits, and mainly promotes food high in fat, sugar, and salt as well as ultra-processed food. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of food and beverages marketed to children over the age of 3 and available on the Swiss market. Products with at least one marketing technique targeting children on the packaging were selected from five food store chains. Three criteria to assess nutritional quality were used: (1) nutritional composition (using the Nutri-Score), (2) degree of processing (NOVA classification), and (3) compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). A total of 735 products were found and analyzed. The most common marketing techniques used were childish names/fonts (46.9%), special characters (39.6%), and children's drawings (31.3%). Most products had a Nutri-Score of D or E (58.0%) and were ultra-processed (91.8%). Only 10.2% of products displayed the Nutri-Score. The least processed products generally had a better Nutri-Score (p < 0.001). Most products (92.8%) did not meet the criteria of the WHO NPM. Products that met the WHO NPM criteria, organic products, and products with a nutritional claim generally had a better Nutri-Score and were less processed (ps < 0.05). Pre-packaged foods and beverages marketed to children in the Swiss market were mostly of poor nutritional quality. Public health measures should be adopted to improve the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in Switzerland and restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

A Narrative Review of the Association Between Healthy Dietary Patterns and Depression.

The purpose of the present review is the investigation of healthy dietary patterns and diet quality in relation to depression risk. Nutritional psychiatry is to develop scientifically based research that defines the role of nutrition and nutrients in various aspects of mental health. Growing evidence from the field suggests that diet may play an important role in the prevention and/or treatment of depression. In contrast, there is evidence that unhealthy diets may increase the risk of depression. This emerging research suggests that dietary interventions could help prevent depression or be an alternative or adjunctive therapy for depression. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and the vegetarian diet are examined in this review.The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies published during the last five years. We found many results that support that healthy eating patterns (high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fish, low in processed foods) are related to a reduction in the risk of depression. The most robust findings are related to MedDiet, where we also found several positive results for the DASH diet. Regarding the vegetarian diet, there are inconsistent reports. Furthermore, a consistent finding refers to a lower Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) as associated with a lower depression risk. It has been observed that people suffering from depression have poorer nutritional quality, with lower fruit and vegetable intake. This observation may strengthen the argument that nutritional interventions should be incorporated as an important "pillar" in the multifactorial treatment of patients. However, more well-designed studies are needed to establish the relationship between dietary patterns and mental health. In particular, interventional, longitudinal studies could be more enlightening.

Effect of pretreatment temperature and time on fat bonding and fat reduction in deep-fried surimi

Deep frying (DF) is a popular cooking technique resulting in desirable sensory quality. However, DF also results in negative perception related to increased fat uptake and thus poor nutritional quality. In this study, a development of a novel strategy for fat reduction in DF surimi without additives and coatings was attempted. Novel pre-baking and pre-roasting were applied to surimi prior to DF. This novel pre-treatment strategy for DF surimi has not been reported in literature. Total, free, and bonded fat contents and corresponding fat reductions in DF surimi were determined. Cook and moisture losses as well as water holding capacity, expressible moisture, in addition to color and texture were also investigated. Fat uptake during DF of surimi was reduced (P < 0.05) by ≥ 25 % with pre-baking. Pre-baking improved (P < 0.05) or did not (P > 0.05) affect cook and moisture losses, water holding capacity, expressible moisture, color, and texture. However, pre-roasting increased (P < 0.05) fat content and adversely affected most quality parameters. Pre-baking of surimi at lower-temperature (116 °C) for longer-time (12–15 min) followed by DF at lower-temperature (170 °C) for longer-time (4 min) was most optimal for fat reduction, cook and moisture losses, water holding capacity, expressible moisture, color, and texture of surimi.

An overview of fatty acids-based nutritional quality indices of fish oils from Cameroon: Impact of fish pre-treatment and preservation methods

This research provides a comprehensive examination of fish oils obtained from different fish species in Cameroon. It meticulously evaluates their nutritional quality indices based on fatty acids profile and scrutinizes the impact of diverse pre-treatment procedures on these indices. The fatty acid profiles and nutritional quality indices of seventeen fish species were reviewed, with a focus on the impact of refrigeration, boiling, and drying. The use of both synthetic and natural antioxidants in preserving oil quality during drying was also examined. The oil from Fontitrygon margarita liver had the highest nutritional quality, followed by oils from the fillets of seven other species. However, oils from certain species were found to have poor nutritional quality due to an unacceptable polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio, atherogenicity index hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, and other parameters. Interestingly, boiling was found to enhance the nutritional quality of fish oil, while refrigeration and drying appeared to degrade it. Natural antioxidants, especially aqueous spices extracts, proved to be as effective, if not better than synthetic ones in preserving oil quality. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of the health benefits of fish oils and offers valuable insights into optimal oil extraction and preservation practices.

Individual and total sugar contents of street foods in Malaysia – Should we be concerned?

Street foods are often of poor nutritional quality with high sugar content, in which the overconsumption of sugar is associated with obesity. However, sugar content information on local street foods is scarce. Thus, the individual and total sugar contents of 94 types of street foods in Malaysia were analysed. Compared to snacks and main meals, desserts contained the highest amounts of sugar, sucrose, fructose, glucose, and maltose. Sucrose was predominant in 90% desserts, 79.3% snacks, and 68.6% main meals. Most desserts (93.3%) contained medium to high sugar content (≥5 g to >15 g/100 g), while 82.9% main meals and 65.5% snacks had low sugar content. When comparing the sugar contents of 39 foods with other local databases, 58.3% main meals, 55.6% desserts, and 33.3% snacks contained either significantly (p < 0.05) higher or lower sugar contents. Consumers can identify low and high-sugar foods, and policymakers can review health priorities to combat obesity.

Persistent Barriers of the Gluten-Free Basic Food Basket: Availability, Cost, and Nutritional Composition Assessment.

Gluten-related disorders are treated with a gluten-free diet. The "basic food basket" (BFB) consists of a list of basic foods consumed by low-income groups in society, including those lowest-cost versions within each food category. To evaluate the cost, availability, and nutritional quality of the BFB and gluten-free BFB (GF-BFB), foods were photographed, registering their cost, availability, and nutritional characteristics, in high quality and mid-range supermarkets, wholesalers, health shops, and corner shops, matching each regular BFB product with a gluten-free equivalent. Of the 1177 potential products, the selection of lowest-cost foods yielded 55 and 47 products (BFB and GF-BFB, respectively). Breads/cereals and drinks showed the highest differences (279% and 146%, respectively) while meats and sausages showed the lowest ones (18.6%). The GF-BFB cost represents 30.1% of the minimum wage, which covers the cost of 5.2 and 3.3 of the BFB and GF-BFB per month, respectively. Availability ranged between 22.7 and 42.4%. Lower availability was associated with poorer nutritional quality in the GF-BFB, which provides 5% less energy, 26% more fat, and 25% less protein than the BFB. Only 47% of gluten-free products declared their "gluten-free" condition. The results strongly suggest that the GF-BFB must be redesigned to be both gluten-free and nutritionally adequate.

The Nutritional Quality of Food Donated to a Western Australian Food Bank.

Food banks provide an indispensable service to people experiencing severe food insecurity. Food banks source donations from across the food system; however, the food redistributed to clients across the developed world is nutritionally poor. This, together with the increasing prevalence of diet-related diseases and food insecurity, has prompted a focus on nutritional quality. Despite more food being distributed via food banks in Australia, the nutritional quality of donated food remains unreported. This study analyzed all food (84,996 kg (1216 products)) donated to Foodbank WA over a 5-day period using diet-, food-, and nutrient-based nutrition classification schemes (NCSs). A total of 42% (27% of total weight) of donated food products were deemed 'unsuitable' and 19% (23% by weight) were 'suitable' according to all NCSs. There was no agreement on 39% of products (50% by weight). Overall, NOVA and the Healthy Eating Research Nutrition Guidelines (HERNG) (κ = 0.521) had the highest level of agreement and the ADGs and HERNGs the lowest (κ = 0.329). The findings confirm the poor nutritional quality of food donated to food banks and the need to work with donors to improve the food they donate. Fit-for-purpose nutrition guidelines are urgently needed for Australian food banks to support them in providing nutritious food to their vulnerable clients.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption, Poorer Nutritional Quality, and Lower Muscle Mass in Immediate and Late Postkidney Transplant Periods

To assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the immediate (2months after transplantation) and late post-transplant (14months after transplantation) periods among kidney transplant patients and to examine its correlation with nutritional quality and body composition. A cross-sectional analysis of 96 kidney transplant recipients divided into 2 groups: immediate post-transplant (n=71) and late post-transplant (n=25). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected and grouped in a database. Food intake was evaluated by a validated food frequency questionnaire and foods were divided according to the NOVA classification system. The consumption of UPFs was calculated and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate its correlation with nutritional components and body composition. The consumption of UPFs was 649.4 [420.0-1061.72] kcal/day, accounting for 33.3±11.9% of the total daily energy intake. The immediate post-transplant group showed higher total daily energy and UPFs intake compared to the late post-transplant group (P=.002 and P=.046, respectively), although the energy contribution of UPFs was similar between both groups. UPFs intake was positively correlated with higher percentages of total fat, trans fat, saturated, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, starch, and sodium (P<.05 for all analyses). An inverse correlation was observed between UPFs consumption and the percentage of protein and carbohydrates in the food intake (P=.025 and P=.008, respectively). In the immediate post-transplant group, a higher intake of UPFs was correlated with lower muscle mass (r=-0.250, P=.037). The findings of this study reveal a pattern of increased consumption of UPFs among kidney transplant patients in comparison to the national average. This higher intake of UPFs was correlated with lower nutritional quality during both periods. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between UPFs consumption and adverse body composition parameters, specifically in the immediate post-transplant period.