Style Diet Research Articles

7866 Efficacy of Zinc and Myoinositol Supplementation on Metabolic Parameters In A Pediatric Population With Obesity: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Disclosure: V. Antoniotti: None. V. Mancioppi: None. A. Solito: None. C. Partenope: None. A. Petri: None. I. Rabbone: None. L. Scotti: None. F. Prodam: None. Background: In the last decades, pediatric obesity and cardiovascular-associated risks have been relevant challenges. The first treatment against obesity is a lifestyle change, nevertheless, no intervention seems to be effective in the evolution of the condition, especially in the long term. Thus, the interest in non-pharmaceutical as well as pharmaceutical compounds is growing. Inositol compounds have recently been studied in adults with obesity and insulin resistance but have never been investigated in the pediatric age where insulin resistance is a specific trait of puberty. Furthermore, zinc is critical for insulin secretion and growth. Methods. This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aiming to explore the efficacy of 3 months of combined administration of Zinc (5 mg/die) and Myo-inositol (2000 mg/die) in children and adolescents with obesity. 56 patients aged 10- 17.9 years (starting from Tanner 3) with obesity and insulin resistance have been enrolled. The treatment group received 5 mg of Zinc, 2000 mg of Myo-inositol, and 1000 mg of galactooligosaccharides from Pisum sativum, while the placebo group only received 1000 mg of galactooligosaccharides from Pisum sativum. All patients were subjected to an isocaloric diet following the Mediterranean diet style consisting of 55% carbohydrates, 30-35% fat, and 15% protein. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were carried out for the determination of weight, lipid profile, liver function, and glucose-insulin metabolism. Results. At the end of the study, BMI, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly improved in both groups, while the treatment group also had an increase in HDL cholesterol (p=0.0426). On the other hand, the placebo group significantly improved its eating habits showing greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet than the treatment group. Moreover, subjects were divided according to the degree of obesity. Fasting insulin (p= 0.0137), HOMA-IR (p= 0.0273), and systolic blood pressure (p= 0.0349) showed a significant improvement in treated patients with severe obesity compared to treated patients with low-grade obesity. Thus, subjects with a higher level of obesity respond better to both treatment and lifestyle change than those with a lower grade of obesity. Also, the improvement of the lifestyle and the presence of fiber allow an increase in the metabolic framework in placebo subjects. Conclusions. Supplementation with Zinc and Myo-inositol could be used as a non-pharmacological compound for the control of complications related to obesity also in the pediatric age. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Interim analysis of the tasty trial: A Mediterranean diet style pattern improves joint ultrasound score and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Interim analysis of the tasty trial: A Mediterranean diet style pattern improves joint ultrasound score and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Segmenting and profiling seaweed consumers: A cross-cultural comparison of Australia, the United Kingdom and Croatia

Seaweed is increasingly recognised as a highly nutritious and sustainable food source. While it has a long tradition in many Asian countries, it still only plays a minor role in the Western diet. The aim of this study was to identify and describe consumer segments that are more likely to intend to consume seaweed. An online survey was conducted with 1,621 participants from three Western countries (Australia, the United Kingdom and Croatia) with different cultures, culinary traditions and levels of development in the seaweed industry.Two consumer segments were identified: Food Enthusiasts and Food Conservatives. The profiling of these segments is based on factors oriented to consumers’ food innovativeness, food neophobia, food involvement, food responsibility, health consciousness, and symbolic value. The segments differ significantly in terms of food innovativeness, food neophobia, food involvement, eating and dietary style, past behaviour around seaweed consumption, future intention to eat seaweed and socio-demographic characteristics. These results provide valuable insights for the seaweed industry to develop effective marketing strategies that will meet the demands of different Western consumers.

Intersecting perspectives: Advocating for sustainable family meals across generations

Adolescents in Germany eat fewer animal products than their parents, often for sustainability reasons. We investigated how adolescents differ from their parents' generation in sustainability food-choice motives, consumption of animal products, and corresponding behaviors such as advocating for and influencing decisions towards more sustainable family meals. In an online questionnaire, an educationally diverse sample of 500 adolescents (M = 17.9 years, range = 15–20) and 500 adults of their parents' generation (M = 52.2 years, range = 45–60) reported food-choice motives, their own and their family's diet style, how they advocate for sustainable food decisions at family meals (e.g., less meat), and how they influence different steps in family meal planning (e.g., grocery shopping). The two generations did not differ in sustainable food motives and mean consumption frequency of meat and animal products, but adolescents reported three times more often than their parents' generation to never eat meat. At shared family meals they advocated for eating plant-based substitutes (d = 0.27, p < 0.001) and other animal products (β = −0.15, p = 0.02) more often than their parents' generation, but not for eating less meat. Adolescents advocated more frequently for sustainable food decisions at shared meals the more important sustainability motives were to them (β = 0.53, p < 0.001), and the less meat (β = −0.35, p < 0.001) and fewer other animal products (β = −0.11, p = 0.015) they consumed. Adolescents motivated towards sustainability have the potential to impact the family's dietary choices through reverse socialization processes. These findings challenge current theories that suggest only parents influence their children, neglecting the role of adolescents as potential agents of change for improved family and planetary health.

Machine learning uncovers manganese as a key nutrient associated with reduced risk of steatotic liver disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 20%-30% of the general population and is linked to high-caloric western style diet. However, there are little data that specific nutrients might help to prevent steatosis. We analysed the UK Biobank (ID 71300) 24 h-nutritional assessments and investigated the association between nutrient intake calculated from food questionnaires and hepatic steatosis indicated by imaging or ICD10-coding. The effect of manganese (Mn) on subgroups with risk single nucleotide polymorphism carriage as well as the effect on metabolomics was investigated. All analyses are corrected for age, sex, body mass index, Townsend index for socioeconomic status, kcal, alcohol, protein intake, fat intake, carbohydrate intake, energy from beverages, diabetes, physical activity and for multiple testing. We used a random forest classifier to analyse the feature importance of 63 nutrients and imaging-proven steatosis in a cohort of over 25 000 UK Biobank participants. Increased dietary Mn intake was associated with a lower likelihood of MRI-diagnosed steatosis. Subsequently, we conducted a cohort study in over 200 000 UK Biobank participants to explore the relationship between Mn intake and hepatic or cardiometabolic outcomes and found that higher Mn intake was associated with a lower risk of ICD-10 coded steatosis (OR = .889 [.838-.943], p < .001), independent of other potential confounders. Our study provides evidence that higher Mn intake may be associated with lower odds of steatosis in a large population-based sample. These findings underline the potential role of Mn in the prevention of steatosis, but further research is needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Endocrine disruption and male reproductive disorders: unanswered questions.

Maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in human pregnancy is widely considered as an important cause of adverse changes in male reproductive health due to impaired foetal androgen production/action. However, the epidemiological evidence supporting this view is equivocal, except for certain phthalates, notably diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP). Maternal phthalate exposure levels associated with adverse reproductive changes in epidemiological studies are several thousand-fold lower than those needed to suppress foetal androgen production in rats, and direct studies using human foetal testis tissue show no effect of high phthalate exposure on androgen production. This conundrum is unexplained and raises fundamental questions. Human DEHP exposure is predominantly via food with highest exposure associated with consumption of a Western style (unhealthy) diet. This diet is also associated with increased exposure to the most common EDCs, whether persistent (chlorinated or fluorinated chemicals) or non-persistent (phthalates, bisphenols) compounds, which are found at highest levels in fatty and processed foods. Consequently, epidemiological studies associating EDC exposure and male reproductive health disorders are confounded by potential dietary effects, and vice versa. A Western diet/lifestyle in young adulthood is also associated with low sperm counts. Disentangling EDC and dietary effects in epidemiological studies is challenging. In pregnancy, a Western diet, EDC exposure, and maternal living in proximity to industrial sites are all associated with impaired foetal growth/development due to placental dysfunction, which predisposes to congenital male reproductive disorders (cryptorchidism, hypospadias). While the latter are considered to reflect impaired foetal androgen production, effects resulting from foetal growth impairment (FGI) are likely indirect. As FGI has numerous life-long health consequences, and is affected by maternal lifestyle, research into the origins of male reproductive disorders should take more account of this. Additionally, potential effects on foetal growth/foetal testis from the increasing use of medications in pregnancy deserves more research attention.

Role of Pathyapthya and lifestyle management in Parikartika (fissure-in-ano): A literature review

In this present competitive world, due to sedentary life style, irregular and inappropriate diet, prolonged sitting work, psychological disturbances causing disturbances in digestive system (derangement of jatharagani/power of digestion) which leads to constipation along with anorectal pathology, parikartika (fissure-in-ano) is one of them. Acharya’s have emphasized the significance of preventive elements and distinct records about Dincharya(each day), Ritucharya(healthy seasonal regimen), Ratricharya(healthy night regimen) etc. This text particularly makes a speciality of preventive measures for the Anorectal illnesses with appropriate dietary recommendations and every day regimens. The Ayurveda particularly focuses on the preventive technique for the sicknesses. This text focuses around preventive and promotive measurements for the anorectal diseases such as parikartika (fissure-in-ano) which includes appropriate nutritional administrations, manner of lifestyles style regimes, Yogic sporting activities and pathya-Apathya. The little modifications in way of life can alternate the substance of the illness and the patient can be pretty benefited. The GUDA (anal) region is the essential marma of the body, if any infection related to this region can be tremendously fatal, consequently it must be ensured with complete endeavors to preserve a strategic distance from such illnesses.

Mediterranean diet effects on vascular health and serum levels of adipokines and ceramides.

A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on vascular health indices such as endothelial function indices, serum lipid and ceramide plasma and some adipokine serum levels. We recruited all consecutive patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases admitted to the Internal Medicine and Stroke Care ward at the University Hospital of Palermo between September 2017 and December 2020. The enrolled subjects, after the evaluation of the degree of adherence to a dietary regimen of the Mediterranean-style diet, were randomised to a Mediterranean Diet (group A) assessing the adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet at each follow up visit (every three months) for the entire duration of the study (twelve months) and to a Low-fat diet (group B) with a dietary "counselling" starting every three months for the entire duration of the study (twelve months).The aims of the study were to evaluate: the effects of adherence to Mediterranean Diet on some surrogate markers of vascular damage, such as endothelial function measured by means of the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AIX), at the 6-(T1) and 12-month (T2) follow-ups; the effects of adherence to Mediterranean Diet on the lipidaemic profile and on serum levels of ceramides at T1 and T2 follow-ups; the effects of adherence to Mediterranean Diet on serum levels of visfatin, adiponectin and resistin at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. A total of 101 patients were randomised to a Mediterranean Diet style and 52 control subjects were randomised to a low-fat diet with a dietary "counselling". At the six-month follow-up (T1), subjects in the Mediterranean Diet group showed significantly lower mean serum total cholesterol levels, and significantly higher increase in reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) values compared to the low-fat diet group. Patients in the Mediterranean Diet group also showed lower serum levels of resistin and visfatin at the six-month follow-up compared to the control group, as well as higher values ​​of adiponectin, lower values of C24:0, higher values of C22:0 and higher values of the C24:0/C16:0 ratio. At the twelve-month follow-up (T2), subjects in the Mediterranean Diet group showed lower serum total cholesterol levels and lower serum LDL cholesterol levels than those in the control group. At the twelve-month follow-up, we also observed a further significant increase in the mean RHI in the Mediterranean Diet group, lower serum levels of resistin and visfatin, lower values of C24:0 and of C:18:0,and higher values of the C24:0/C16:0 ratio. The findings of our current study offer a further possible explanation with regard to the beneficial effects of a higher degree of adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet on multiple cardiovascular risk factors and the underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis. Moreover, these findings provide an additional plausible interpretation of the results from observational and cohort studies linking high adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet with lower total mortality and a decrease in cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04873167. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04873167.

High-fat diets induce inflammatory IMD/NFκB signaling via gut microbiota remodeling in Drosophila.

High-fat diets (HFDs), a prevailing daily dietary style worldwide, induce chronic low-grade inflammation in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, promoting a variety of diseases including pathologies associated with neuroinflammation. However, the mechanisms linking HFDs to inflammation are not entirely clear. Here, using a Drosophila HFD model, we explored the mechanism of HFD-induced inflammation in remote tissues. We found that HFDs activated the IMD/NFκB immune pathway in the head through remodeling of the commensal gut bacteria. Removal of gut microbiota abolished such HFD-induced remote inflammatory response. Further experiments revealed that HFDs significantly increased the abundance of Acetobacter malorum in the gut, and the re-association of this bacterium was sufficient to elicit inflammatory response in remote tissues. Mechanistically, Acetobacter malorum produced a greater amount of peptidoglycan (PGN), a well-defined microbial molecular pattern that enters the circulation and remotely activates an inflammatory response. Our results thus show that HFDs trigger inflammation mediated by a bacterial molecular pattern that elicits host immune response.

An Overview of Veganism on X: Is Veganism a Political Activism or a Dietary Style in the Turkish Case?

An Overview of Veganism on X: Is Veganism a Political Activism or a Dietary Style in the Turkish Case?

Mediterranean Diet adherence and wellbeing: a preliminary analysis of the MedWalk trial

Diet and diet quality have been linked to improvements to psychosocial health and wellbeing(1). However, data from national health surveys indicate that most Australian’s have poor diet quality and consume a Western style diet high in saturated fat, discretionary foods and added sugars and salt(2). The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), a predominantly plant-based diet rich in bioactive foods and nutrients, has been shown to improve mood and wellbeing. However, long-term effects beyond 6-months have not been thoroughly explored in older adults. MedWalk compares a 12-month MedDiet and Walking intervention with habitual lifestyle (HabDiet) in 160 older adults residing in retirement villages across South Australia and Victoria. Data from the South Australian cohort at baseline (n = 83) and 6-months (n = 74) are presented in this preliminary analysis.To determine dietary compliance, participants completed the 14-point MedDiet Adherence (MEDAS) questionnaire which assesses the intake of key MedDiet foods such as legumes, fish, and extra virgin olive oil; higher scores reflect higher adherence. Wellbeing was assessed using the Flourishing Index, which assesses life satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, happiness, mental and physical health. The total flourishing score includes 10 questions with a maximum of 100 points reflecting highest flourishing, while the secure flourishing score includes two additional questions related to safety, housing, and access to food with a maximum of 120 points to indicate highest flourishing. Group and time interactions for MEDAS and flourishing scores were analysed using linear mixed effects modelling. There were no significant differences between groups for MEDAS score at baseline (MedDiet 5.78 ± 0.34 vs HabDiet 5.74 ± 0.32). At 6 months, the MedDiet group had significantly increased their MEDAS by 4.16 points (P&lt;0.001), (MedDiet 10.0 ± 0.42 vs HabDiet (5.85 ± 0.39). At baseline there were no significant differences between groups for the total 10-point flourishing score (MedDiet 83.5 ± 2.01 vs HabDiet 82.1 ± 2.0) or 12-point secure flourishing score (MedDiet 100.6 ± 2.2 vs HabDiet 100.4 ± 2.2). At 6 months there was a significant between-group difference in total flourishing index scores with a mean difference of 6.97 points in the MedDiet group (MedDiet 85.8 ± 1.9 vs HabDiet 78.8 ± 1.8, P = 0.010). Similarly, the secure flourishing index score was 6.18 points higher in the MedDiet group compared to the HabDiet at 6-months (MedDiet 102.9 ± 2.2 vs HabDiet 96.8 ± 2.07, P = 0.046). Adhering to a MedDiet and walking intervention may lead to positive improvements to wellbeing in an older population. The flourishing index may need to be compared with other wellbeing questionnaires and instruments to better understand the relationship between wellbeing and MedDiet adherence as there was a cross-sectional association but no positive correlation at 6-months.

Plant-based diets: obesity prejudice and body self-perception relations in young females

BACKGROUND: In recent years, plant-based diets and their effects on health have gained attention. This diet has become a preferred dietary style for managing obesity. Weight gain is influenced by various factors, such as low body image perception and obesity prejudice. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of plant-based diets among female students and their associations with obesity prejudice and body self-perception. METHODS: The research was conducted with 450 female university students. The anthropometric measurements were obtained based on self-reporting. the GAMS-27 Obesity Prejudice Scale and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relationship Questionnaire (MBSRQ) were applied to evaluate obesity prejudice and body self-perception, respectively. RESULTS: The study found no significant differences in anthropometric measurements between omnivores and vegetarians (p &gt; 0.05). However, 78.6% of the students showed some level of tendency toward prejudice or prejudice against obesity. There was no significant relationship between body weight, BMI, and obesity prejudice in both dietary groups (p &gt; 0.05). Yet, vegetarians had significantly lower mean scores on the MBRSQ, indicating body image dissatisfaction (p &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While the anthropometric measurement and prejudice against obesity did not yield notable results, significantly lower scores on the MBSRQ indicated greater dissatisfaction with body image in vegetarians.

Associations between dietary indices and hearing status among middle-older aged adults – results from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

BackgroundHearing loss, a public health issue in older populations, is closely related to functional decline. ObjectiveTo investigate the longitudinal associations between 4 dietary indices and hearing status. MethodsData from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were used and included 882 participants ≥45 y of age. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and 4 dietary scores (Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet [MIND], Mediterranean style diet score [MDS], Alternative Healthy Eating Index [AHEI], and Healthy Eating Index [HEI]) were calculated as averages over time. Hearing status was examined using pure-tone audiometry, and pure-tone average (PTA) of hearing thresholds were calculated at speech-level (PTA(500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz)), low (PTA(500, 1000 Hz)), and high (PTA(4000, 8000 Hz)) frequencies, with lower thresholds indicating better hearing. Multivariable linear mixed-effect models were used to examine associations between dietary indices and hearing threshold change over time adjusted for confounders. ResultsAt baseline, the mean age of participants was 67 y and 55% were female. Over a median of 8 y of follow-up, MDS ≥7 was associated with 3.5 (95% CI: –6.5, –0.4) and 5.0 (95% CI: –9.1, –1.0) dB lower PTA(500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz) and PTA(4000, 8000 Hz), respectively, compared with MDS ≤3; the highest tertile of the AHEI was associated with 2.3 (95% CI: –4.6, –0.1) and 5.0 (95% CI: –8.0, –2.0) dB lower PTA(500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz) and PTA(4000, 8000 Hz); and each standard deviation increment in HEI was associated with 1.6 dB (95% CI: –2.7, –0.6), 1.1 dB (95% CI: –2.1, –0.1), and 2.1 dB (95% CI: –3.5, –0.6) lower PTA(500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz), PTA(500, 1000 Hz), and PTA(4000, 8000 Hz), respectively. ConclusionsAdherence to healthy dietary patterns was associated with better hearing status, with stronger associations at high frequencies. Am J Clin Nutr 20xx;x:xx.

Development of a Machine Learning Model for Classifying Cooking Recipes According to Dietary Styles.

To complement classical methods for identifying Japanese, Chinese, and Western dietary styles, this study aimed to develop a machine learning model. This study utilized 604 features from 8183 cooking recipes based on a Japanese recipe site. The data were randomly divided into training, validation, and test sets for each dietary style at a 60:20:20 ratio. Six machine learning models were developed in this study to effectively classify cooking recipes according to dietary styles. The evaluation indicators were above 0.8 for all models in each dietary style. The top ten features were extracted from each model, and the features common to three or more models were employed as the best predictive features. Five well-predicted features were indicated for the following seasonings: soy sauce, miso (fermented soy beans), and mirin (sweet cooking rice wine) in the Japanese diet; oyster sauce and doubanjiang (chili bean sauce) in the Chinese diet; and olive oil in the Western diet. Predictions by broth were indicated in each diet, such as dashi in the Japanese diet, chicken soup in the Chinese diet, and consommé in the Western diet. The prediction model suggested that seasonings and broths could be used to predict dietary styles.

P147 IBD relevant pathways are upregulated in Paneth cells in a murine model of dietary induced intestinal inflammation

Abstract Background Dietary constituents are believed to play a role in the development of Crohn’s disease (CD) (1). Recently we were able to demonstrate, that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), induce a CD like enteritis phenotype in genetically susceptible mice (2,3). Furthermore, we could show, that PUFA intake correlated negatively with disease course in CD patients (3). In this project we tried to untangle the role of Paneth cells (PC) in the development of PUFA induced enteritis. Methods scRNA sequencing was performed on cells isolated from mice lacking one allele of Gpx4 (GPX4+/-IEC) in their intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) after feeding them a PUFA enriched western style diet (PUFA-WD). Furthermore, mice lacking both alleles of Gpx4 in their PC (GPX4ΔPC) where fed a PUFA-WD for four weeks and enteritis was assessed based on a histological enteritis score and immunhistochemical stainings. Results scRNAseq of murine intestinal cells revealed an upregulation of IBD relevant pathways (such as JAK or TNFα) in Gpx4 deficient IECs and PC. GPX4ΔPC mice developed a CD like enteritis phenotype, characterized by a mucosal and submucosal infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages and other leucocytes, after only four weeks of PUFA enriched diet, indicating that GPX4 dependent intestinal inflammation is controlled by PC. Conclusion The upregulation of IBD relevant pathways in our model of dietary induced intestinal inflammation renders this model a valuable tool to investigate mechanistical understanding in the role of dietary components in IBD. Our results further link PC metabolism to the development of intestinal inflammation.

Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Triage of Cancer Using Blood Derivatives: A Reality Check.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of serum/plasma represents an alluring molecular diagnostic tool, especially for cancer, as it can provide a molecular fingerprint of clinical samples based on vibrational modes of chemical bonds. However, despite the superior performance, the routine adoption of this technique for clinical settings has remained elusive. This is due to the potential confounding factors that are often overlooked and pose a significant barrier to clinical translation. In this Perspective, we summarize the concerns associated with various confounding factors, such as fluid sampling, optical effects, hemolysis, abnormal cardiovascular and/or hepatic functions, infections, alcoholism, diet style, age, and gender of a patient or normal control cohort, and improper selection of numerical methods that ultimately would lead to improper spectral diagnosis. We also propose some precautionary measures to overcome the challenges associated with these confounding factors.

Health behaviour in baby boomers and Generations X, Y, and Z: focus on dietary fibre and saturated fat intake

Purpose: To assess the frequency of food intake as a source of dietary fibre and saturated fatty acid intake in terms of preventive health care for women and men of the baby boomer (BB), X, Y, and Z generations. Design/methodology/approach: The research instrument was a survey questionnaire administered through the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method using Google Forms. The survey was conducted from February to March 2023. The survey included 204 respondents between the ages of 19 and 60, residents of Gdynia. Purposive group selection was used. The results of the survey are presented as the percentage distribution (percentage) of each evaluation (% of indications). A chi-square test with Yates correction was used to determine the effect of gender and age on lifestyle, dietary style and frequency of dietary fibre and saturated fatty acid intake in the study groups. Findings: Analysis of the consumption of selected food groups by respondents showed that gender and age influenced the lifestyle and type of selected food products consumed by adults, and therefore the attainment of individual nutrient requirements, and the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. It is satisfactory that the level of fat intake among the surveyed group of respondents was at an appropriately low level. On the other hand, the inadequate and very low intake of dietary fibre among women and men remains a concern. Research limitations/implications: The research has certain limitations. The results obtained are not representative and cannot be generalised to the population of women and men of the baby boomer (BB), X, Y and Z generations in Poland. Practical implications: The present study is part of health risk management and health promotion in the Polish population. It is important that adults (in Poland) pay attention to the impact of the products they consume on their health, since the lack of a balanced diet and an excessive supply of simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids carries a risk of reducing their quality of life. It is essential to conduct research monitoring the dietary behaviour of various population groups to evaluate the need for preventive actions to ensure health and better safeguard the mental and physical condition of current and future generations. Social implications: The research is part of health risk management and health promotion in the Polish population. Originality/value: The research adds to the knowledge of adult eating behaviour from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: adult consumers, eating habits, health-related quality of life. Category of the paper: Research paper

A flavonoid-rich extract of bergamot juice improves high-fat diet-induced intestinal permeability and associated hepatic damage in mice.

Consumption of high-fat diets (HFDs) is a contributing factor to obesity, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several studies suggested the protective role of bioactives present in Citrus fruits against the above mentioned chronic metabolic conditions. In this study, we evaluated if a flavonoid-rich extract of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) juice (BJe) could inhibit HFD-induced intestinal permeability and endotoxemia and, through this mechanism, mitigate the associated hepatic damage in C57BL/6J mice. After 12 weeks of the treatment, HFD consumption caused high body weight (BW) gain, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, which were mitigated by BJe (50 mg per kg BW) supplementation. Furthermore, supplementation with BJe prevented HFD-induced liver alterations, including increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, increased hepatic lipid deposition, high NAS, and fibrosis. Mice fed a HFD for 12 weeks showed (i) a decrease in small intestine tight junction protein levels (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1), (ii) increased intestinal permeability, and (iii) endotoxemia. All these adverse events were mitigated by BJe supplementation. Linking the capacity of BJe to prevent HFD-associated endotoxemia, supplementation with this extract decreased the HFD-induced overexpression of hepatic TLR-4, downstream signaling pathways (MyD88, NF-κB and MAPK), and the associated inflammation, evidenced by increased MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and F4/80 levels. Overall, we suggest that BJe could mitigate the harmful consequences of western style diet consumption on liver physiology by protecting the gastrointestinal tract from permeabilization and associated metabolic endotoxemia.

Self-determined or non-self-determined? Exploring consumer motivation for sustainable food choices

Agricultural production is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions with livestock farming accounting for half of the mitigation potential of greenhouse gas emissions of agriculture, forestry, and land-use sectors. Hence, a sustainable transition of the agricultural sector is urgently needed to achieve the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. Considering the amount of scientific evidence emphasizing the urgency of changing current dietary patterns to mitigate climate change, international and national public as well as private initiatives were introduced aiming to promote sustainable food choices. However, little is known so far about whether external pressure, initiated, for instance, through socio-political campaigns, motivates consumers to adopt a more sustainable dietary style. This study closes this research gap by applying the self-determination theory (SDT) to investigate Danish consumers' motivation for eating more sustainably by taking the example of reducing meat consumption. The structural equation model applied to a representative sample of 838 Danish consumers reveals the continuing importance of intrinsic and internalized extrinsic motivation, while external motivation fails to encourage consumers to eat less meat. The subsequent latent class analysis identified four segments, with 12.4 % of Danish consumers highly intrinsically motivated, 30.4 % slightly intrinsically motivated, 27.3 % amotivated, and the remaining 29.8 % undecided. The results suggest that the level of perceived external pressure to foster more sustainable food choices have no effect on consumers' food decision. High perceived self-determined motivation and personal identification with eating more sustainably emerged as a crucial driver. Therefore, policy interventions and private measures should prioritize individuals' values over external pressure to foster more sustainable food choices. This research contributes to a better understanding of consumers' food-related behavioral changes, while also providing a theoretical contribution by applying the SDT to sustainable food choices.

Diet quality and cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

To evaluate relationships between diet quality and cardiovascular outcomes. Six databases were searched for studies published between January 2007 and October 2021. Eligible studies included cohort studies that assessed the relationship between a priori diet quality and cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity in adults. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted from eligible studies using standardised processes. Data were summarised using risk ratios for cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality with difference compared for highest versus lowest diet quality synthesised in meta-analyses using a random effects model. Of the 4780 studies identified, 159 studies (n = 6 272 676 adults) were included. Meta-analyses identified a significantly lower cardiovascular disease incidence (n = 42 studies, relative risk 0.83, 95% CI 0.82-0.84, p < 0.001) and mortality risk (n = 49 studies, relative risk 0.83, 95% CI 0.82-0.84, p < 0.001) among those with highest versus lowest diet quality. In sensitivity analyses of a high number of pooled studies (≥13 studies) the Mediterranean style diet patterns and adherence to the heart healthy diet guidelines were significantly associated with a risk reduction of 15% and 14% for cardiovascular disease incidence and 17% and 20% for cardiovascular disease mortality respectively (p < 0.05). Higher diet quality is associated with lower incidence and risk of mortality for cardiovascular disease however, significant study heterogeneity was identified for these relationships.