Red Meat Consumption Research Articles

The inclusion of habits in the stage model of self-regulated behavior change: an investigation of life events and red meat consumption in the UK

The inclusion of habits in the stage model of self-regulated behavior change: an investigation of life events and red meat consumption in the UK

Beef Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundResults from observational studies suggest associations of red meat intake with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, randomized controlled trials (RCT) have not clearly demonstrated a link between red meat consumption and CVD risk factors. Further, the specific effects of beef, the most consumed red meat in the US, have not been extensively investigated. ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT data evaluating the effects of minimally or unprocessed beef intake on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. MethodsA search of the literature was conducted using PubMed and CENTRAL databases. RCTs in adults that provided diets with fresh or minimally processed beef were included. Data were extracted and pooled estimates from random effects models were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) between the beef intervention and comparator intervention with less or no beef. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. ResultsTwenty relevant RCTs that met the criteria were included. Beef intake did not impact blood pressure or most lipoprotein-related variables, including total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo) A, apo B, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). Beef consumption had a small, but significant effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [0.11 (95% CI: 0.008, 0.20), p = 0.03] corresponding to ∼ 2.7 mg/dL higher LDL-C in diets containing more beef compared to low or no beef comparator diets. Sensitivity analyses show this effect was lost when one influential study was removed. ConclusionsDaily unprocessed beef intake did not significantly affect most blood lipids, apolipoproteins, or blood pressures, except for a small increase in LDL-C compared to diets with less or no beef. Thus, there may be other factors influencing the association of red meat and beef on CVD risk that deserve further investigation. Registry and registry number for systematic reviews or meta-analysesThis study was registered at INPLASY 202420013 (doi:10.37766/inplasy2024.2.0013).

Plasma trimethylamine-n-oxide associates with reduced hippocampal volume and cognitive impairment in atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background/Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in modern society and affected patients appear particularly vulnerable to cognitive dysfunction. Yet, the pathomechanism of this association other than thromboembolism (TE) is not fully understood. We have shown earlier an association of cognitive dysfunction with the gut microbiome derivate trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which predominantly results from the consumption of red meat. We therefore hypothesized that TMAO may affect hippocampal volume (HV) as a brain structure relevant for cognition. Purpose To demonstrate the structure-function correlation of high TMAO levels with reduced cognitive function and lower HV in a large cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods We included 1’736 patients with confirmed AF from the Swiss-AF-cohort with both, available blood samples for TMAO measurement and with brain magnetic resonance imaging (bMRI) for the determination of HV at baseline. TMAO levels were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). bMRI were obtained by 1.5 or 3 Tesla scanners. HV was assessed by the FreeSurfer software (v 7.4.0) subregion segmentation module and normalized by using Sequence Adaptive Multimodal SEGmentation (SAMSEG) to determine the segmentation based intracranial volume. Patients were divided into TMAO quartiles (Q1: 0.6-3.8, Q2: 3.8-5.5, Q3: 5.5-8.5, Q4: 8.5-164.3μmol/l). Their TMAO levels were compared with their HV (unit = mm3) in linear mixed effect models adjusted for multiple covariates (model 1: age, sex, total intracranial volume (ICV), education level; model 2 = model 1 + smoking status, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, physical activity; model 3 = model 2 + hypertension, coronary artery disease, previous stroke, geriatric depression scale). We assessed both unilateral HV (right = RHV, left = LHV) and bilateral HV standardized by the individual total ICV. Results Overall mean age was 72.5 years (+/-8.4 SD), 27.2% were female. Most of the patients were well educated (39.4% advanced, 48.8% middle education) and 44% never smoked. After multivariable adjustments, patients in the highest TMAO quartile showed a significant reduction of bilateral HV volume of 93.4mm3 (95% CI -179.0 to -7.8, p = 0.03). The RHV appeared more affected and was significantly reduced by 48.2mm3 (CI -93.4, -3.0, p=0.04), whereas LHV was decreased by 44.2mm3 (-89.4, 1.0, p=0.06) in the highest TMAO quartile. Conclusion(s) TMAO negatively associates with bilateral HV in patients with AF. Our results suggest a structure-function-correlation between high TMAO levels and cognitive dysfunction. The findings may be relevant for the high TMAO-exposed patients and advocates for the importance of (possible dietary) prevention in AF.

Compliance of eating model of individuals with metabolic syndrome with Bulgarian dietary guidelines

Abstract Background The incidence of metabolic syndrome progressively increases among the urban population of Europe. About 1/3 of the Bulgarian adults have metabolic syndrome. Changing the dietary pattern can be a modern approach to control it. The aim of the study is to investigate the eating model of people with metabolic syndrome according to the Bulgarian dietary guidelines. Methods Two hundred individuals with metabolic syndrome aged 54.6±10.5 y. were randomly selected from general practitioners’ practices in Pleven region, Bulgaria. A Food Frequency Questionnaire method was applied to assess the eating pattern of the respondents. The frequency of food consumption of different foods was compared with the dietary guidelines for the Bulgarian population over 18 years of age. Data were processed with IBM SPSS v. 25. Results Grain consumption met the recommendations in almost all respondents. Only 29% consumed fresh fruits and 42% had intake of milk and milk products according to the requirements. Women ate more fresh vegetables and fruits and dairy products than men (p = 0,032). Risk meat consumption, 2-4 times a week, was found: men preferring more red meat (45%) and women - chicken and poultry (56%). Fish consumption met recommendation (once a week) in only 14.7% of the respondents. The food intake of eggs, vegetables, legumes and nuts were low. The preferred oils were sunflower and olive (once a day by 86% and 15% respectively), and butter (21% - 2-4 times a week). The intake of table salt corresponds to the recommendations in two thirds of the participants. One third consumed confectionery every day. Half did not drink alcohol, but 16% used concentrates once a day. Conclusions Foods that increase the nutritional risk for the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes - high consumption of confectionery and red meat, low consumption of vegetables, fish and legumes were found. Unbalanced eating model requires new public initiatives to prevent metabolic syndrome. Key messages • Men with metabolic syndrome have a higher consumption of unhealthy foods than women. • Modern Bulgarian dietary guidelines are an important tool for prevention of metabolic syndrome.

Factors Influencing Iron Intake among Female Students in Universitas Indonesia

This study aims to determine the differences in iron intake among female college students based on consumption factors (animal-based side dishes, plant-based side dishes, vegetables, fruits, Ultra Processed Food) and individual factors (attitude towards red meat consumption, social media influence, nutrition knowledge, allowance, type of residence). The design of this study is cross-sectional, involving 147 undergraduate regular students from the Faculty of Public Health class of 2021, 2022, and 2023. Respondents were selected based on simple random sampling, and data collection was conducted online using Zoom. The research questionnaire was administered using Google Forms and Spreadsheets for the Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using the Independent T-Test method. Univariate analysis results showed that the average iron intake was 15.35±7.30 mg per day, with 70.1% of the female students not meeting their iron requirements. The study found differences in iron intake based on the consumption of animal-based side dishes, plant-based side dishes, vegetables, fruits, Ultra Processed Food, and type of residence.

Sodium Butyrate as Gut Microbiota Modulators: Mechanisms of Action and Potential Clinical Applications - Literature Review and New Perspectives

IntroductionSodium butyrate is an organic chemical compound belonging to sodium salts, which has the potential to be used in anticancer therapy. It reduces inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and promotes the development of beneficial intestinal flora, thanks to which it helps maintain homeostasis. Therefore, butyrate reduces the risk of developing colon cancer or reverses pathological changes occurring under the influence of this cancer. Scientific studies have also shown a beneficial effect of butyrate on the side effects of anticancer treatment - chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A proper diet also has a beneficial effect on the production of endogenous butyrate and reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. It is recommended to use a Mediterranean diet, rich in dietary fiber, highly unsaturated fatty acids and fresh vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to avoid highly processed products, rich in simple sugars and saturated fatty acids, and to limit the consumption of red meat. Materials and methods This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed and other scientific databases from the period of 1978-2023 with the use of key words such as “butyrate” “sodium butyrate” “colon cancer” “anticancer treatment” “intestinal microbiota” “Mediterranean diet” Conclusion Sodium butyrate is a potential substance that, through its properties, may support the treatment of colorectal cancer. Additionally, the use of an appropriate diet has a positive effect on the intestinal microflora, allowing the action of sodium butyrate and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Dietary habits and all-cause mortality risk in the adult population. Results of a 6-year prospective follow-up of the ESSE-RF study cohort

Dietary habits affect the risk of all-cause mortality (ACM) in the adult population according to prospective studies.Aim. To assess the effect of dietary habits on the ACM risk in the Rus­sian population.Material and methods. The prospective cohort included represen­ta­tive samples of 10 Russian regions (n=17175, 6767 men and 10408 wo­men aged 25-64 years), examined in 2012-2014 as part of the ESSE-RF study. Dietary habits were studied based on the consumption rate of the main food groups. The vital status of the cohort was updated every 2 years. The follow-up period was 6 years. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the ACM risk.Results. In the Russian population, an increase in OS is associated with daily consumption of vegetables/fruits, dairy products (milk, kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese), and the presence of the Heal­thy Eating Model (HEM) in the diet. A decrease in OS is associated with excess salt intake (ESI) in the diet, the habit of adding salt to pre­pared foods, and daily consumption of pickles (p<0,05). Among men, an increase in OS is observed with daily consumption of fruits/ve­ge­tables, cheese, and HEM, while a decrease is observed with daily consumption of pickles, general ESI, and the habit of adding salt to foods (p<0,05). In women, daily consumption of red meat, liquid dairy products, cheese, and sweets is associated with an increase in OS (p<0,05). The risk of ACM in the general population and among men increases with ESI — relative risk (RR)=1,31 [1,06-1,61] (p=0,012) and 1,41 [1,06-1,87] (p=0,017), respectively, adding salt to food — RR=1,34 [1,09-1,65] (p=0,006) and 1,5 [1,13-1,98] (p=0,005) and daily consumption of pickles — RR=1,48 [1,02-2,14] (p=0,039) and 1,5 [1,01-2,54] (p=0,045). In women, regular consumption of red meat — RR=0,7 [0,49-0,99] (p=0,043), liquid dairy products — RR=0,68 [0,5-0,93] (p=0,015) and cheese — RR=0,64 [0,46-0,9] (p=0,011) were associated with an ACM decrease.Conclusion. An ACM risk increase in the general population and among men is associated with excess salt intake, and a decrease in ACM risk in women is associated with the regular inclusion of red meat and dairy products in the diet.

Colorectal cancer and associated genetic, lifestyle, cigarette, nargileh-hookah use and alcohol consumption risk factors: a comprehensive case-control study.

This study aimed to investigate the causes and risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Turkish population, focusing on various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. A hospital-based case-control design was employed to compare individuals with CRC (cases) to individuals without CRC (controls). Male and female participants were recruited from the surgery, internal medicine, and out-patient departments. The study encompassed socio-demographic data, clinical information, radiological diagnoses, and biochemical measurements. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine associated risk factors of CRC. The study included 704 individuals with CRC and 704 controls. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed between the groups, with over 30% of the cases having lower levels of education and income compared to the controls. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, higher rates of smoking (cigarettes and hookah) and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among cases than controls. Further significant associations were identified with intestinal inflammation, obesity, processed food consumption, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea/vomiting, anemia, stress, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Diet analysis revealed that individuals with CRC consumed more red meat, processed and fast foods along with less pulses and vegetables. Genetic predispositions and exposure to chemicals also correlated strongly with increased CRC risk. Multivariable regression analysis identified, nausea/vomiting, constipation, intestinal disease, genetics factor, hookah-nargileh use, history of any cancer, family history of bowel cancer, constipation, cigarette smoking, stress, milk-yogurt consumption, obesity and red meat consumption as significant determinants for CRC. CRC risk is influenced by dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Awareness of hereditary risk and participation in screening are crucial. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, hookah, and alcohol use, and adopting a healthy diet, are essential for prevention.

Associations of nutritional status and dietary habits with the development of female infertility. A case-control study.

Female infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors. Understanding the relationship between nutritional status, dietary habits, and infertility could provide insights for targeted interventions. A case-control study was conducted in health centers and hospitals in Alicante, Spain. The study included 60 infertile and 30 fertile women aged 18-40, selected through consecutive sampling. Data on body composition and dietary intake were collected and analyzed. Infertile women exhibited significantly lower muscle mass (p = 0.005) and larger hip circumference (p = 0.034) compared to fertile women. Additionally, a significant association was found between high red meat consumption and an increased risk of female infertility (p = 0.011). These results suggest that body composition and dietary habits, particularly muscle mass and red meat intake, play a key role in female fertility. Interventions aimed at improving muscle mass, reducing localized body fat, and limiting red meat consumption may enhance fertility outcomes. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations.

Prospective Analysis of Dietary Risk Factors Involved in the Occurrence of Irritable Bowel Sydrome among Students in Ivory Coast

This is a prospective cross-sectional study, with a descriptive and analytical aim, with the main objective of analyzing the dietary risk factors involved in the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome among students in Côte d'Ivoire. This investigation follows the work of Amoikon et al., (2016) who revealed among students an unbalanced, unstructured and poorly hydrated diet with a high prevalence of abdominal irritation syndrome. Thus, a new food and health consumption survey was carried out from October 15, 2016 to February 17, 2017, in a population of 1,228 student volunteers, with an average age of 22.5 years, dominated by males. It revealed a high prevalence of intestinal irritation syndrome (47.7%) and dietary imbalance. After analyzing the relationship between eating habits and pathology, it turned out that high consumption of red meat, soft drinks, non-alcoholic exciting products, spicy products and low water consumption were the factors risk of the occurrence of the pathology among the respondents. To this end, it would be important to carry out nutritional education sessions on university campuses across the country, with a view to improving their eating habits, their food security and their health conditions.

Fluctuations in Mediterranean Diet Adherence Pre- and Post-Pandemic: A Study of Portuguese Cohorts 2019-2024.

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a lifestyle offering numerous health benefits. Nevertheless, the adherence to the MD is moderate even in Mediterranean countries. While sociodemographic factors influence MD adherence, additional impacts occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional longitudinal study with three cohorts of Portuguese adults analyzes MD adherence before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and explores the effect of sociodemographic variables. Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and MD adherence were assessed in the years 2019, 2021, and 2024 with an online self-filled questionnaire. MD adherence was measured with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). MEDAS score increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 2019 to 2021 (6.2 ± 0.7 to 7.7 ± 0.1), followed by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in 2024 (7.2 ± 0.1) relative to 2019, which was more pronounced in participants with higher income. Accordingly, a trend in healthier food choices was observed followed by a decline in 2024. Of note is the significant increase in red meat consumption (p < 0.05) in 2024 relative to 2021. Respondents who consumed more red meat were mostly men, employed, or in a stable relationship. Most respondents practiced sport "Never or occasionally" in 2019 and 2021 (59.4 and 55.2%, respectively); in 2024, this category was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced (40.9%); men or higher-income participants were more likely to meet the recommended activity levels. This study reveals that the improvements in MD lifestyle during the pandemic were not sustained in 2024, as healthier habits formed during confinement were not fully integrated into long-term behavior. These findings strengthen the need for targeted public health interventions to promote the MD.

Gene-environment interactions and colorectal cancer risk: A case-control study on xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme polymorphisms in the Jammu& Kashmir, India population

BackgroundCancer remains a significant global health concern, with colorectal cancer (CRC) showing a rising incidence, particularly among younger populations. Most CRC cases are linked to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily, including enzymes like CYP2A13 and CYP2A6, plays a vital role in metabolizing environmental carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrosamines. Polymorphisms in these genes, alongside phase II glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) involved in detoxification, can influence individual cancer risk. This study focuses on the association between these genetic polymorphisms and CRC risk in the Jammu & Kashmir, population, a region with high exposure to dietary and lifestyle-related carcinogens. MethodologyThis hospital-based case-control study was conducted at the Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, J&K, India between March 2019 and March 2022. The study included 246 histopathologically confirmed colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, and an equal number of matched controls based on age (±5 years), gender, and place of residence. Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction, followed by genotyping of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme (XME) genes, including CYP2A13, CYP2A6, and GSTs using standard PCR-RFLP and multiplex PCR methods. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software to assess the association between gene polymorphisms and CRC risk. ResultsThe study revealed key associations between genetic and environmental factors and CRC risk. The analysis demonstrated that cases had significantly lower education levels than controls. Family history of cancer, smoking, and dietary factors like red meat and salt tea consumption were more prevalent among cases. Genetic analysis identified significant interactions between various CYP and GST genotypes, and environmental factors such as smoking, pesticide exposure, and diet, with varying effects on CRC risk. ConclusionThe research underscores the influence of genetic and environmental factors on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Lower educational was associated with a heightened risk of CRC. Certain genotype variants of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XME) were found to increase CRC risk, particularly in conjunction with smoking, pesticide exposure, and sun-dried vegetable consumption. A family history of cancer, especially CRC, further amplified the risk. These findings emphasize the importance of developing personalized CRC prevention and screening strategies that account for gene-environment interactions.

Alternative protein sources in the European diets – integrating health risk‐benefit and sustainability ‘ALTERNATIVA’

Abstract The pressure global food systems exert on the environment has amplified over time, following the growth of the human population, changes in the food consumption patterns and intensification of the production systems. Without changes in food systems, an overpressure on agriculture and food production will be unavoidable, with inevitable consequences for the environment and human health. Animal‐derived protein production like meat and milk is among the most important drivers of this impact. Under this context, the evaluation of the health and sustainability impacts of alternatives for animal‐based food proteins are central aspects of this discussion. Health risk‐benefit assessment (RBA) of foods estimates the overall human health impact following exposure to a particular food or food component, integrating risks and benefits in comparable measures. Methods that simultaneously consider the environmental impact of the food production systems were needed to perform a sustainable holistic assessment. “ALTERNATIVA | Alternative protein sources in the European diets – integrating health risk‐benefit and sustainability” aimed to develop a holistic approach to assess the impact of alternative protein sources, integrating health and sustainability assessment. This project, considering five complementary work packages, developed activities to enhance the capacity‐building among members of the consortium in applying methodologies related to the health RBA and sustainability impact assessment; to develop, in collaboration with different stakeholders, a protocol to integrate the assessment of the impact of foods/diets on health and on sustainability; to apply the derived framework to a case study, to validate it with a real case scenario, estimating the health and sustainability impacts of replacing red meat consumption by pulses in two different countries; and to disseminate and promote the established method of integrated health and sustainability assessment to other potential EU users. This external scientific report summarizes the main outputs and results obtained in the context of the ALTERNATIVA project.

Environmental sustainability and nutritional quality of different diets considering nutritional adequacy

This study examines how four diets change nutritionally and environmentally when the diets are nutritionally adjusted. Data on individual Belgian diets of omnivores (n = 131), pescovegetarians (n = 159), vegetarians (n = 494), and vegans (n = 78) were obtained, called non-adjusted diets. We assessed if diets met energy and nutrient intake requirements and calculated the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010. The environmental impact was evaluated by a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment considering all midpoint indicators of the Environmental Footprint 3.0 and expressing the impact per “daily food and supplement intake by one Belgian adult”. The individual dietary intakes were adjusted nutritionally to meet the recommended energy and nutrition intakes using a quadratic programming algorithm. All diets had a significantly improved AHEI score but also a significantly increased water use (WU) when adjusting. The omnivore's diet demonstrated a significantly decreased carbon footprint (CF) while it significantly (except for vegans) raised for the restrictive diets due to adjustment. The omnivorous diet had the greatest improvements in AHEI (15.4), while WU increased the most among all diets (3.7 m3), primarily due to elevated fruit intake. The CF was reduced with 1.2 kg CO2 due to decreased red meat consumption. The AHEI of the vegan diet improved the second most of all diets (13.2) due to the intake of omega-3 supplements, while its WU rose the least of all diets (2.4 m3), and its CF barely increased (0.1 kg CO2-eq). The AHEI improvements of the vegetarian diet were similar to those of the vegan diet (12.5), while the one of the pescovegetarian diet was limited (3.5). The (pesco)vegetarian diet had an increase in WU (2.5 and 2.7 m3) and the highest increase in the CF (0.3 kg CO2-eq). Since nutritionally adjusted diets do not lead to similar nutritional and environmental improvements, this research highlights the need to assess both metrics.

Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Status.

Background and Objectives: Obesity is associated with numerous co-morbidities, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Bariatric surgery is the mainstay of treatment for obesity as the only method with confirmed long-term effects in weight reduction and the remission of comorbidities. Postoperative recommendations leading to changes in dietary habits and changes in digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract after bariatric surgery may additionally influence the levels of laboratory parameters that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. The purpose of the study was to analyze the possible influence of changes in dietary habits after bariatric surgery on those laboratory results that reflect the metabolic and nutritional status. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 88 patients with a history of bariatric surgery. Data were gathered from before the surgery and at 6 months after the surgery and included diet structure and selected laboratory parameters reflecting the metabolic and nutritional status, i.e., levels of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, proteins, ferrum, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium, the red blood cell count and the hematocrit. Results: Postoperative festive glucose levels were reduced by 14% and were more significant in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. There was an increase of 22% in concentrations of high-density lipoproteins. Triglyceride concentrations were reduced by 32%. Aminotransferase levels decreased by 43% for alanine aminotransferase and by 14% for aspartate aminotransferase. Among the changes in dietary habits, post-bariatric patients had a reduced consumption of red meat and an increased consumption of fish, milk and dairy products and wholegrain products. Vitamin D and ferrum levels were higher after the surgery, whereas vitamin B12 and folic acid levels remained unchanged. Conclusions: Improved dietary habits of patients after bariatric surgery may lead to changes in laboratory parameters that reflect the ameliorated metabolic and nutritional status of patients after bariatric surgery.

Adults’ beliefs related to reducing red meat consumption: An exploratory study in the province of Quebec, Canada

A significant consumption of red meat is associated with various issues (e.g. public health, sustainability, animal welfare). This exploratory study aims to identify the perceived advantages and disadvantages, perceived approval and disapproval by important others, and perceived barriers and facilitators pertaining to reducing red meat consumption among adults. An online questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to elicit the salient beliefs of 55 red meat eaters living in the province of Quebec (Canada). A content analysis performed by two independent coders revealed that the predominant themes (modal beliefs) included health, environment, saving money, food preferences, social influence, perceptions of the alternatives of meat, and efforts related to change. This study can inform the development of interventions aimed at promoting the reduction of red meat consumption.

Dietary Habits, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in Italy: A Voluntary Sampling Observational Study.

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals continue to experience harassment and discrimination across various aspects of life, significantly impacting their physical and mental health. The scarcity of data on their general health, particularly regarding dietary habits, remains a challenge in developing effective healthcare strategies for this population. To address this gap, we analyzed selected dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) among Italian TGD adults compared to the Italian general population (IGP). An online anonymous survey was conducted via the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing technique from June 2020 to June 2021. Participants were enrolled through clinical centers and TGD organizations. Data from 959 TGD adults were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression models. Key findings indicated that approximately 70% of TGD individuals consumed fewer servings of fruit and vegetables (FV) than recommended (five or more servings per day). Although red meat consumption was lower overall, a greater percentage of TGD individuals reported consuming more than three servings per week. Additionally, 58% of TGD participants indicated that they did not engage in any PA, compared to 36% of the IGP. Notably, significant differences in BMI were identified, with higher rates of overweight and obesity among TGD individuals assigned female at birth. These results underscore the urgent need for tailored nutritional guidelines and inclusive public health strategies to meet the specific health needs of the Italian TGD population. Expanding access to targeted interventions could contribute to improving overall well-being in this marginalized group.

Mediterranean diet, diet quality, and adequacy to Italian dietary recommendations in southern Italian adults

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, adequacy to the Italian dietary recommendations, and several domains of diet quality in a sample of Italian adults. METHODS: The dietary habits of a total of 1936 participants were investigated. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and diet quality were assessed through the Medi-Lite and the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). RESULTS: The global DQI-I score positively correlated with the Medi-Lite score. Negative coefficients were found for protein intake and calcium in the adequacy category, total fat in the moderation category, and fatty acid ratio in the overall balance category. More than half of the participants were adherent to national recommendations for potatoes, cereals, red meat, and other fats consumption. In contrast, recommendations on legumes, fruit, vegetables, and processed meat were met by about half of the participants while those for dairy products (milk and yogurt) and cheese, eggs, and white meat were rather underrepresented. Higher scores in DQI-I and Medi-Lite well predicted adequacy to recommendations on fruit and vegetables, legumes, processed meat, cereals, and legumes. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals reporting higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet show better diet quality and a higher probability of meeting the dietary recommendations.

Consumption of different types of meat and the risk of chronic limb-threatening ischemia: the Singapore Chinese Health Study

BackgroundAlthough red meat consumption has been associated with risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and stroke, no prospective study has examined this with the risk of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).MethodsIn a prospective study of 63,257 Chinese in Singapore, who were aged 45–74 years old at recruitment, diet was assessed via a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Incident CLTI cases were ascertained via linkage with nationwide hospital records for lower extremity amputation or angioplasty for peripheral arterial disease. Multivariable Cox models were used to examine associations between quartiles of meat intake and CLTI risk.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up of 18.8 years, there were 1069 cases of CLTI. Higher intake of red meat intake was associated with increased risk of CLTI in a stepwise manner. Comparing extreme quartiles of red meat intake, the hazard ratio (HR) for the association with CLTI risk was 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.49; P-trend = 0.02]. In stratified analysis, red meat intake had a stronger association with CLTI risk among those without diabetes [HR (95% CI) comparing extreme quartiles = 1.41 (1.10–1.80); P-trend = 0.03] than among those with diabetes at baseline [HR (95% CI) comparing extreme quartiles = 1.04 (0.79–1.38); P-trend = 0.05] (P-interaction = 0.03). Otherwise, the associations were not different by sex, BMI, smoking status, hypertension, alcohol consumption, or history of cardiovascular diseases. Using a theoretical model in substitution analysis that substituted three servings per week of red meat with poultry or fish/shellfish, the relative risk of CLTI was reduced by 13–14%.ConclusionsConsumption of red meat was associated with higher CLTI risk in this Asian cohort. Substituting red meat with poultry or fish/shellfish may reduce this risk.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in patients with psoriasis and its relationship with the severity of the disease: A case‐control study

AbstractBackground and AimPsoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition, and the Mediterranean diet is often recommended for its health benefits, particularly its ability to mitigate chronic inflammation. This study sought to examine the extent to which psoriasis patients adhere to the Mediterranean diet and to explore its correlation with the severity of their conditionMethodsSeventy‐one psoriasis patients and 71 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled the study and filled a standard questionnaire of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The relationship between disease severity and adherence to the diet was also dealt with.ResultsThe Mediterranean diet adherence score in the psoriasis group (5.25 ± 1.64) was significantly lower than the control group (6.28 ± 2.10) (p = 0.004). In addition, the consumption of fruit and fish in psoriasis patients was significantly lower than the control group and the consumption of red meat was significantly higher in the patient group. No significant relationship was found between the severity of the disease and the score of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.42).ConclusionA significant difference between the two groups of psoriasis and the control group following the Mediterranean diet might be indicative of the relationship between diet and psoriasis and the potential benefits of this type of diet due to its anti‐inflammatory properties.