Traditional Diet Research Articles

Dietary Intake and Circulating Amino Acid Concentrations in Relation with Bone Metabolism Markers in Children Following Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets.

Scientific studies reported that most vegetarians meet the total protein requirements; however, little is known about their amino acid intakes. We aimed to assess dietary intake and serum amino acid levels in relation to bone metabolism markers in prepubertal children on vegetarian and traditional diets. Data from 51 vegetarian and 25 omnivorous children aged 4-9 years were analyzed. Dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients were assessed using the nutritional program Dieta 5®. Serum amino acid analysis was performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography technique, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone-electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, and bone metabolism markers, albumin, and prealbumin levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vegetarian children had a significantly lower intake of protein and amino acids with median differences of about 30-50% compared to omnivores. Concentrations of four amino acids (valine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine) in serum varied significantly by diet groups and were lower by 10-15% in vegetarians than meat-eaters. Vegetarian children also had lower (p < 0.001) serum albumin levels compared to omnivores. Among bone markers, they had higher (p < 0.05) levels of C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX-I) than omnivores. Correlation patterns between amino acids and bone metabolism markers differed in the vegetarian and omnivore groups. Out of bone markers, especially osteoprotegerin was positively correlated with several amino acids, such as tryptophan, alanine, aspartate, glutamine, and serine, and ornithine in vegetarians. Vegetarian children consumed apparently sufficient but lower protein and amino acids compared to omnivores. In circulation these differences were less marked than in the diet. Significantly lower amino acid intake and serum levels of valine, lysine, leucine, and isoleucine as well as the observed correlations between serum amino acids and biochemical bone marker levels indicated the relations between diet, protein quality, and bone metabolism.

Advancing spotted babylon broodstock performance and sustainable aquaculture practices through natural and formulated feeds

In the approach to optimize spotted babylon (Babylonia areolata) broodstock nutrition within hatchery environments, two distinct experiments were conducted. The first focused on broodstock, having an average weight of 43g. They were exposed to various natural feeds, with yellow stripe trevally being a notable inclusion, and they were kept at a density of 50 snails/m2. The following phase centered on juveniles, assessing the impact of replacing fishmeal with beef scraps and bonemeal in different proportions: 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Yellow Stripe Trevally meat was used as a comparative control diet. These juveniles were kept at a density of 180 snails/m2. Both experimental groups were housed in standardized tanks, benefiting from a consistent 12-hour seawater supply daily. Through diligent monitoring, we observed that the trevally diet led to marked improvements in the growth and reproductive performance of the broodstock. On the other hand, for the juvenile group, the traditional diet was superior up to the 20% fishmeal substitution level. However, the growth rate diminished notably with a 30% substitution. Across the board, there was a consistent survival rate among all experimental groups. In sum, this study’s findings underscore the effectiveness of yellow stripe trevally as a potent feed for broodstock. Additionally, when considering juvenile diets, fishmeal substitution with beef and bonemeal should be approached cautiously, ideally at most 20%.

The role of isoflavones in augmenting the effects of radiotherapy.

Cancer is one of the major health problems and the second cause of death worldwide behind heart disease. The traditional soy diet containing isoflavones, consumed by the Asian population in China and Japan has been identified as a protective factor from hormone-related cancers. Over the years the research focus has shifted from emphasizing the preventive effect of isoflavones from cancer initiation and promotion to their efficacy against established tumors along with chemo- and radiopotentiating effects. Studies performed in mouse models and results of clinical trials emphasize that genistein or a mixture of isoflavones, containing in traditional soy diet, could be utilized to both potentiate the response of cancer cells to radiotherapy and reduce radiation-induced toxicity in normal tissues. Currently ongoing clinical research explores a potential of another significant isoflavone, idronoxil, also known as phenoxodiol, as radiation enhancing agent. In the light of the recent clinical findings, this article reviews the accumulated evidence which support the clinically desirable interactions of soy isoflavones with radiation therapy resulting in improved tumor treatment. This review discusses important aspects of the development of isoflavones as anticancer agents, and mechanisms potentially relevant to their activity in combination with radiation therapy of cancer. It gives a critical overview of studies characterizing isoflavone targets such as topoisomerases, ENOX2/PMET, tyrosine kinases and ER receptor signaling, and cellular effects on the cell cycle, DNA damage, cell death, and immune responses.

African traditional foods and sustainable food security

Dietary diversity is key to sustainable food security and part of Africa's rich biodiversity heritage are hundreds of lesser-known indigenous crops and wild food plants that are important components of African traditional diets. African traditional foods and African food processing techniques are part of the rich cultural heritage of the people. Fermentation and sun-drying are two of the most important African traditional food processing techniques used for the production of a wide range of processed food products and for low-cost food preservation under non-refrigeration conditions. Lactic acid fermentation is used for the production of a variety of African traditional foods from plant and animal sources that are safe, nutritious and contribute to food security. Some of the organisms are probiotics that offer distinct health benefits. However, African traditional foods are still largely prepared in the home and the unregulated informal food sector. Their production is characterized by slow, manual operations; the processes are not standardized and the quality of the products are variable and often poor. There are serious safety concerns with many African traditional foods and beverages largely on account of the unhygienic conditions under which they are prepared, the quality of the raw materials and the packaging. Another safety concern with regards to African traditional fermented foods is foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria that reduces the options for treating human and animal diseases. Some successes have been recorded in reducing the drudgery associated with African traditional food processing, carried out mainly by women, and increasing the capacity, efficiency and safety of the processes and the quality of the products through the introduction of small machines for small-scale industrial production. Solar drying eliminates the problem of poor quality and unsafe products associated with the traditional open air, shallow layer sun-drying. Even though considerable amount of research has been carried out on upgrading African traditional foods, they remain largely at the bench stage. The establishment of zonal or regional food pilot plants will facilitate the commercialization of research findings from African universities and research institutes, improve traditional foods and processes, and promote sustainable food security.

Christian Orthodox Fasting as a Traditional Diet with Low Content of Refined Carbohydrates That Promotes Human Health: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence

Christian Orthodox fasting is a pattern high in complex carbohydrates and low in refined carbohydrates. It has been explored in association with its potential health benefits. The present review aims to comprehensively explore the existing available clinical data concerning the potential favorable impact of the dietary pattern of Christian Orthodox fasting on human health. PubMed database, Web of Science and Google Scholar were extensively searched in order to identify the more appropriate clinical studies that explore the effect of Christian Orthodox fasting on health-related outcomes in humans utilizing relative keywords. We initially retrieved 121 records through database searching. After applying several exclusion criteria, 17 clinical studies were finally included in this review study. Christian Orthodox fasting showed beneficial effects concerning glucose and lipid control, whereas the data for blood pressure remain inconclusive. Concerning weight control, fasters were characterized by lower body mass and lower caloric intake in the course of the fasting periods. During fasting, this pattern is higher in fruits and vegetables, showing the absence of dietary deficiencies for iron and folate. Nevertheless, dietary deficiencies were recorded for calcium and vitamin B2, and also hypovitaminosis D has been noticed in monks. Interestingly, the vast majority of monks do present with both good quality of life and mental health. Overall, Christian Orthodox fasting is a dietary pattern low in refined carbohydrates and high in complex carbohydrates and fiber that may be beneficial for human health promotion and chronic disease prevention. However, further studies are strongly recommended on the impact of long-term religious fasting on HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Cancer Disparities among Pacific Islanders: A Review of Sociocultural Determinants of Health in the Micronesian Region

It is well appreciated that the social determinants of health are intimately related with health outcomes. However, there is a paucity of literature that explores these themes comprehensively for the indigenous people within Micronesia. Certain Micronesia-specific factors, such as transitions from traditional diets, the consumption of betel nut, and exposure to radiation from the nuclear bomb testing in the Marshall Islands, have predisposed certain Micronesian populations to an increased risk of developing a variety of malignancies. Furthermore, severe weather events and rising sea levels attributed to climate change threaten to compromise cancer care resources and displace entire Micronesian populations. The consequences of these risks are expected to increase the strain on the already challenged, disjointed, and burdened healthcare infrastructure in Micronesia, likely leading to more expenses in off-island referrals. A general shortage of Pacific Islander physicians within the workforce reduces the number of patients that can be seen, as well as the quality of culturally competent care that is delivered. In this narrative review, we comprehensively underscore the health disparities and cancer inequities faced by the underserved communities within Micronesia.

The Rise of Gastrointestinal Cancers as a Global Phenomenon: Unhealthy Behavior or Progress?

The overall burden of cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide, reflecting not only population growth and aging, but also the prevalence and spread of risk factors. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including stomach, liver, esophageal, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, represent more than a quarter of all cancers. While smoking and alcohol use are the risk factors most commonly associated with cancer development, a growing consensus also includes dietary habits as relevant risk factors for GI cancers. Current evidence suggests that socioeconomic development results in several lifestyle modifications, including shifts in dietary habits from local traditional diets to less-healthy Western diets. Moreover, recent data indicate that increased production and consumption of processed foods underlies the current pandemics of obesity and related metabolic disorders, which are directly or indirectly associated with the emergence of various chronic noncommunicable conditions and GI cancers. However, environmental changes are not restricted to dietary patterns, and unhealthy behavioral features should be analyzed with a holistic view of lifestyle. In this review, we discussed the epidemiological aspects, gut dysbiosis, and cellular and molecular characteristics of GI cancers and explored the impact of unhealthy behaviors, diet, and physical activity on developing GI cancers in the context of progressive societal changes.

Teachers’ views on ‘food’ animals for sustainability education: an exploratory study

Sustainability education is crucial in helping students deal with current health and environmental challenges through dietary choices. This study aims to provide an understanding of how the teachers surveyed (n = 416, 85% women; 58% teaching natural sciences) view the importance of the following interrelated issues for sustainability: (1) the viability of diets for tackling environmental challenges and natural resource management; (2) the health benefits of traditional versus plant-based diets; and (3) the impacts of factory farming on animals and animal sentience. Most participants recognised the importance of a sustainable education model that encourages reducing meat consumption while adopting healthy plant-based diets. Furthermore, the majority recognise animal sentience and agree that schools should address the negative impacts of factory farming on animals and the environment. The results are striking, as they indicate that most teachers’ views contrast with the traditionalist and instrumental portrayal of animals in national core curricula.

Serum from Adolescents with High Polyphenol Intake Exhibits Improved Lipid Profile and Prevents Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Human Liver Cells.

The traditional Mediterranean diet (MD) is characterized by a high phenolic-rich food intake, including in particular vegetables and fruits, but also legumes, whole grain cereals, nuts, and extra virgin olive oil. Evidence for beneficial effects of polyphenols in humans depends on the amount consumed and on their bioavailability. Here, we evaluated the association between the estimated polyphenol intake by fruits and vegetables food source and serum biochemical parameters in healthy adolescents, recruited into the DIMENU research project. Categorizing adolescents into three groups according to their estimated total polyphenol intake, we found that adolescents who declared high consumption of polyphenols had a higher adherence to the MD and had a better serum lipid profile than adolescents consuming low amounts of polyphenols. Moreover, using human HepG2 liver cells treated with oleic acid as an in vitro model for studying lipid accumulation, we showed that intracellular lipid accumulation is alleviated by serum from adolescents consuming a polyphenol-rich diet following MD recommendations. Our data underline the importance of promoting adherence to the typical MD foods as a superior strategy to prevent metabolic and chronic diseases and to ensure a better quality of life among adolescents.

A Soy Protein Isolate Rich in Genistein and Daidzein and Its Effects on Plasma Isoflavone Concentrations, Platelet Aggregation, Blood Lipids and Fatty Acid Composition of Plasma Phospholipid in Normal Men

The effects of consuming a soy protein isolate beverage powder (60 g/d for 28 d) vs. a casein supplement was evaluated in 20 male subjects who were randomly allocated into the two groups. A dramatic rise in plasma isoflavone concentrations was observed after supplementation in the soy protein group, the levels reaching 907 ± 245 nmol/L for genistein (a 110-fold increase) and 498 ± 102 nmol/L for daidzein (a 150-fold increase) as measured by isotope dilution gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. These concentrations are higher than previously reported for the plasma of Japanese subjects consuming a traditional diet (276 nmol/L and 107 nmol/L, respectively). No significant differences in collagen- or 9,11-dideoxy-11α, 9α-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F2α (U46619)-induced platelet aggregation were observed in platelet-rich plasma from the two groups; the increase in plasma isoflavonoids from soy protein supplementation is not sufficient to significantly inhibit platelet aggregation ex vivo. Similarly, plasma total and HDL-cholesterol were not affected by protein supplementation, possibly because the men were normo-cholesterolemic at entry. Analysis of plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid composition showed no differences between soy protein and casein supplementation. Previous investigations reported a significant alteration in fatty acid status in animals fed soy protein relative to those fed casein. The present studies indicate that although soy protein supplementation to a typical Western diet can increase plasma concentrations of isoflavones, this may not necessarily be sufficient to counter heart disease risk factors such as high plasma cholesterol and platelet aggregation.

Nosotros mismos nos estamos matando/We are the ones killing ourselves: Unraveling individual and network characteristics associated with negative dietary acculturation among Mexican Americans in New York City

BackgroundResearch on negative dietary acculturation among Mexican-Americans has mostly focused on individual-level processes and has largely ignored the role of social networks. MethodsThis mixed-method study used an egocentric network approach and derived 1620 personal ties of self-identified Mexican adults in New York. 24-hour dietary recalls were used to derive a total Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and subscores. The qualitative portion generated narratives around who helps or hinders their efforts to eat healthfully. ResultsAt the individual level, age at which participants migrated to the U.S. was negatively associated with total HEI (β = −0.39, p < .01). An annual income below $30,000 was positively associated with total HEI (β = 0.25, p < .05) and with HEI fruit subscores (β = 0.25, p < .05). Acculturative stress was negatively associated with HEI fruit (β = −0.29, p < .05) and refined grain subscores (β = −0.34, p < .01). At the network level, the proportion of network members who consumed traditional Latino diets was negatively associated with total HEI and HEI refined grains subscores (β = −0.39, p < .001; and β = −0.23, p < .05; respectively). In contrast, the proportion of alters who lived in another country was positively associated with HEI dairy subscores (β = 0.25, p < .05). Juxtaposing qualitative participants’ visual representation of their total HEI scores with their lay interpretations of healthy and unhealthy eating matched public health messages of reducing sugar, red meat intake, and processed foods. However, participants felt that this could only be achieved through restriction rather than balance. Qualitative narratives also elucidated how dietary acculturation and income could help shape dietary quality in unexpected ways. ConclusionsThis study found evidence of negative dietary acculturation and showcases the complex ways in which both individual- and network-level processes help shape dietary choices for Mexican-Americans.

Fatty Acid Composition of Northern Pike from an Arctic River (Northeastern Siberia, Russia)

We assayed the fatty acid composition of muscles of the northern pike Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758 inhabiting the Gyda River, Siberia, Russia using gas-liquid chromatography. Of 43 fatty acids identified in the pike samples, 23 fatty acids accounted for 99.3% of the total content. The most abundant saturated fatty acids (SFA, 31.6%) were palmitic (C16:0, 20.0%) and stearic (C18:0, 7.3%) acids. Among monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 15.1%), oleic acid (C18:1n9, 10.2%) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 4.1%) demonstrated the highest levels. The most represented polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 53.3%) were arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, 7.6%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3, 7.3%), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3, 26.3%). The fatty acid profile of specimens from the Gyda River was different in comparison to profiles found in other pike populations, most likely due to different diets. Pike flesh has good nutrition quality in terms of a low n-6/n-3 ratio (0.36), low atherogenic (0.39), and thrombogenic (0.22) indices, and a high ratio of hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (2.83), and this species can be recommended as a replacement or alternative to other fish sources in traditional diets.

Breakfast Dietary Patterns among Mexican Children Are Related to Total-Day Diet Quality

Background: Mexico has experienced shifts in food availability and consumption patterns over the past few decades from traditional diets to those containing more high-energy density foods, resulting in the development of unhealthful dietary patterns among children and adults. However, to our knowledge it is not known whether breakfast consumption patterns contribute to the overall daily diet of Mexican children.Objective: We examined total-day diet among breakfast consumers compared with breakfast skippers, identified and investigated breakfast dietary patterns in relation to energy and nutrient intakes at breakfast and across the day, and examined these patterns in relation to sociodemographic characteristics.Methods: With the use of nationally representative dietary data (one 24-h recall) from the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey, 3760 children aged 4-13 y were categorized into mutually exclusive breakfast patterns with the use of cluster analysis. The association between breakfast patterns and breakfast skippers with dietary intake at breakfast and for the total day was investigated with the use of multivariate linear regression.Results: Most children (83%) consumed breakfast. Six breakfast dietary patterns were identified (milk and sweetened breads, tortillas and beans, sweetened beverages, sandwiches and quesadillas, eggs, and cereal and milk) and reflected both traditional and more Westernized dietary patterns. Sugar-sweetened beverages were consumed across all patterns. Compared with all breakfast dietary patterns, breakfast skippers had the lowest intake of several nutrients of public health concern. Nutrients to limit that were high at breakfast tended to be high for the total day and vice versa for nutrients to encourage.Conclusions: There was not a single pattern that complied perfectly with the Mexican School Breakfast Guidelines, but changes such as increasing dietary fiber by encouraging more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans and reducing sodium and sugar-sweetened beverages could support compliance with these targets and improve overall diet quality.

Obesity among Latinx people in the United States: A review.

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that is associated with a range of adiposity-based comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the United States, obesity is a public health crisis, affecting more than 40% of the population. Obesity disproportionately affects Latinx people, who have a higher prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities (such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) compared with the general population. Many factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, traditional calorie-dense Latinx diets, family dynamics, and differences in socioeconomic status, contribute to the increased prevalence and complexity of treating obesity in the Latinx population. Additionally, significant heterogeneity within the Latinx population and disparities in health care access and utilization between Latinx people and the general population add to the challenge of obesity management. Culturally tailored interventions have been successful for managing obesity and related comorbidities in Latinx people. Antiobesity medications and bariatric surgery are also important options for obesity treatment in Latinx people. As highlighted in this review, when managing obesity in the Latinx population, it is critical to consider the impact of genetic, dietary, cultural, and socioeconomic factors, in order to implement an individualized treatment strategy.

Measures of Food Inadequacy and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Black Individuals in the US From the Jackson Heart Study

Food insecurity disproportionately affects Black individuals in the US. Its association with coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF), and stroke is unclear. To evaluate the associations of economic food insecurity and proximity with unhealthy food options with risk of incident CHD, HF, and stroke and the role of diet quality and stress. This cohort study was a time-to-event analysis of 3024 Black adult participants in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) without prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) at visit 1 (2000-2004). Data analysis was conducted from September 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021. Economic food insecurity, defined as receiving food stamps or self-reported not enough money for groceries, and high frequency of unfavorable food stores (>2.5 unfavorable food stores [fast food restaurants, convenience stores] within 1 mile). The main outcomes were incident CVD including incident CHD, stroke, and HF with preserved ejection fraction and with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). During a median follow-up of 13.8 (IQR, 12.8-14.6) years, the associations of measures of food inadequacy with incident CVD (CHD, stroke, and HF) were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Among the 3024 study participants, the mean (SD) age was 54 (12) years, 1987 (66%) were women, 630 (21%) were economically food insecure, and 50% (by definition) had more than 2.5 unfavorable food stores within 1 mile. In analyses adjusted for cardiovascular risk and socioeconomic factors, economic food insecurity was associated with higher risk of incident CHD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.76; 95% CI, 1.06-2.91) and incident HFrEF (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.16-3.70), but not stroke. These associations persisted after further adjustment for diet quality and perceived stress. In addition, economic food insecurity was associated with higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and renin concentrations. High frequency of unfavorable food stores was not associated with CHD, HF, or stroke. The findings of this cohort study suggest that economic food insecurity, but not proximity to unhealthy food options, was associated with risk of incident CHD and HFrEF independent of socioeconomic factors, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, diet quality, perceived stress, and other health behaviors. Economic food insecurity was also associated with markers of inflammation and neurohormonal activation. Economic food insecurity may be a promising potential target for the prevention of CVD.

The 'Nigerian Diet' and Its Evolution: Review of the Existing Literature and Household Survey Data.

Natural and social science studies have commonly referenced a 'typical' or 'habitual' Nigerian diet, without defining what such a diet entails. Our study, based on a systematic review of the existing literature and an analysis of household-level survey data, describes the general outline of a common Nigerian diet and how it varies based on spatial, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics. We further try to establish whether Nigeria has embarked on a dietary transition common in most modern economies, marked by a greater consumption of processed foods, fats, and sugar at the expense of traditional whole cereals and pulses. We conclude that while a traditional Nigerian diet is still relatively healthy from an international perspective, it has indeed been transitioning, with an increasing inclusion of high-energy, high-fat, and high-sugar processed foods and a related growing incidence of overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

A comparative review of different diet types to boost innate immunity among HIV-positive children suffering from leukemia

HIV impairs the immune system by attacking CD4 cells, a specific type of white blood cell. Most children living with HIV are found in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet this group has a dearth of data on cancer rates. Malignancies are common in children living with HIV, and immunosuppression and oncogenic co-infections are major contributing factors. This review study aims to sort and review the different diet types that may help boost innate immunity among HIV-positive children suffering from leukemiaWith the medical topic heading words (MeSH), this review was compiled from articles available without a subscription. HIV-related leukemia, the "inflammatory diet," "immunity-boosting food," and the "HIV diet kinds" were the others. This article only considers publications that have been published and are available online (in open-access databases such as the Directory of Open Access Journals, PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, etc.) between the years 2000 and 2022. As a result of extensive reviews, some effective diet types have come out to support the article’s objective, which is the best dietary approach to prescribe for HIV-induced leukemia. Micronutrient-rich dietary interventions, vitamin A-rich diets, Zinc enriched diet types, Neutropenic diets, Nordic diets, and some traditional Asian diets have been found significant and more effective for long years. The best, most affordable, and most commonly available strategy to maintain good health is to eat more foods that strengthen the immune system. According to the research, the Indian diet is complete with spices, citrus fruits, certain vegetables, herbal tea, honey, and other traditional foods that can strengthen the immune system. Research into diet and Ayurveda is being prioritized in many countries, including the West, mirroring India's approach..

Inequalities in Household Food Expenditures in South Africa: Implications for the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Health Inequality

Globally, diets are changing. With rising incomes and increased globalisation, low- and middle-income countries are undergoing a shift from traditional diets to an increasingly western diet that is high in sugar and processed foods. Furthermore, many countries undergoing this nutrition transition are plagued by income and wealth inequalities. The interaction of these inequalities with changing dietary patterns has significant implications for the increased burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and health inequality. This study assesses the relative changes in socio-economic inequality in the distribution of food consumption expenditure in South Africa. The data were drawn from the multiple waves of the 2005/2006 Income and Expenditure Survey (IES) and 2014/2015 Living Conditions Survey (LCS). The study uses both descriptive statistics and the concentration index method. The results show that real food expenditures have increased on average and are concentrated among the rich. However, real food expenditure in certain food groups has become less concentrated over time in the richer populations. This is particularly true for sugary food products, with a reduction of about 34% in their concentration among the rich. Undoubtedly, the concentration of real food expenditure on certain food among the lower socioeconomic groups has grave implications for exacerbating the burden of diet-related NCDs and health inequality.

Ethnoarchaeological Study on Salt-Fermented Fish in the Upper Mun River Valley, Northeast Thailand

Salt-fermented fish is a staple food item in the traditional diets of Northeast Thailand. Rural households make fermented fish by using local salt resources to preserve seasonal fish supplies, allowing them to ferment and store surplus fish for the dry season. Evidence suggests that this food preservation strategy predates modern dietary practices, and was important in the prehistoric foodways of Northeast Thailand. Using ethnoarchaeological methods, we examine and compare contemporary fermented-fish production, which relies heavily on locally made salt, with archaeological data for these same prehistoric food items and industries. Ethnographic data is compared to archaeological data from the site of Ban Non Wat and the greater Upper Mun River Valley of Northeast Thailand during the Iron Age, which demonstrates a significant increase in the procurement and production of fish and salt resources, and rice cultivation, during the 1st millennium AD. It was also a period of significant social and environmental change, with a marked climatic shift towards distinct wet and dry seasons favoring the exploitation of and reliance on seasonal supplies of fish and salt, as is done today. From this evidence, we establish a correlation between ancient and modern fish and salt production, procurement, preparation, preservation, and consumption practices.

Navigating institutional complexity through emotion work: The case of Italian consumers adapting to a ketogenic diet

Building on marketing studies that adopt an institutional perspective, I examine the dynamics through which consumers navigate institutional complexity. More specifically, I investigate the unique context of Italians abandoning their traditional diet to embrace a ketogenic diet by means of a seven-year netnography of Ketogenesis (an Italian Facebook group dedicated to ketogenic diet), ten interviews with members and managers of this community, and a media analysis of the Italian dietary market. The findings show that these individuals are exposed to various oppositional logics (healthism, weight loss, sociability, and flavor), which trigger negative emotional responses. I thereafter demonstrate that, by participating in ad hoc Facebook groups (i.e., joining Ketogenesis), these consumers perform emotion work based on two key processes (reframing and social support), through which they reframe their negative emotions in more positive terms, support one another, and facilitate the diet’s approval within the community. I also discuss theoretical and managerial implications.