Read Nutrition Labels Research Articles

Resident Doctors and Food Labelling: A Descriptive Study from India

Abstract Background: Perception of front-of-package label (FOPL) amongst doctors is crucial to sensitise patients towards healthy eating choices using FOPL. This study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of FOPL amongst resident doctors. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out on 100 resident doctors at Sawai Man Singh Medical College during the period of September–November 2023. KAP regarding FOPL were assessed using validated questionnaire, scored and categorised as per Bloom’s criteria. Results: The study showed a mean KAP score of 8.17 ± 1.95 for the participants, out of maximum score of 15. Participants scored highest in the knowledge (4.07 ± 1.08) and lowest in the practice section (0.90 ± 1.16). Although 99% of respondents were aware about some labelling on packaged food items, only 23% of respondents were aware about FOPL. Majority of the respondents rarely or never read nutrition labels (87%) or compared nutritional content of two similar items before purchasing (89%). Sixty-two per cent of respondents considered nutrition labelling as a guarantee of food safety. ‘Multiple Traffic Light’ was the most preferred FOPL design (43%), followed by ‘Health Star Rating’ (21%). Conclusion: There is low awareness of FOPL and a knowledge-behaviour gap amongst the residents. This gap needs to be addressed to ensure better patient counselling for healthy eating choices.

Psychometric Analyses of a Food Literacy Behaviors Questionnaire for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a food literacy instrument specific to individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Twelve T2DM-specific, food literacy-related statements underwent content validity and face validity testing, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted (phase 1). The 6 statements remaining after EFA testing were added to an existing food literacy questionnaire called the Eating and Food Literacy Behaviors Questionnaire (EFLBQ). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined the EFLBQ plus the T2DM-specific statements, and the instrument was called the Eating and Food Literacy Questionnaire for Diabetics (EFLBQ-D; phase 2). Both EFA and CFA were administered by third-party provider Centiment via Qualtrics to adults with T2DM residing in the 13 United States Department of Agriculture Southern region states. Reliability was assessed via point estimate reliability testing. The EFA items clustered into 2 factors each with 3 statements: (1) carbohydrate counting and nutrition label reading and (2) healthy food preparation methods. The CFA indicated that the EFLBQ-D had good fit and that the factors had good reliability. The EFLBQ's integrity was maintained with its items loading on the respective constructs. The EFLBQ-D appears to be a valid, reliable instrument for use by researchers and professionals to better understand food behaviors and food literacy skills of those with T2DM. This is an important tool to help individualize medical nutrition therapy, improving patient care in this population.

The individual-level effects of social media campaigns related to healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy weight: Anarrative review.

Social media are promising channels for health communication promoting positive weight-related behaviors, but no prior studies have synthesized evidence on the independent effects of social media campaigns focused on promoting healthy eating, physical activity (PA), and healthy weight. This study aimed to fill that gap and inform future social media-based obesity-prevention research and practice by reviewing findings from studies testing the effects of such campaigns on individual-level cognitive, behavioral, and anthropometric outcomes. The Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2023 that explored the independent effects of social media campaigns related to healthy eating, PA, or weight management. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted and summarized. Eleven studies were included in this review describing campaigns targeting healthy eating-related outcomes (e.g., fruit and vegetable consumption, meal preparation, nutrition label reading), PA, or weight management. Most campaigns (n=7) were developed by universities or research centers. Priority audiences included parents, adult females, adolescents, college students, and adult government employees. The majority (n=8) of the campaigns used single platforms, with the most common being Facebook, Instagram, blogs, and YouTube. Campaigns had mixed effects on cognitive outcomes (e.g., intention, attitude, knowledge), behavioral outcomes (e.g., food choices, PA), and anthropometric outcomes (e.g., weight, waist circumference). Social media campaigns focused on promoting healthy eating, PA, and healthy weight had mixed effects on individual-level cognitive, behavioral, and anthropometric outcomes. Various limitations of the included studies make it difficult to ascertain which factors influence campaign effectiveness. Advancing knowledge in this area is important, particularly given social media's widespread use and potential for broad reach. New research with features such as rigorous study designs, larger and more diverse samples, and strong theoretical foundations may provide important insights into what types of interventions are effective or not and under what conditions.

Education on Balanced Nutrition and Food Label Reading for Community in Cibanteng Village, Bogor District

In Indonesia, the number of people suffering from non-communicable diseases is on the rise. The leading cause is unbalanced nutrition. People must be able to choose healthy meals by reading food labels due to the growing quantity of packaged foods on the market. This Serving Lecturer is designed to teach the public about balanced nutrition and how to read nutritional information on food labels to make healthier food choices. On July 31, 2021, the community in Cibanteng Village, Ciampea District, Bogor Regency, received online balanced nutrition and food labelling education. A pre-test and post-test were used to assess public understanding of food labels. As a result, participants gained a better understanding of the principles of a balanced diet, nutritional values, and healthier choices because of this activity. Participants could also choose healthier goods based on the nutritional value information given on the packaging during the practice session. Balanced nutrition and food label education activities can help people eat healthier foods and stay healthy, active, and productive while avoiding disease.

Evaluation of nutrition label reading habits and knowledge levels among Turkish consumers: Implications for healthier food choices

<b>Objectives:</b> Nutrition labels are increasingly seen as a crucial strategy to combat diet-related chronic diseases, especially obesity. This study, it is aimed to evaluate the nutrition label reading habits of Turkish consumers and their knowledge levels about nutrition labels and claims.<br /> <b>Method:</b> The population of the research consists of 1,195 volunteers, 597 males and 598 females, aged between 18-65 years. The data of the study were collected using a face-to-face interview technique through a questionnaire. With the questionnaire form, descriptive information of individuals, reading habits of nutrition labels, information about nutrition label content, and preferred information and statements on nutrition labels were questioned.<br /> <b>Results:</b> In the study, it was found that the rate of reading the packaging information, the need to research an ingredient in its composition after reading the nutrition label (p<0.001) and hearing some terms used frequently in the food industry (such as colorants, preservatives, sweeteners, etc.) (p<0.05) of those who find the label information important when purchasing food is higher than those who do not find it important in both genders and total participants. In addition, in the study, it was determined that those who knew the nutrition claims on the nutrition labels in all groups prefer more some nutrition claims such as “reduced energy” and “trans-fats free” among the most read nutrition claims (p<0.001).<br /> <b>Conclusions:</b> These results suggest that instilling the importance of reading nutrition labels and teaching nutrition claims to individuals in the community may be a cost-effective intervention to encourage consumers to make healthier food choices and acquire healthier eating habits.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of consumers towards “Front of Package Label” (FOPL) on food packages regarding nutrition in India

Food labels give information about the elements of the food and can help people make healthy diet choices. Food labels are potential tools for improving the dietary patterns of populations and could change dietary behavior. The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge and attitude of consumers related to FOPL, evaluate the practices of consumers regarding FOPL, and identify consumers' purchasing preferences for packaged food. A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected supermarkets in Gandhinagar city using a convenient sampling method. A total of 500 participants were selected from 4 supermarkets (125 participants were selected from each supermarket). Exit interviews were done through pretested, semi-structured questionnaires. Out of 500 participants, 79% read food labels, but only 15% knew about FOPL. 88.2% of people noticed manufacturing and expiration dates on packaged food. Only 50% of the participants thought that FOPL contained nutritional information. 49.4% knew that FOPL was present on the front side of package food. 90% of people consume Namkeen food as packaged food. 59.4% thought that FOPL helped them choose healthier food, and 73% thought it should be mandatory on all food packages. Education level is significantly related to knowledge and information on the FOPL (P = 0.0001). Education programmes about nutrition labeling and how to read nutrition labels properly must be done to increase consumers' awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the importance of nutrition labeling information. It can be an effective means of helping consumers make healthier food choices and prevent NCDs.

Nutritional status, nutrient imbalances, food-related behaviors and dietary supplements use among patients with celiac disease on a gluten free diet in Lebanon: a national cross-sectional study.

Background: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, that occurs in susceptible individuals and is associated with dietary restriction and subsequent nutritional deficiencies. This study investigated the diet quality, nutrition imbalances and nutrition status among young children,adolescents and adults with CD who were referred to several hospitals in Lebanon. Methods: A cross-sectional study in 50 individuals (31.74 ± 15.64 years) with CD who follow a gluten free diet was conducted, using biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, dietary and physical activity assessments. Results: Of the 50 participants, 38% and 16% were presenting low serum levels of iron and vitamin B12, respectively. The majority of participants were physically inactive and around 40% of them had low muscle mass. A weight loss of 10% to 30% indicating mild to moderate malnutrition was shown in 14% of individuals. The assessment of food-related behaviors shows that 80% of participants were reading nutrition labels and 96% of them were following gluten-free diets (GFD). Some barriers including family ignorance (6%), language of the nutrition labels (20%) and expensive GF products (78%) were limiting the adherence to GFD. The inadequacy of the daily energy intake along with insufficient intakes of calcium and vitamin D were remarked among individuals with CD. However, protein and iron intake were exceeding the recommendations among all age groups, except in males aged 4-8 years and 19-30 years. Half the study participants were using dietary supplements where 38%, 10%, 46%, 18%, 16% and 4% used vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, folate and probiotics, respectively. Conclusion:GFD is the key treatment for CD. However, it is not without inadequacies and may cause certain deficiencies such as calcium and vitamin D leading to reduced bone density. This underlines the critical role of dietitians in education and maintenance of healthy GFD among individuals with CD.

Pemahaman dan Penerimaan Label Gizi Front of Pack Produk Snack oleh Siswa SMA di Depok

Labels play a crucial role in providing essential information that helps consumers choose their food products. Despite this, the comprehension and acceptance of nutrition labels remain low. The objective of this study was to compare the understanding and acceptance of nutrition labels with and without Front of Pack (FoP) in adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years. The FoP nutrition label is a labeling system that simplifies nutritional information and displays it on the front of food packaging. It includes three types: daily intake guide (DIG), multi-traffic light (MTL), and health star rating (HSR). The study targeted high school students in Depok, selected through stratified sampling based on school accreditation. Only 11.1% of respondents reported reading nutrition labels. The results of the Chi-square test indicated a significant difference (p <0.05) in the use of nutrition labels based on exposure to nutrition, nutritional knowledge, and label reading. ANOVA test results showed significant differences in comprehension and acceptance of the four labels. The HSR label was the most comprehensible (63.7%), followed by DIG (58.7%), nutrition fact panel/NFP (51.1%), and MTL (45.7%). Additionally, respondents rated the HSR label as the most preferred, attractive, and easiest to understand.

Factors affecting self-care among community-dwelling hypertensive older adults: A cross-sectional study.

To examine self-care behaviours among older adults with hypertension and identify related factors, including cognitive function, religious belief and comorbidities. A cross-sectional study. Self-care behaviours included diet and health. Participants completed a survey including items on demographics, disease-related characteristics and self-care behaviours and underwent cognitive function tests. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and multiple regression analysis was performed to analyse the factors affecting self-care. Regarding diet behaviour, older religious adults and those with higher scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korean version had higher levels of self-care scores according to the HBP-SC. Regarding health behaviour, older adults with no comorbidities had higher levels of self-care scores according to the HBP-SC. Factors affecting self-care diet behaviour include religion and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korean version scores and those affecting health behaviour include comorbidities among older adults with hypertension. Therefore, to improve their self-care behaviours, their religious practices and comorbidities should be considered, cognitive function should be assessed, and tailored education should be provided. This study investigated factors affecting self-care behaviours of hypertensive older adults in South Korea. The self-care was divided into diet and health behaviours. The factors influencing diet behaviour were religion and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korean version scores, and the factor influencing health behaviour was comorbidities. We also investigated self-care behaviour patterns. Older adults with hypertension were good at controlling alcohol consumption and did not forget to fill prescriptions. However, they were poor at reading nutrition labels to check on sodium content and checking blood pressure at home. Therefore, nurses could develop interventions considering these influencing factors and behavioural patterns to improve self-care behaviours and enhance health for older adults with hypertension. Hypertension in older adults affects their health conditions and performance of self-care behaviours. Nurses could assess self-care based on diet and health behaviours. Additionally, further developing tailored programmes is recommended considering factors like religious belief, cognitive function and comorbidities. This study followed the STROBE guidelines. This study used a convenience sample of 105 participants aged≥ 65 years recruited from a Korean hospital.

A cross-sectional exploratory study of food literacy among Saudi parents of adolescent children aged 10 to 19 years.

Parental food literacy is fundamental in laying a solid foundation for healthy eating among their children. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the current state of food literacy among Saudi parents of 10-19 years old adolescent children, and (2) determine the correlates associated with parental food literacy. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2022, with a convenience sample of 1845 Saudi parents (mean age = 45.1 ± 11; mothers: 56%). A Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) was used to meet the study aims. Findings showed that around 46% of parents had poor food literacy. Fathers were 2.4 times more likely than mothers to be food illiterate (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.9-3.0, p < 0.001). Parents residing in Riyadh, Northern borders, Jawf, or Ha'il had a three times higher risk of being food illiterate than those residing in other provinces (OR = 3.2, CI = 2.6-3.9, p < 0.001). Parental overweight or obesity increased their risk of being food illiterate by 60% (OR = 1.6, CI = 1.3-2.1, p < 0.001). Healthy parents, in contrast to those having a chronic disease (s), had a 60% higher probability of food illiteracy (OR = 0.4, CI = 0.3-0.6, p < 0.001). Educated parents had a three times higher risk of being food illiterate (vs. uneducated parents, OR = 3.0, CI = 1.6-5.8, p = 0.001). Parents making less than 3000 Saudi Riyal (SR) per month (<798 USD/779 EUR) were 40% more likely to be food illiterate than those who reported 3000-25000 SR (798-6652 USD/779-6499 EUR) (OR = 0.6, CI = 0.4-0.9, p = 0.02), and 70% more likely to be food illiterate than those making more than 25000 SR (>6652 USD/6497 EUR) (OR = 0.3, CI = 0.2-0.6, p < 0.001). Parents who lived in crowded households were twice as likely to be food illiterate as those who did not (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.5-2.4, p < 0.001). The current study findings should be employed in future programming and policy-making approaches to reach Saudi parents for necessary food literacy interventions. These interventions could include bolstering their confidence while cooking, buying groceries, reading nutrition labels, and integrating them into nutrition education lessons with their children in school settings.

Black Parents' Perceptions and Barriers to Limiting Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among Young Children: A Social Cognitive Theory Application.

Introduction: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major contributor to obesity among young children 0 to 5 years of age. In addition, parental beverage intake influences children's beverage intake. Objective: This study explores Black parents' perceptions about and barriers to limiting SSBs among young children. Methods: Twenty-seven Black parents participated in six focus groups conducted across the state of Georgia. Questions grounded in Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) assessed perceived health impacts of SSBs and water consumption, influences of beverage choices, barriers to limiting SSB intake, and resources needed to overcome barriers. Before the focus group sessions, participants completed a demographic survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using R statistical software. Focus group sessions were analyzed using NVivo. Results: Family and cultural norms, price, taste, flavor, water safety, tantrums, and product placement at grocery stores primarily influenced beverage choice and consumption. Restaurant refills, price, lack of confidence, advertisements, cravings, tantrums, and budget were perceived barriers to drinking more water and fewer SSBs daily. Resources Black parents noted would help in promoting and serving healthy beverages to their young children included education on beverage recommendations, training on how to read nutrition labels, healthy alternatives, and the presence of support systems. Conclusion: Findings from this study will inform interventions to reduce SSB intake among Black families with young children.

Nutritional status, nutrient imbalances, food-related behaviors and dietary supplements use among patients with celiac disease on a gluten free diet in Lebanon: a national cross-sectional study

Background: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, that occurs in susceptible individuals and is associated with dietary restriction and subsequent nutritional deficiencies. This study investigated the diet quality, nutrition imbalances and nutrition status among young children,adolescents and adults with CD who followed a gluten free diet an who were referred to several hospitals in Lebanon.Methods:A cross-sectional study in 50 individuals (31.74 ± 15.64 years) with CD was conducted, using biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, dietary and physical activity assessments.Results: Of the 50 participants, 38% and 16% were presenting low serum levels of iron and vitamin B12, respectively. The majority of participants were physically inactive and around 40% of them had low muscle mass. A weight loss of 10% to 30% indicating mild to moderate malnutrition was shown in 14% of individuals. The assessment of food-related behaviors shows that 80% of participants were reading nutrition labels and 96% of them were following gluten-free diets. Some barriers including family ignorance (6%), language of the nutrition labels (20%) and expensive GF products (78%) were limiting the adherence to GFD. The inadequacy of the daily energy intake along with insufficient intakes of calcium and vitamin D were remarked among individuals with CD. However, protein and iron intake were exceeding the recommendations among all age groups, except in males aged 4-8 years and 19-30 years. Half the study participants were using dietary supplements where 38%, 10%, 46%, 18%, 16% and 4% used vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, folate and probiotics, respectively.Conclusion: GFD is the key treatment for CD. However, it is not without inadequacies and may cause certain deficiencies such as calcium and vitamin D leading to reduced bone density. This underlines the critical role of dietitians in education and maintenance of healthy GFD among individuals with CD.

Abstract 13287: Reading Nutrition Labels, and Self-Regulatory Lifestyle Behaviors Improves Cardiovascular Health: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach - Nhanes 2017-2018

Introduction: Recommendations for self-regulatory lifestyle behaviors - SRLB, such as reducing salt, or calories, often focus on reading nutrition labels. While these are correlated with cardiovascular outcomes, their causal effects are underexplored. Hypothesis: As covariance-based structural equation modeling - SEM, examines multivariate causal relationships in one model while considering measurement error, we propose using SEM to hypothesize that label reading and SRLB will improve cardiovascular outcomes (Figure1a) Methods: SEM was applied to National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2017 - 2018 data in adults over 18 years of age, adjusted for education, age, gender, and ethnicity. Label reading included the use of calorie and sugar information. SRLB included weight loss, increasing exercise, and reducing salt and fat. Results: Of 4260 adults, 51.9% were female, with a mean age of 51.46 ± 17.5 (Table 1b). Extensive effects of SRLB, on HDL-C (β= .12, p &lt;.01), Total Cholesterol - TC (β= -.17, p &lt;.001); and label reading, on Blood Pressure - BP (β = -.73, p &lt;.001), Triglycerides - TG (β = -.49, p &lt;.001) were noted. BMI (β = -.10, p &lt;.01) and Hba1c (β = -.13, P&lt;.001) improved with SRLB, but label reading showed no effect. Higher education increased BP (β =.1, P&lt;.001), but decreased Hba1c (β = -.07, P&lt;.001) and ethnicity had a negative effect on BMI (β = -.1, P&lt;.001) (Table 1c). Conclusions: Using SEM, we demonstrate the causal effects of dietary and lifestyle behaviors on cardiovascular outcomes. The extensive impact of label reading illustrates its efficacy in managing hypertension and dyslipidemia, but the absence of effect on weight and blood sugar management, and the varied effect of education, and ethnicity, need to be explored. In addition, our findings may underscore the need for culturally tailored lifestyle recommendations that achieve caloric balance by interpreting calorie and sugar information in the context of serving size and caloric expenditure.

ODP203 Health Questionnaires are a Positive Behavioral Modifier In Patients with Impaired Blood Sugar In the African American Population.

Abstract Type 2 diabetes and its complications have a higher incidence in African Americans as compared to other racial groups (1). As per the American Diabetes Association, the prevalence of diabetes in non-Hispanic African American patients is 11.7% compared to 7.5% in non-Hispanic white patients. However, few studies have explored what can be done to spark a positive behavioral change leading to lower blood sugar. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if a patient filling out a health questionnaire has any impact on his or her habits by enhancing self-management and awareness to reduce HbA1c. Methods In an outpatient urban clinic, a prospective randomized study was conducted with African American patients with prediabetes with HbA1c 5.6 to 6.7. Patients were randomly assigned to either a survey group or a control group who did not take a survey. The survey included demographic information, weight, diabetes mellitus complication awareness, exercise frequency 3-5 days/week, eating habits, and self-perception. The patients in the survey group filled a follow-up survey 3-6 months later. Results The survey group had 50 respondents and 46 respondents who took the post-survey compared to the control group for which there were 50 respondents with 47 respondents in the control follow-up. In the survey group, 54% were males with an average age of 57 years. In the survey group, on followup HbA1c decreased (6.1 vs 5.7 p&amp;lt;0. 021), BMI decreased (32 vs 29.1 p&amp;lt;0.562), exercise frequency 3-5 days/week increased (10% to 35% p=0. 041), awareness of diabetic complication improved (15 to 74% p=0. 029), willingness to see a dietician increased (28% to 60% p=0. 038), and probability of reading nutrition labels increased (16% to 38% p=0. 058). In the control group, 58% were males with an average age of 56 years. In the control group, on followup HbA1c increased (6.1 vs 6.2), BMI increased (32 vs 33), exercise frequency 3-5 days/week increased (13% to 19% p=0.820), awareness of diabetic complication improved (12%to 16% p=0.673), willingness to see a dietician increased (29% to 38% p=0.340), and probability of reading nutrition labels increased (14% to 19% p=0.646). Conclusion Health questionnaires served as a positive behavioral modifier and helped patients identify and correct their harmful lifestyle habits. Patients in the survey group showed larger amounts of positive change compared to patients in the control group. Reference: (1) Marshall MC Diabetes in African Americans. Postgraduate Medical Journal2005;81: 734-740. Presentation: No date and time listed

Perceived Effects of Socio-Economics and Social Media Variables on Body Mass Index in Saudi Young Adults.

This study aimed to measure the extent to which Saudi young adults used social media as a source for nutrition information and assess the perception of those networks on their dietary behaviors. The study also investigated the association between participants' socio-economic variables, social media variables, and body mass index. A cross-sectional survey was used and distributed via social media. This study included 228 participants (20-24 years old) who lived in AL-Ahssa Province. Over 50% of the participants were single females with bachelor's degrees. Among the participants, 70% were interested in increasing their nutrition knowledge, and 95% agreed that they obtained their nutrition information through social media. The participants surfed social media for at least one hour per day. Over 70% responded that exposure to social media had influenced their dietary behaviors (adopting new positive dietary behaviors, including selecting healthy foods and reading nutrition labels). Instagram was the most used application of all social media networks, with over 50% of the participants following 2-4 Instagram accounts related to nutrition. A majority of participants (78%) preferred obtaining nutrition information through visual methods, such as videos (49.1%) and infographic images (28.9%). Challenges to using nutrition information on social media were unproven or misleading topics and provided by non-nutrition experts. Social media may therefore be an effective tool to increase nutrition awareness and assist in disseminating nutrition intervention programs by nutrition educators and experts.

Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults™ community education program-evaluation of lifestyle behaviors: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Older adults face many chronic health issues including heart disease and osteoporosis, which are preventable through changes in lifestyle behaviors. The Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults™ (HESL) is a 6-week community education program designed specifically for persons aged ≥60 years, to promote behavioral changes toward a healthy lifestyle. Our objective is to evaluate the HESL. This is the first official evaluation of the HESL since its initiation in 2005. Study Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Method: Program implementation and evaluation took place between July 2018 and January 2020. Twenty-nine sites, with 292 participants aged ≥60 years from across five states (mostly from Massachusetts), were randomized into the intervention group (IG) (16 sites; n = 150 participants) and control group (CG) (13 sites; n = 142 participants). The HESL workshops followed a scripted curriculum including information from the USDA’s MyPlate™ and the USDA 2015–2020 dietary guidelines. Intervention elements included goal setting, self-assessment, group support, and problem solving through brainstorming. The CG received no intervention. Outcome measures were collected in both groups at baseline, 2 weeks postintervention (week 8), and 6 months postintervention. These included self-reported lifestyle behaviors, a composite healthy behavior index (HBI), body mass index [weight (kg)/height (m2)], and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR). Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine the impact of the intervention. Results: The IG showed significantly improved responses to most healthy lifestyle behavior questions at week 8 compared to the CG. However, not all improved responses were sustained at month 6. Significant improvements detected at month 6 included responses to the question on making food choices that are healthy for the heart, using MyPlate™ tools for food choices, reading nutrition labels when shopping/planning meals, and confidence in managing own health (p < 0.001 in most cases). HBI was significantly improved at week 8 and month 6 (p < 0.001). WHR decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at month 6. Conclusion: Positive changes in lifestyle behaviors and WHR were observed in older adults due to the HESL intervention. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrial.gov, Identifier: NCT04991844; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04991844

Nutritional Content in Snack Food: Consumer Perceptions and Behaviors

People's lifestyles encouraged them to devour the main dish in a short amount of time. It demonstrated the value of snack foods as a source of supplementary energy. To present an example of marketing agro-industry in some healthy snack foods for college student, it was necessary to understand consumer behaviors regarding sugar intake in snacking. The marketers need to understand the customer perceptions and behaviors towards nutritional content in snack foods to create healthy snack food. The aims of this study were: 1) to analyze the consumer perceptions and behaviors of nutritional content in snack food products; 2) to identify dominant factors which affect the consumption of snack food products. The study was conducted on 200 respondents of college students. Snack foods were commonly consumed by college students, who were classified as adolescents, in between substantial meals. Descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed. Consumer impressions on a preliminary assessment of the nutrition label, which includes sugar components, were determined using descriptive statistics. Furthermore, PCA was performed to identify the main consumer characteristics that affect snacking, allowing the impact of sugar content on snack food consumption. The results indicated that the consumers were concerned enough about eating nutritious meals. Consumers, on the other hand, rarely read nutrition labels. The "benefit" and "wants" factors were the most important elements affecting consumer snack food intake. The nutritious composition of snack foods, on the other hand, did not affect snack food consumption. The consumers were unconcerned about the sugar content in snack food.

Nutritional status, nutrient imbalances, food-related behaviors and dietary supplements use among patients with celiac disease in Lebanon: a national cross-sectional study

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, that occurs in susceptible individuals and is associated with dietary restriction and subsequent nutritional deficiencies. This study investigated the diet quality, nutrition imbalances and nutrition status among young children, adolescents and adults with CD who were referred to several hospitals in Lebanon. Methods: A cross-sectional study in 50 individuals (31.74 ± 15.64 years) with CD was conducted, using biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, dietary and physical activity assessments. Results: Of the 50 participants, 38% and 16% were presenting low serum levels of iron and vitamin B12, respectively. The majority of participants were physically inactive and around 40% of them had low muscle mass. A weight loss of 10% to 30% indicating mild to moderate malnutrition was shown in 14% of individuals. The assessment of food-related behaviors shows that 80% of participants were reading nutrition labels and 96% of them were following gluten-free diets (GFD). Some barriers including family ignorance (6%), language of the nutrition labels (20%) and expensive GF products (78%) were limiting the adherence to GFD. The inadequacy of the daily energy intake along with insufficient intakes of calcium and vitamin D were remarked among individuals with CD. However, protein and iron intake were exceeding the recommendations among all age groups, except in males aged 4-8 years and 19-30 years. Half the study participants were using dietary supplements where 38%, 10%, 46%, 18%, 16% and 4% used vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, folate and probiotics, respectively. Conclusion:GFD is the key treatment for CD. However, it is not without inadequacies and may cause certain deficiencies such as calcium and vitamin D leading to reduced bone density. This underlines the critical role of dietitians in education and maintenance of healthy GFD among individuals with CD.

Factors influencing grocery shopping choices and the prevalence of food label use among Saudi mothers: a cross-sectional pilot study

PurposeThere is currently limited data available on the Saudi population’s adoption of nutritional guidelines or on other factors influencing food purchasing behaviors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of nutrition label use, explore factors that could influence food choices during grocery shopping and evaluate the association of these factors with the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers.Design/methodology/approachMothers were recruited at a community event. They were requested to complete a questionnaire that assessed social and lifestyle characteristics as well as product features that influence food choices during grocery shopping.FindingsThe study included 157 mothers. The prevalence of label reading was high with 69% of participants always or mostly reading labels pre-purchase. Features that were most likely to “always” influence purchase choices included: product healthfulness (57.3%), children’s preference (45.9%), specific needs of a family member (38.9%). The feature “awareness campaigns and workshops” was found to be associated with both low and high-income groups. There was a poor understanding of what the “light” food label meant with only 37.6% answering correctly.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed with a higher sample size with diverse sociodemographic characteristics.Practical implicationsSaudi mothers are influenced by product healthfulness as well as children’s and family members’ needs when grocery shopping. There was a high prevalence of reading nutrition labels prepurchase. These findings can inform future public health policy on the main drivers for food purchasing decisions and the need for educational initiatives in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThe present research collates factors influencing food choices

TÜKETİCİLERDE BESİN ETİKETİ OKUMA ALIŞKANLIĞININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ: ELAZIĞ İLİ ÖRNEĞİ

This study, it was aimed to evaluate the nutrition label reading habits of adult consumers aged 18 and over, in Elazığ city center. This cross-sectional study consists of consumers who shop from the shopping malls in Elazığ city center. 300 people were reached in the study. Evaluating the “always” response as 2 points, “sometimes” as 1 point, and the “never” as 0 points, the “Nutrition Label Reading Habit Score” was obtained. The score that can be obtained varies between 0 and 56. While 28% of the participants “always” read the nutrition label, 62% “sometimes”, and 10% “never” read it. The mean score for the nutrition label reading habit of women was significantly higher than that of men (p=0.002). Among the age groups, the highest score was significantly in the 35-44 age group (p=0.004). As the education level increased, the score also increased considerably (p&amp;lt;0.001). The score was found to be notably higher in consumers who are working, married, and have children (p&amp;lt;0.05). The scores of those who received nutrition training than those who did not receive such education (p&amp;lt;0.001), and scores of those who read the nutrition label while using the product instead of reading it at home were significantly higher (p=0.002). It has been observed that there are deficiencies in reading the nutrition labels on packaged products, at the same time; women, those with a high level of education, those who are married, have children, and those who have received nutritional education have a higher habit of reading nutrition labels.