Servings Of Vegetables Research Articles

Daily Intake of Two or More Servings of Vegetables Is Associated with a Lower Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Older People.

We sought to examine the correlation between the recommended consumption of at least two servings (400 g) of vegetables per day and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in an elderly population. This observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted with 264 non-institutionalized people aged 65 to 79 years old. We adhered to the recommended guidelines for vegetable intake from the MEDAS-14 questionnaire, which has been validated for elderly populations at high cardiovascular risk. Diagnoses of MetS were made based on the criteria set forth by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Among 264 individuals, who had a mean age of 71.9 (SD: 4.2) and comprised 39% men, the prevalence of MetS was 40.2%. A total of 17% of the participants adhered to the recommended vegetable consumption. Consuming the recommended amount of vegetables was correlated with a 19% reduction in the prevalence of MetS, to 24.4% from 43.4% among those with low vegetable consumption (p < 0.05). A main finding was that inadequate vegetable consumption was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of MetS (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.06-4.63; p = 0.035), considering potential influences by nutritional (consumption of fruit and nuts) and socio-demographic (sex, age, and level of education) covariates. A beneficial inverse correlation was identified between the recommended vegetable intake and the prevalence of MetS. In contrast, inadequate vegetable consumption was revealed as an independent variable associated with the prevalence of MetS. Considering the very low adherence to the recommended vegetable intake we observed, encouraging increased vegetable consumption among older individuals, who have a high prevalence of MetS, is advisable.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SOME VEGETABLE SPECIES COMMERCIALIZED ON LOCAL AND SUPERMARKET MARKETS

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of the human diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals and fiber and adding variety to the diet. In the Food Guide Pyramid, the US Department of Agriculture encourages eating 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit per day (León J.S, 2009). The present study aims at microbiological analysis of frequently consumed vegetables. It was found that the highest loading was on cucumbers and lettuce and the lowest on peppers and tomatoes. Refrigerated storage for 7 days resulted in an increase in the number of microorganisms

Real-Time Vegetable Identification and Detection Implementing Yolo

Fruits and vegetables are essential sources of nutrition, crucial for preventing chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular issues. Maintaining a healthy diet, including the recommended servings of vegetables and fruits, is important for overall well-being. However, many individuals, particularly those unfamiliar with grocery shopping, struggle to distinguish between different types of vegetables due to their similar physical characteristics, leading to confusion and poor dietary choices. Therefore, this project aims to design and develop a real-time vegetable detection and identification system through a mobile application using deep learning and provide healthy recipes based on the identified vegetable. This project used the YOLOv5 object detection algorithm for vegetable detection, utilizing manually captured vegetable images from phones as the dataset. The collected data were organized into a unified folder. The Modified Waterfall model was adopted as the methodology, excluding the maintenance phase, encompassing requirement gathering, design, implementation, and testing. The testing phase demonstrated that the model met all the project’s objectives and successfully identified and detected vegetables with a mAP of 95.7%. All functionality test cases and an accuracy test confirmed that the system effectively resolved the problem. The system was developed as a mobile application to enhance accessibility for target users. Future enhancements could include refining the detection model and incorporating a wider range of vegetables or including other ingredient datasets to broaden its scope.

Prevalence and Predictors of the Use of Low-Calorie Sweeteners Among Non-Pregnant, Non-Lactating Women of Reproductive Age in Australia.

There is concern about the potential health implications of low-calorie sweetener (LCS) consumption. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of LCS use among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Australia. This cross-sectional study involved a two-stage analysis. First, latent class analyses (LCA) were employed to identify patterns of LCS use. Subsequently, regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics and the two outcomes: (1) self-reported LCS use, and (2) the identified LCS consumption patterns/classes. A total of 405 WRA completed the survey (mean age 32.0 ± 8.6 years, mean BMI 28.71 ± 11.1 kg/m2), with 44.7% reporting LCS consumption. LCA analysis identified three distinct LCS consumption patterns: light users (45.9%), moderate users (26.0%) and heavy users (28.6%). A high proportion of participants did not meet the Australian dietary guidelines for recommended servings of vegetables (57.8%), dairy (44.2%), meat (48.2%) and grains (74.8%). Compared to Caucasian women, those from South Asian backgrounds (OR 4.16; 95% CI 1.71-10.1) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (OR 1.40; 95% CI 0.42-4.63) were more likely to use LCS. Women who participated in the weight loss programs, with overweight/obesity, and those using LCS for weight loss purposes were more likely to be moderate or heavy LCS users than light users. Additionally, socioeconomically disadvantaged women were less likely to be moderate or heavy LCS users. This study highlights the widespread use of LCS among WRA in Australia, with distinct consumption patterns influenced by cultural, health-related, and socioeconomic factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy eating practices within this population.

"Behavioural and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among post-menopausal women: A cross-sectional study in Itahari sub-metropolitan city of Nepal".

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are main cause of mortality and morbidity among women globally. Menopause, aging and different factors in collaboration leads to increased risk for CVDs among postmenopausal women but study on risk factors of CVDs among postmenopausal women is limited in Nepal. Therefore, we aimed to assess prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular disease among post-menopausal women. Community based cross-sectional study was carried among 390 post-menopausal women of the Itahari sub-metropolitan city. Multistage simple random sampling technique was used to collect data. Modified semi structured questionnaire STEP I, STEP II and STEP III was used as data collection tool. SPSS version 11.5 used for data analysis. Chi-square test and logistic regressions were performed at 95% confidence interval to find predictors of raised blood pressure and overweight/obesity. The mean age of respondents was 63.37 years. The prevalence of current smokers, current alcohol use, less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, low level of physical activity, overweight/obesity and raised blood pressure was 9.2%, 18.2%, 86.4%, 52.3%, 56.2% and 44.4% respectively. On multivariate analysis strong predictors of overweight obesity were age ≤59 years (AOR: 3.21, CI 1.49-6.89), poor economic status (AOR: 1.764, CI: 1.120-2.779) and low physical activity (AOR: 2.132, CI: 1.350-3.370). Predictors of raised blood pressure were age ≥75 years (AOR: 2.04, CI: 1.01-4.11), unmarried and widow (AOR: 1.815, CI: 1.108-2.971), higher economic status (AOR: 1.752, CI: 1.119-2.740) and smoking (AOR: 4.109, CI: 1.737-9.718). Prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors among postmenopausal women in Itahari sub-metropolitan city were alarmingly high. This calls for an early need of intervention and policies at local, provincial and institutional level to address risk factors of CVDs.

Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire: VioScreen-Allergy.

An adapted version of an online pictorial food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), VioScreen-Allergy, assesses total dietary intake and intake of allergens and foods in the maternal diet index (MDI), linked to offspring allergy. This study assessed intermethod reliability, test-retest reliability, and external validity of the VioScreen-Allergy. Females of childbearing age were recruited at Denver Health and Children's Hospital, Colorado, USA, and were asked to complete four 24 h recalls and two VioScreen-Allergy FFQs over the course of a month. All those with at least two 24 h dietary recalls and both VioScreen-Allergy assessments were analyzed. Energy-adjusted and non-adjusted linear mixed models (1) compared MDI scores and intake of nutrients and allergens as measures of intermethod reliability; (2) evaluated VioScreen-Allergy test-retest reliability as differences between repeated measurements; and (3) assessed external validity by modeling associations between VioScreen-Allergy-derived intake of beta-carotene and orange vegetables and Veggie Meter®-assessed skin carotenoids. Bonferroni corrections controlled multiple comparisons within the assessment. Of 53 participants enrolled, 25 demographically dissimilar participants were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences between 24 h recall and VioScreen-Allergy mean intakes of macronutrients, micronutrients, allergens, or MDI, except for Vitamin C, niacin, and cashew allergen protein. There were no significant differences between repeated measurements of VioScreen-Allergy, either energy-adjusted or unadjusted. Both beta-carotene and orange vegetable servings were significantly associated with Veggie Meter®. Although non-significance could have been due to low power, clinical as well as statistical assessments of intermethod reliability, test-retest reliability, and external validity suggest that VioScreen-Allergy has reasonable utility for trials assessing food allergens and MDI in the context of overall intake. The VioScreen questionnaire can also be used in future studies to assess macro- and micronutrient intake. Additional validation studies assessing different portion sizes and foods eaten by infants and young children are currently undergoing.

Characteristics, prediction, and risk assessment of phthalates, organophosphate esters, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vegetables from plastic greenhouses of Northeast China

We investigated the contaminations of phthalates (PAEs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the vegetables and their corresponding soils from 26 plastic greenhouses of Northeast China. PAEs, OPEs, and PAHs in the edible portion of vegetables were in the range of 2620–21800, 115–852, and 32.4–602 ng/g, while the levels of these chemicals in the greenhouse soils were 5770–18800, 196–935, and 109–1600 ng/g, respectively. PAEs are the main organic pollutants in greenhouses, which were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that of OPEs and PAHs. Leafy vegetables showed the highest contamination level, which is ∼1–3 times that of root and fruit vegetables. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of chemicals are significantly negatively correlated with their physicochemical properties, e.g., octanol-water partition coefficient and organic carbon partition coefficient. The partition-limited model can accurately predict the contamination level of greenhouse vegetables to a certain extent based on the chemical's concentration in the corresponding soil. We assessed the hazard quotients of target compounds through daily intake of greenhouse vegetables, and found a low risk for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. This research emphasized the potential dietary exposure risks caused by greenhouse leafy vegetables, and proposed a method for evaluating the risk of greenhouse vegetables through soil monitoring.

Rural-urban differences in common mental disorders among Indonesian youth: a cross-sectional national survey.

The onset of common mental disorders (CMDs) is most prevalent among youth; thus, mental health management is crucial. We examined differences in risk and risk factor determinants regarding CMDs prevalence among youth in rural and urban Indonesia. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2018 Indonesia National Health Survey. The population comprised 122,114 respondents, aged 15 to 24 years, who had completed the 20-item Self-Report Questionnaire along with providing demographic and health behavior data. Chi-square testing and logistic regression were employed for analysis. The CMDs risk was higher among urban than rural youth. Risk factors impacting both populations included being female, having a lower education level, consuming fewer than 7 portions of vegetables weekly, smoking, and drinking alcohol (p<0.05). Consuming under 7 portions of fruit weekly and being in the highest or lowest wealth quintile were significant risk factors only in urban youth, while unemployment and divorce were significant only among rural respondents (p<0.05). Marriage was protective against CMDs among rural participants. Being male, possessing a college degree, consuming at least 7 portions of vegetables weekly, not smoking, and not consuming alcohol were associated with reduced CMDs risk in urban and rural youth. Among rural youth, marriage and employment were linked to decreased risk, whereas divorce displayed the opposite relationship. In urban populations, consuming at least 7 portions of fruit weekly and belonging to neither the highest nor the lowest economic quintile were protective factors. Management strategies for CMDs in young people must address these considerations.

Breastfeeding duration, children’s diet and physical activity in immigrant children living in Lisbon

Abstract Background In 2023, 25% of children born in the Lisbon metropolitan area were from foreign mothers. Children of immigrant parents often face an unbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyle, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between migrant status and breastfeeding duration, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in children living in the Lisbon metropolitan area, Portugal. Methods Cross-sequential cohort study in Lisbon Region. Between May 2022 and April 2024, 729 children (49.4% immigrants) born in 2018 and 2020 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview with the parents using a structured questionnaire with information on children’s diet (fruit and vegetable consumption) and physical activity. We used X2, Mann-Whitney U and t-tests to compare immigrant and non-immigrant children. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 5% level were estimated by logistic regression. Results Immigrant children (49.4%) live in socio-economically disadvantaged families. Breastfeeding practices are more common among migrant mothers with a higher median duration of exclusive breastfeeding (6 versus 4 months, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and a higher median duration of breastfeeding (14 versus 8 months, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Parental migration background is associated with the frequency of fruit (p = 0.039) and vegetable (p &amp;lt; 0.01) consumption and with the practice of physical activity (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The odds of consuming three or more portions of fruit are 1.37 times higher for non-immigrant children, and the odds of consuming two portions of vegetables are higher for non-immigrants than immigrants (aOR=2.04, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Practicing sports is most frequent in non-immigrants (aOR =2.25; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusions Migrant status was associated with a less healthy lifestyle in childhood for children living in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Key messages • Breastfeeding is an essential source of nutrition for children, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged families. • The migrant status is often associated with inequalities in childhood, challenging immigrant children to achieve their full potential.

Evaluation of food pattern behaviours following nutritional education for health professionals

Abstract Background The “Work Programme - UN Decade of action on nutrition 2016-2025” highlights the importance of implementing Recommendation 19 of the Second International Conference on Nutrition of FAO and WHO related to nutrition education interventions (NEI) for health professionals (HP), in order to develop nutritional skills based on national dietary guidelines and coherent policies relating to food. The Local Health Agency integrated with Trieste University (ASUGI), since 2009, has performed 25 NEI with the formation of 910 HP. Post pandemic, the content of ASUGI’s last 5 NEI, programmed by the prevention plan of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, was aligned with the principles of the European Farm to Fork Strategy linked to Sustainable Healthy Diets (SHD). Objectives The objectives of the training programme (TP), approved for Continuing Medical Education, was to change and evaluate food pattern behaviour (FPB) of HP (n = 200) to adhere to the SHD. TP was characterized by a systemic view on complex interconnections between nutritional and sensorial food value, sustainability of food chain systems, evolution of urban food environments, as contexts into which SHD choices can be applied. The 2 days training, spread over 14 hours with 40 participants, concluded with interactive work and experiences to applied knowledge and beginning to make informed healthy dietary choices in practice. Results 6 months after the conclusion of TP it was reported that the percentage of HP who consumed the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables had increased from 62% to 70% and from 28% to 35% respectively, while those who consumed no cured meats, red meats or legumes, changed from 24% to 35%, from 19% to 25%, from 6% to 3% respectively. Conclusions The evaluation of the TP systemic structure has shown its effectiveness in improving some healthy FPB of HP and the importance of applying a continuous improvement process of the program to better adhere to the whole SHD. Key messages • The systemic and integrated structure of nutritional education intervention programs for health professionals contributes to improving their healthy food pattern behaviour. • The relationships between complex policies of food systems and the 17 SDGs included in the training programs on nutrition education are useful for promoting adherence to healthy and sustainable diets.

Health disparities continue to report in DEIS schools: Irish COSI Round 6 study

Abstract Background Previous reports have identified clear differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children living with disadvantaged compared to those living in advantaged circumstances. Childhood obesity is influenced by factors in the home environment, including lifestyle behaviours and socio-economic status. The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) family survey provides insights into these factors, particularly in children that attend disadvantaged (DEIS) and non-disadvantaged (non-DEIS) schools. Aim This study aims to compare various demographic and socioeconomic factors within the home environment of primary school children across DEIS and non-DEIS schools in Ireland, elucidating the differences in their performance with implications for health policy. Methods Parents of 1st and 2nd class children (mean age 7) from 121 sentinel schools invited to participate in the family survey, returned it by post or online using Lime Survey. Ethical approval was secured for COSI R6, with consent from families. Data on demographics, diet, transportation, activities, and clinical characteristics of children in Ireland were collected, anonymised and analysed in SPSS, comparing children from DEIS (n = 147) and non-DEIS (n = 1014) schools. Results Around 88% of respondents of returned surveys included in the study (n = 1161) were mothers. Significant disparity in families with diabetes diagnosis or treatment observed between DEIS and non-DEIS schools (10.6% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.016). Breastfeeding rates were higher in non-DEIS schools (57.0% vs. 46.9%, p = 0.015). Children consuming at least 3 portions of fruits and vegetables daily were also higher in non-DEIS schools (58.9% vs. 46.0%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). More children in non-DEIS schools engaged in physical activities outside of school hours (93.7% vs. 74.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions The findings underscore the significant socioeconomic disparities between families whose children attend DEIS and non-DEIS schools in Ireland. Key messages • Irish COSI R6 reveals disparities in health-related factors between disadvantaged and advantaged schools. • Targeted interventions and policies are necessary to address factors influencing child health.

Did the pandemic change behaviours in Italy? An analysis on the main NCDs behavioural risk factors

Abstract Background The indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthy living behaviours are multiple and complex to assess. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy on: smoking, alcohol, fruit and vegetable consumption, and sedentary lifestyle, through the Italian Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (PASSI) data. Methods PASSI 2008-2022 data refer to a sample of 497,223 18-69-year-olds residing in Italy. For each behaviour, from the monthly prevalence data, the 2008-2022 time series was estimated with LOWESS regression and an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was conducted, using the generalized least squares (gls) model, taking into account autocorrelation (ARMA matrix) and considering March 2020 (start of WHO-declared pandemic) as the month of ‘interruption’ of the series, to show the difference between what was observed and what was expected under the assumption that the pandemic had not happened (‘counterfactual’ scenario). Results In December 2022 the share of people who consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day is lower than the counterfactual scenario (6.7% vs 9.1%), while the share of higher-risk alcohol users is significantly higher (19.5% vs 16.9%). In contrast, the share of sedentary people (according to WHO guidelines) is significantly lower than the counterfactual (27.9% vs 31.8%). The pandemic does not seem to have had a significant impact on smoking. Conclusions These results show a worsening impact of the pandemic on alcohol consumption and fruit and vegetable consumption. Sedentariness shows better data at the end of 2022 and smoking remains mostly unchanged. It will be necessary to continue monitoring the impact of the pandemic over longer periods to confirm the findings. Key messages • Understanding changes in lifestyle indicators is critical to design ad hoc interventions to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases, and especially during health emergencies such as pandemics. • Through this work it is possible to clearly observe how the pandemic has impacted lifestyle habits.

Can mobile apps facilitate more sustainable and healthier diets? A systematic review

Abstract Background One third of all greenhouse gas emissions come from the food system, and current diets are insufficient to meet environmental and public health goals. Digital health apps offer promise to change behaviour, but little is known about the effects of different types of apps. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of mobile apps in facilitating dietary changes across adults from high-income countries. Methods Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Global Health, GreenFILE, Web of Science), two trial registries (Cochrane Trials and Clinicaltrials.gov), and Google were systematically searched for intervention studies aiming to facilitate dietary change. Interventions were characterised by their use of messaging (e.g., motivational statements) and personalised features (e.g., tailored nutrition advice). Outcomes for three food groups were synthesised through meta-analysis. Results Of the 5261 identified records, 21 met the eligibility criteria and were included. Interventions, recruiting 73,973 participants in total, lasted from three days to six months. Overall positive changes were observed in daily servings of fruit and vegetables (0.59, 95% CI 0.20, 0.99), legumes (0.05, 95% CI 0.01, 0.08), and meat (-0.14, 95% CI -0.23, -0.05), remaining significant after removing non-randomised controlled trials. Changes in fruit and vegetable intake were more pronounced for users of apps with messaging components (0.75, 95% CI 0.18, 1.32) and personalisation (0.67, 95% CI 0.16, 1.19), and meat intake changes were larger for messaging-based apps (-0.21, 95% CI -0.27, -0.15) than apps without these features. Conclusions Our findings suggest to practitioners and policymakers that mobile apps could be a useful and innovative way to change behaviour. Within a wider behaviour change approach, apps could help facilitate diets that meet food-based dietary guidelines, are predominantly plant-based, and are protective of environmental and human health. Key messages • Overall, the results from 21 studies showed positive dietary changes towards more fruits, vegetables, and legumes and less meat consumption following the use of mobile apps. • Apps including messaging and personalised elements appeared most effective and may be important for driving changes in fruits, vegetables, and meat consumption.

Water footprint and Med-Diet adherence: preliminary results from MedDietMenus4Campus

Abstract Background The Mediterranean Diet (MedD) is widely recognized as a health-promoting and sustainable dietary pattern. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of higher education institutes (HEI) menus via water footprint and the compliance with MedD in Croatia, Portugal and Turkey. Methods Water footprint calculation followed the methodology of Mekonnen and Hoekstra (2012). Adherence to the Med-Diet was evaluated using the Med-Diet Compliance Index (MeDCIn). All available options were considered, except for restrictions such as vegetarian, considering a 5-day/week and 1-meal/day menu. Menus spanning a two-week period were analyzed from two distinct HEI in each country. Results Mean water footprints varied across three countries (1213.9-2297.4 L/person). Turkish HEI 1 (2297.4 L/person) and 2 (1934.2 L/person) exhibited the highest water footprints, while Croatian HEI 2 (1213.9 L/person) and Portugal HEI 2 (1308.6 L/person) had the lowest. MedDiet index scores ranged from 0.50 to 5.50. Portugal University 1 (5.5) and 2 (4.5) scored the highest, whereas Croatia University 1 (0.5) scored the lowest. Conclusions In the preliminary results, Portugal presented a lower water footprint and higher MedD adherence, possibly due to the higher use of seafood. The higher water footprint in Turkey might be due to more balanced servings of vegetables and fruits and significant portions of red meat. The low MedD compliance scores in Croatia can be attributed to insufficient fresh fruits, whole grains and pulses, and the low water footprint related to the use of ready-made desserts and soup powders not included in the water footprint database.

Nutrition, Physical activity and Obesity in Moroccan High School students

Obesity is epidemic in Morocco and on the rise in adolescents. Low physical exercise is mostly associated with weight gain and high incidence of obesity. The consequences of physical inactivity and poor diet produce an obese state in students. This study aims to assess the role of nutrition and physical activity in the prevention of obesity in the high school students in Meknes city-Morocco. 100 high school students aged 14 to 18 years have surveyed to assess weight status, physical activity and dietary habits. By using body mass index (BMI) &gt; 25 kg/m2 and BMI &gt; 30kg/m2 to estimate overweight and obesity. The results show that overweight rates are 23% and obesity rates are 12%. Over 69% of participants indicated consuming less than five servings of vegetables and fruits per day, with over 67% reporting less than 20grams of fibre intake. Additionally, the majority reported engaging in physical exercise on fewer than three days per week. These findings highlight a concerning trend among high school students, indicating a significant gap in meeting physical activity and dietary recommendations. This underscores the necessity for preventive interventions and a deeper understanding of overweight issues in this demographic. Physical activity and dietary changes contribute to weight loss. Overweight and obesity can be prevented by a regular physical activity and healthy diet.

Working young adults' engagement with public and workplace health promotion efforts in Singapore: A qualitative study.

Young adults entering the workforce are at increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Yet, internationally, young adults are rarely targeted in health campaigns, and little is known on how to improve their interest and participation in health promotion efforts. Through 33 semi-structured interviews with young adults working in Singapore, we explored their engagement with existing public and workplace health promotion efforts that encouraged healthy eating and increased physical activity, and their subjective health in the context of their daily lives. Interviews were coded and thematically analysed, taking an inductive and deductive approach. Despite some interest in health messaging, participating working young adults rarely adopted health-promoting activities such as meeting daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. Participants reported that the health promotion campaigns they were aware of, suggested actions that they couldn't incorporate in their lives as they did not address the barriers that they are facing from socio-environmental contributors such as long working hours, personal and social commitments, and the food environment. Furthermore, some considered their health to be good enough and therefore had little reason to change existing practices. Affordable and accessible health screenings were an objective way for young adults to re-evaluate their perceptions of their own health which motivated some to favourably change their behaviours. Our findings suggest that future health promotion campaigns would benefit from more fully addressing some of the existing barriers that young working adults face, in tandem with policy changes to directly tackle the socio-environmental conditions for young workers.

Targeted Medical Consultation and Lifestyle Modification Advice for the Improvement of Quality of Life and Daily Habits in Gynaecological Patients: A Pilot Study.

Introduction Lifestyle factors account for a considerable part of the etiology of several metabolic disorders and many chronic benign and malignant conditions in the gynecological patient in particular. Lifestyle modification interventions offered within the context of gynecological care and endorsed by a medical practitioner have the potential to more strongly motivate patients to enact long-lasting changes. Methods A randomized pilot study was performed on 60 gynecological patients, utilizing simple lifestyle information and advice, supplementing routine consultation. Quality of life, dietary, exercise and smoking related habits were assessed at enrolment and then at 15, 30, and 60 days into the study. Results Quality of life significantly improved for the study group at 15- and 30-day assessments, but the difference was not maintained at 60 days. Participants in the study group significantly increased weekly fruit portions, but no differences were evident for vegetable, red meat, and dessert portions. Weekly exercise rate and exercise duration were higher in the study group, as was the adoption of a more physically active routine for non-exercising participants. Finally, the study group smokers managed to significantly reduce the number of daily cigarettes, but this was a small subgroup of the overall participants. Conclusion The findings of the present study indicate the potential of lifestyle interventions endorsed by a trusted medical practitioner for improving quality of life and daily habits in the gynecological patient. A larger, follow-up study is necessary to confirm these findings and further refine the interventions used, in order to maximize effectiveness.

Maternal Mediterranean Diet During Lactation and Infant Growth.

Background: Human milk is considered the optimal source of nutrition for infants. Maternal diet is associated with the composition of human milk. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been studied in pregnancy and during lactation, and it has been associated with changes in milk composition, yet there is a lack of research on MedDiet during lactation and infant outcomes. Methods: Mother-infant dyads (n = 167) from ABC Baby, a prospective observational study, were included in this analysis. Maternal diet was obtained using an adapted version of the National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire II, at 2 weeks or 2 months postpartum. Maternal MedDiet score was calculated using servings of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, fish, monounsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio, red and processed meats, and added sugar. Infants' length, weight, and flank skinfold thickness were measured at 6 months. Using World Health Organization standards, weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and weight-for-length (WLZ) Z-scores were calculated. Multiple linear regression models were adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Higher maternal MedDiet score and intake of fruit and fish were associated with lower flank skinfold thickness (β = -0.33, -0.52, and -1.26, respectively). Intake of nuts and seeds was associated with higher WLZ (β = 0.29). Intake of red and processed meats was associated with lower WAZ (β = -0.18) and LAZ (β = -0.18). Energy-adjusted added sugar intake was associated with lower WLZ (β = -0.02). Conclusions: The maternal MedDiet score was associated with lower skinfold thickness, while its components were associated with differences in anthropometric Z-scores. Further research on the maternal MedDiet and corresponding human milk composition is needed to explore this relationship.

Nutrient intake and food selectivity in children with Tourette syndrome

ABSTRACT Objectives: Children with Tourette syndrome (TS) have been shown to exhibit high levels of food selectivity; however, its association with nutritional status has yet to be explored. The current study explored macro and micronutrient intake and food selectivity among children with and without TS, using 24-hour dietary recall and the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Method: Parents of 43 children diagnosed with TS and 38 age-matched children without a clinical diagnosis completed an online 24-hour food diary. Results: Fifty-eight per cent of children with TS were identified as falling outside of the healthy BMI range (underweight = 24.2%; overweight = 27.3%; obese = 6.1%). Children with TS also consumed fewer portions of fruit and vegetables along with meeting the daily reference nutrient intake guidelines significantly less often for vitamins B3, B6 and C, selenium and phosphorus compared to children without TS. Conclusions: Understanding the nutritional risk of children with TS relative to other children is important to clinicians and health care professionals who oversee nutritional inspection in primary care, and caregivers who are worried about the impact of limited or restricted diets.

Development, usability, and preliminary efficacy of a virtual reality experience to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in children: pilot randomized controlled trial.

Virtual reality (VR) shows promise for supporting behavior change in children. This study used user-centered design to translate key tenets of behavioral health interventions into VR for children aged 6-12 years and their caregivers and examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the VR experience in a pilot parallel, two-group randomized controlled trial (RCT). The VR experience incorporates psychoeducational content from evidence-based behavioral health interventions using voiceover and an interactive go-kart game related to the concepts of "food as fuel" and nutrition guidelines. Study 1 involved usability testing with n=5 child-caregiver dyads, which informed technical and content refinements to the experience. Study 2 involved children aged 6-12 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile for age and sex who were comfortable speaking English and their caregivers with BMI ≥25 kg/m2. After participants completed baseline assessments in lab on eating-related behavioral cognitions and behaviors, participants were randomly assigned to the 10-minute VR experience or a control condition (i.e., nutrition education video and mobile phone food game), and were unblinded to condition. Child and caregivers completed assessments immediately post-intervention (eating-related behavioral cognitions) and at 2-week follow-up (behaviors, caregiver readiness to change). The objectives were to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of the VR experience, and examine the preliminary efficacy of VR compared to the control condition on the primary outcomes of child behavioral cognitions and behaviors. Non-parametric tests examined differences in change scores across conditions as well as overall and within-group changes in outcomes. Twenty-seven child-caregiver dyads (14 in VR, 13 in control) were enrolled (child mean age =10.4 years; 14 girls). Caregivers reported good usability and excellent immersion in the virtual environment. Children reported significantly greater acceptability of VR compared to control (P=0.02). Child self-efficacy for healthy eating, self-efficacy for physical activity, attitudes toward healthy eating, and behavioral intentions for healthy eating increased from pre- to post-test in both conditions. From baseline to 2-week follow-up, all children reported greater weekly vegetable servings and more active days in the past week. Children in the VR condition had greater change in attitudes towards healthy eating from pre- to post-test compared to children in the control condition [effect size r=0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.72]. Readiness to help child change significantly increased for caregivers in the VR condition from pre- to 2-week follow-up, but did not change for caregivers in the control condition. No adverse events were reported. A VR program to promote healthy eating among children shows high feasibility and acceptability, and high potential for improving child and caregiver behavioral cognitions in this pilot RCT. Future work should examine the impact of repeated exposure to the experience over time, and examine long-term effects. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04845568.