Western Dietary Pattern Research Articles

P0816 Dietary habits of ulcerative colitis patients under follow-up in a Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit

Abstract Background A Western dietary pattern characteristics was suggested to have a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Poor dietary pattern can exacerbate the patients’ symptoms and lead to significant nutrient deficiencies. However, data regarding dietary habits and nutritional needs are scarce. Our study aimed to prospectively evaluate dietary intake and habits in peadiatric patients with UC at a Spanish tertiary hospital. Methods In this prospective observational study, peadiatric UC patients were followed up, during which their dietary habits were collected. Patients were asked to complete the KIDMED questionnaire for adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and a 3-day food diary. The degree of food processing was assessed using the NOVA classification system, which classifies all food products into four main groups. Results A total of 47 patients were included, with a mean age of 11.9±3.3 years (57% female), and a median follow-up of 2.8±5.4 years. The mean caloric intake was 1919.07 ± 292.8 kcal, and 55.31% of patients did not cover their energy requeriments. Protein and saturated fat intake exceeded the recommended daily intake (RDI): mean protein intake was 2.13±0.8g/kg (239.06% of RDI), and saturated fatty acids was 31.65±7.9% of total fat. In contrast, fiber, calcium and iron intake were below recommendations: mean fiber was 13.44±2.9g (75.1±24.7% of RDI), calcium was 457.7±239.3mg (41.6±26.2% of RDI) and iron 8.3±3.4mg (75.3±37.2% of RDI). The average KIDMED score was 6.2 points, with only 15 patients (31.9%) presenting high adherence to the MD. Of the remaining patients, 26 (55.3%) needed to improve their diet quality, and 6 (12.7%) had very low diet quality. Regarding the NOVA classification, 7 patients (14.9%) consumed more than 40% of their total energy from ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4), while 23 (48.9%) had less than 40% of their energy intake coming from unprocessed or minimally processed foods (NOVA 1). Conclusion Our results highlight that a substantial proportion of pediatric UC patients have suboptimal dietary patterns, characterized by high intake of UPF and saturated fats, alongside low intake of fiber, calcium, and iron. These findings suggest a need for tailored follow-up with a specialized dietitian within the multidisciplinary care team. Further research is essential to clarify the impact of diet on UC.

Gut microbiome signatures of vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets and associated health outcomes across 21,561 individuals

As plant-based diets gain traction, interest in their impacts on the gut microbiome is growing. However, little is known about diet-pattern-specific metagenomic profiles across populations. Here we considered 21,561 individuals spanning 5 independent, multinational, human cohorts to map how differences in diet pattern (omnivore, vegetarian and vegan) are reflected in gut microbiomes. Microbial profiles distinguished these common diet patterns well (mean AUC = 0.85). Red meat was a strong driver of omnivore microbiomes, with corresponding signature microbes (for example, Ruminococcus torques, Bilophila wadsworthia and Alistipes putredinis) negatively correlated with host cardiometabolic health. Conversely, vegan signature microbes were correlated with favourable cardiometabolic markers and were enriched in omnivores consuming more plant-based foods. Diet-specific gut microbes partially overlapped with food microbiomes, especially with dairy microbes, for example, Streptococcus thermophilus, and typical soil microbes in vegans. The signatures of common western diet patterns can support future nutritional interventions and epidemiology.

Relationship between diet and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the primary global epidemics and a growing healthcare problem. In addition to the influence of common risk elements such as cigarette smoking and contamination of the environment on COPD, diet is increasingly recognized as one of the influencing factors of COPD, and academics have identified that diet is an indispensable portion of the COPD process from its prevention to its treatment. This review provides an overview of the relationships between different types of dietary patterns, specific nutrients, specific foods, and COPD across the three dietary classifications. It also analyzes the mechanisms of influence and provides evidence and conclusions from previous relevant studies. The review finds that the healthy dietary pattern, the Mediterranean dietary pattern, and the partially vegan dietary pattern can reduce the risk of COPD; meanwhile, the foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and fish) and the nutrients (e.g., dietary fibers, antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin D) these dietary patterns contain can also reduce the risk of COPD; while the Western dietary pattern and the foods they contain (e.g., red or processed meats, sweet food) increase the exposure of COPD; however, there is no substantial evidence for the effect of the mineral Magnesium on COPD.

Diet-induced impairment of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue metabolic homeostasis and its prevention by probiotic administration.

Western dietary pattern is one of the main contributors to the increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases, through oxidative stress and inflammation, that are the two key mechanisms targeting metabolic organs, such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The chronic exposure to high levels of dietary fatty acids can increase the amount of intramyocellular lipids in skeletal muscle, altering glucose homeostasis and contributing to a reduction in mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Probiotic administration is a promising approach as preventive strategy to attenuate metabolic damage induced by Western diet. Here, we investigated the beneficial effect of Limosillactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on the inflammatory state and oxidative balance in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of adult rats fed a western diet for 8weeks, focusing on the role of skeletal muscle mitochondria. Limosillactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 administration protected the skeletal muscle from mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, preventing the establishment of inflammation and insulin resistance. Interestingly, a further beneficial effect of the probiotic was exerted on body composition, favoring the deposition of protein mass and preventing adipose tissue hypertrophy and inflammation. These results open the possibility for the use of this probiotic in therapeutic approaches for nutrition-related diseases.

Associations Between Dietary Patterns and Quality of Life in a Longitudinal Cohort of Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

To characterize dietary patterns and examine associations with cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in quality of life (QOL) over approximately one year after colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. The ColoCare Study is an international, multi-center, prospective cohort study of newly diagnosed CRC survivors of any stage. A subset of participants with CRC in the United States completed patient-reported outcome measures at 6- and 12-months post-enrollment, including the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Dietary patterns at 6 months (around the time of treatment completion) were identified using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation. Adherence scores were calculated for participants within each dietary pattern, with higher scores indicating higher adherence. Mixed models were used to examine the effect of each dietary pattern on changes in QOL at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, controlling for cancer stage, biological sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and age. Participants (N = 174) were, on average, 56 ± 14 years old and were mostly female (51.5%), stage III or IV (51.7%), never smokers (60.2%), non-Hispanic (97.1%), and White (83.3%) with a BMI of 27.9 ± 6.1 kg/m2. PCA revealed two emerging dietary patterns: "Western diet", characterized by processed meats, refined grains, and sugars, and "Prudent diet" characterized by lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Higher adherence to a Western diet was associated with worse social functioning at 6-month follow-up (FE = -12.6, p = 0.010). Loss of appetite from 6 to 12 months was associated with higher adherence to both the Western and Prudent dietary patterns (FE = 1.5, p = 0.044; FE = 1.3, p = 0.046, respectively). Neither dietary pattern was associated with global QOL score at 6- or 12-month follow-up (p's > 0.05). Among CRC survivors in the United States, the Western diet was concurrently associated with worse social functioning. Loss of appetite was reported by CRC survivors following both dietary patterns, suggesting that loss of appetite may be a global experience for CRC survivors during this timeframe. Further research is needed to understand specific social challenges experienced by CRC survivors and develop supportive care interventions to address appetite and nutritional concerns.

The Interaction Between Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Nutrition.

This review aims to explore the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and nutrition. ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, has been examined in relation to dietary factors through various metabolic pathways, with a focus on the role of nutrition in symptom management. Unhealthy dietary patterns, particularly those characteristics of Western diets, are believed to exacerbate ADHD symptoms through these mechanisms. In contrast, dietary interventions such as intermittent fasting, which offer greater flexibility in application, have been proposed as potential strategies to alleviate ADHD symptoms. While further research in this area is expected to contribute significantly to the field, this review also provides researchers with a brief perspective on the challenges and limitations associated with experimental ADHD studies. Therefore, this study aims to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the interaction between ADHD and nutrition, providing researchers with an integrative approach to the topic. Western dietary patterns have been found to negatively impact gut barrier integrity, synaptic plasticity, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. On the other hand, the intermittent fasting diet model, which offers practical flexibility, is thought to be a potentially supportive treatment in managing ADHD. Furthermore, it has been concluded that various experimental models are available for ADHD research, and researchers must work within these limitations. Western diets, particularly in their negative impact on synaptic plasticity and other key metabolic pathways involved in ADHD, can worsen the disorder's symptoms. Intermittent fasting emerges as a promising dietary alternative that may mitigate these adverse effects.

Navigating the Global Dietary Transition and Its Impact on Planetary and Human Health: The Role of Middle-Income Countries

Abstract This case study examines global dietary transitions and their impact on environmental sustainability, nutritional well-being, and socio-economic inequalities, focusing on middle-income countries (MICs) like China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico. As economic expansion, urbanization, and cultural shifts drive changes in eating habits, MICs encounter both advantages and disadvantages. The study explores how socio-economic transformation influences dietary preferences, resulting in increased consumption of processed foods and animal-based products, linked to rising non-communicable diseases and environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. It delves into the influence of cultural heritage and social norms on dietary practices, alongside the impact of Western dietary patterns and media. Additionally, the case study underscores the role of governmental strategies in fostering sustainable and nutritious diets through policies that support local agriculture and public health. It also investigates contributions from the private sector and emphasizes the significance of community-driven and grassroots movements in promoting sustainable dietary habits and reinforcing food security. This study aims to provide insights into the interconnection between dietary transitions, their environmental and nutritional impacts, and the socio-economic drivers and disparities within and across MICs, offering guidance for sustainable development and public health improvement. Information © The Author 2024

ORIENT Diet: A Potential Neuroprotective Dietary Pattern for Chinese Stroke High-Risk Population

ObjectivesGiven the particularity of Asian cultures and dietary habits, there is a need to establish a neuroprotective dietary pattern specially for the Asian stroke high-risk population, to prevent cognitive impairment. DesignA systematic review and cross-sectional study. Setting and ParticipantsChinese stroke high-risk population from the CIRCLE (NCT03542734) study. MethodsThe Oriental Intervention for Enhanced Neurocognitive healTh (ORIENT) diet was developed by replacing the western foods in the Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet with appropriate Asian alternatives, and refining the recommended intake frequency based on a systematic review, which examined Asian studies in the cognition-diet field. Cognitive impairment was defined as a global cognitive score ≥1 SD below the sample mean, based on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Canadian Stroke Network vascular cognitive impairment battery. ResultsA total of 568 participants were finally included, with 325 men (57.2%) and a mean age of 60.5 ± 7.3 years. Participants in the highest tertile of ORIENT score had 60.5% lower odds of cognitive impairment than those in the lowest tertile (odds ratio = 0.395, 95% CI = 0.165-0.944, P = .044) when adjusted for demographic variables, lifestyle factors, and health status. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that each 1-point increase in ORIENT score was associated with 0.048 higher global cognitive score, 0.281 higher Mini-Mental State Examination score, and 0.344 higher Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Conclusions and ImplicationsHigh adherence to ORIENT diet was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment, providing a potential neuroprotective dietary pattern for Chinese stroke high-risk population.

Firm-level capabilities and response to a negative export shock: 2014 Russian embargo on the West

This paper investigates the resources and capabilities that determine firm-level adjustments after a sudden unexpected closure of a major export market. We focus on the effects of the 2014 Russian embargo on Western food exporters using the example of Estonian firms. The paper applies a novel multimethod approach consisting of Study I quantifying the embargo effect on the trade diversion of firms that had exported embargoed goods to Russia, and Study II conducting a multiple case study into three dairy exporters highly affected by the embargo. Study I employs a difference-in-difference model with matched exporters of embargoed goods as treatment. Study II builds on extensive document analysis that serves as input for interviews with the CEOs of the sample dairy firms. We find that pre-shock productivity is on average a good predictor of post-shock firm trade diversion (Study I), however, we specify that the key firm-level resources and capabilities necessary for successful post-shock adjustments might not be reflected in the standard quantitative productivity level measures (Study II). We conclude that key firm-level resources and capabilities for embargo-resilience are the quality of exporting experience, competitive product-market matching, absorptive capacity, and managerial vision and empowerment.

Association between food security status and dietary patterns in a cohort of first-time food-aid users.

To examine the associations between food security status and dietary patterns among first-time food-aid users. From September 2018 to January 2020, a sample of 1001 newly registered food-aid users from 106 community-based food donation organizations were recruited across urban, rural, and peri-urban areas in four administrative regions of the province of Quebec, Canada. The Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) and the Short Diet Questionnaire (SDQ) were used to assess food security status and food intake, respectively. A posteriori dietary patterns were identified through principal component analysis. Regression analyses were performed on 987 participants with complete data to quantify the association between food security status and dietary patterns. Three main dietary patterns were identified: prudent (intake of fruits and fruit juice, plant-based beverages and legumes, green salad, carrots, other vegetables, whole grains, and fish), western (intake of poultry, red meat, potatoes and fried potatoes, rice, and pasta and refined grains), and snack foods (intake of salty snacks, cheese, butter and margarine, sweets, condiments, sweet beverages, and processed meat). Food insecurity was negatively associated with the prudent dietary pattern and positively associated with the snackfood dietary pattern. This study highlights the complexity of dietary patterns in a vulnerable population of first-time food-aid users, especially among those who are severely food insecure.

Correlation between diet, body mass index, and lipid profile in Kosovar women treated for primary infertility

The increasing prevalence of female fertility requires the identification of potentially modifiable factors and non-pharmacological treatments. There is strong evidence that healthy preconception dietary patterns of women of reproductive age have a beneficial effect on fertility. In accordance with the hypothesis, the aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of diet on overweight and obesity in infertile women as well as the correlation of serum lipid concentration by making a comparison between three observed groups with different body mass index (BMI). A total of 107 women who were treated for infertility were investigated. Diet and food pattern survey, BMI, and lipidogram determination from venous blood samples were carried out. The determination of lipidogram parameters was carried out by enzymatic colorimetric test with the COBAS INTEGRA 400 apparatus. From the total number of patients included in the study (107), infertile women with abnormal BMI accounted for 26.16%, while fertile women with normal BMI accounted for 73.83% (p<0.001). The total cholesterol value for groups with BMI>25 kg/m2 was 6.78 mmol/L (p=0.031). High triglycerides with increased BMI were observed (2.27 mmol/L versus 2.68 mmol/L) (p=0.028). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol had higher concentrations in obese women (n=28), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol had lower concentrations in women with BMI>25 km2 (p<0.05). Western dietary patterns of nutrition results in obesity and increased BMI values in infertile women. Increased BMI has a positive correlation with lipid profile in obese infertile women.

Associations between dietary patterns and parameters of ovarian reserve in Polish women of reproductive age.

Research investigating the association between reproductive health and diet has predominantly focused on the antenatal and prenatal periods, as well as childbirth in women, and semen quality in men. There is a limited amount of research addressing female fertility assessed as ovarian reserve in relation to diet. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and the parameters of ovarian reserve, such as antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) - predictors of reproductive health in women of childbearing age. Women aged 24-39 years (N = 511) were enrolled from fertility clinic in central Poland. The count of antral follicles was determined using ultrasonography (USG), FSH and E2 levels were measured using a chemilumi- nescence method and for determination of AMH level, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was employed. Diet was assessed according to food frequency questionnaire and dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Women were classified into 3 groups according to scores of each dietary pattern: Western, mixed, prudent. Higher adherence to the prudent dietary pattern in obese women was associated with significantly higher AFC (p = 0.03) and AMH (p = 0.05) as compared to participants with the Western dietary pattern. The results were adjusted for age, BMI, smoking and duration of fertility. Increased consumption of mixed dietary pattern was not statistically significant associated with any of examined ovarian reserve parameters. The prudent dietary pattern is positively associated with ovarian reserve in a cohort of women seeking fertility care. Continued research in this area will provide nutritional guidance for clinicians and their patients and provide novel insight on potential modifiable lifestyle factors which can be associated with ovarian reserve. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(4):411-20.

Effects of Migration on Nutritional Habits: From Turkey to Germany.

Dietary habits are influenced by environmental factors. Among these environmental factors are the place of residence, cultural characteristics, food accessibility, and economic status, which can all contribute to changes in the dietary pattern. Migration is another factor that can influence changes in the aspects mentioned above. We aimed to assess the dietary habits of individuals who have migrated from Turkey to Germany in comparison to those living in Turkey. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 254 individuals were enrolled with 102 individuals in Germany and 152 individuals in Turkey between April 2022 and July 2023. The data collection tools included Socio-demographic Characteristics Forms, Dietary Habits and Health Status Forms, and Food Consumption Frequency Forms. The data was collected online via Google Forms. There were statistically significant differences in the consumption frequency of processed meats, meat and poultry, sweetened beverages, sugar, desserts and pastries, vegetables, fruits, eggs and grains, olive oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, grains, dairy products, coffee, starch, and carbonated beverages between the two groups (P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were not found in terms of butter and tea consumption frequency. Overall, the study results have revealed significant differences in dietary habits between Turks living in Germany and those living in Turkey. The most noteworthy dimension of these differences is that individuals living in Turkey exhibit a stronger adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, while those living in Germany tend to follow a Western dietary pattern.

Mental distress and nutrition of family physicians, a European based cross-sectional study.

Family physicians are a pillar of the primary healthcare system, and their own mental well-being is integral to their performance. However, many studies have suggested a high prevalence of mental distress. The contributing factors include the emotional demands of the profession, work overload, budgetary constraints, loss of autonomy, and erosion of professional values. Outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbate distress due to a greater risk of exposure to the virus, increased working hours, and fear of infecting families. Thus, it is crucial to assess risks and provide preventive measures. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the dietary patterns of family physicians and their mood. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive method and a validated Food-Mood Questionnaire (FMQ), shared via social networks across 10 European countries, to collect data from family physicians. Permission to use the FMQ was obtained. The breakfast-pattern subscale had the highest mean score (14.670 ± 4.305). The other subscale mean scores were as follows: health pattern (13.317 ± 5.388), mental distress pattern (11.184 ± 3.824), and western diet pattern (9.827 ± 3.604). According to Pearson correlation test there was a positive correlation between breakfast and Western diet patterns and between breakfast and health patterns. There was a negative correlation between health and mental distress pattern. Evidence suggests that mental distress may arise from different dietary deficiencies. Physicians' nutritional patterns have an impact on health indicators and are distributed in relation to sociodemographic factors, especially the regions they live in. Diet assessment is becoming a vital modifiable risk factor for mental health, but further research in this field is needed.

Potassium Intake and Bone Health: A Narrative Review.

Potassium is a cation involved in the resting phase of membrane potential. Diets rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and coffee have high potassium content. The shift from a pre-agriculture diet to today's consumption has led to reduced potassium intake. Indeed, the Western diet pattern is characterized by a high daily intake of saturated fats, sugars, sodium, proteins from red meat, and refined carbohydrates with a low potassium intake. These reductions are also mirrored by high sodium intakes and a high consumption of acid-generating food, which promote a chronic state of low-grade metabolic acidosis. The low-grade metabolic acidosis is a cause of the bone-wasting effect. Therefore, a long-standing acidotic state brings into play the bone that contributes to the buffering process through an increase in osteoclastic resorption. In consideration of this background, we carried out a review that focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the relationship between dietary potassium intake and bone health, underlining the detrimental effects of the Western dietary patterns characterized by low potassium consumption.

Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption Is Positively Associated with the Clinical Activity of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Single-Center Study

Introduction: Western diet pattern and its food components have been suggested to impact inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) clinical course. However, the importance of food processing level is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate whether the intake of foods with varying processing levels is associated with disease activity in IBD patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary center between August 2019 and June 2022. Consecutive adult IBD patients were recruited. Clinical disease activity was defined using HBI (Crohn’s disease) and SCCAI (ulcerative colitis). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a dedicated validated processed food questionnaire (PFQ) that categorizes dietary intake into three groups of processed food levels: unprocessed/minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed. Adjusted odds ratios for active disease were determined using a multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 242 IBD patients (62.8% Crohn’s disease patients) were enrolled, of whom 73.1% were in clinical remission. A higher (upper tertile vs. lowest tertile) unprocessed/minimally processed foods consumption was negatively associated with active disease (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.14–0.99), while high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was positively associated with clinically active disease (OR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.49–9.8). Consumption of UPF groups, almost invariably, was positively associated with clinically active disease, while consumption of the ultra-processed meats group had the strongest association (OR = 4.45, 95% CI: 2.07–9.79). Conclusion: Higher consumption of UPFs is positively associated with clinically active IBD, while higher consumption of unprocessed/minimally processed foods may be protective. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations.

Physiological responses and microbiota shifts after spermidine administration as a postbiotic on rodents fed a high-fat high-fructose diet.

The consumption of a high-fat high-fructose diet partly resemble the western dietary patterns, which is closely associated with excessive body adiposity and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, this unhealthy regime produces unfavourable changes on the faecal microbiota, potentially interfering with microorganisms postbiotic function, such as spermidine, a natural polyamine that has been involved in the control of weight gain. The study aimed to analyse the repercussions of spermidine supplementation on somatic measurements, metabolic markers, and the faecal microbiota profile of rats fed a diet rich in fat and fructose. Indeed, Wistar males with oral administration of spermidine (20mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks were evaluated for food and energy intake, biochemical markers, and faecal microbiota signatures. The daily use of spermidine decreased weight gain ( P < 0.01), reduced feed efficiency ( P < 0.01), and attenuated visceral fat deposition ( P < 0.01), although no effect on energy intake, hepatic weight, triglyceride and glucose index and atherogenic indexes. Similarly, the consumption of spermidine partially restored the presence of microbial species, notably Akkermansia muciniphila. Elevated concentrations of this species were linked to a decrease in triglycerides ( P = 0.04), indicating that the supplementation of spermidine might contribute to managing energy fuel homeostasis in association with an obesogenic diet.

The Fusion and Influence of East Asian and Western Food Culture

In recent decades, the culinary industry has experienced a significant fusion of East Asian and Western culinary cultures, creating innovative dishes that integrate traditional ingredients and cooking techniques from both regions. This cross-cultural exchange is becoming increasingly common in restaurants, homes, and culinary schools around the world, driven by globalization. East Asian cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and beautiful displays, attracting Western audiences. The diverse flavors and abundant ingredients of Western cuisine also inspire East Asian chefs. The resulting fusion has led to popular culinary trends. This interaction has also led to new culinary innovations and dining experiences like the integration of food creation. In addition to professional kitchens, this exchange has also influenced home cooking driven by media and food blogs, and has impacted the food industry, with a growing demand for cross-cultural ingredients and products. The integration of East Asian and Western culinary cultures has enriched the global culinary landscape, broadened the tastes of food enthusiasts, and enhanced people's appreciation of diverse culinary traditions, and continued globalization may continue to change these culinary experiences.

Food insecurity amongst asylum seekers and people without status in Israel

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused massive disruptions globally, with food insecurity a primary concern amongst vulnerable communities. As one of the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in Israeli society asylum seekers and undocumented populations were amongst the first to be affected by the pandemic and the economic crisis that followed. The objective of the study was to evaluate the severity and causes of food insecurity among asylum seekers and other undocumented communities because of COVID-19.MethodsA multi method approach was used. The quantitative component included an online questionnaire regarding access to food, aid and choices, and the 6 item Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) The qualitative component included 4 focus groups and thematic analysis. The study was conducted in November 2020, by the Ministry of Health's Nutrition Division and the Tel Aviv Municipality's foreign community assistance and information center (Mesila). The convenience sample was drawn from the low-income neighborhood population of South Tel Aviv. Logistic regression, multivariate analysis and content analysis, were performed.ResultsFour hundred eighty-five people completed the quantitative survey, with average age 33.2 ± 5.4 years and 349 (72.0%) experienced food insecurity. In the multivariate analysis, being older (p = 0.04, Odds Ratio OR 1.1, Confidence Interval CI 1.05–1.15) and being single (unmarried) (p = 0.03, OR 2.1, CI 1.2, 3.5) predicted food insecurity. Qualitative findings identified three main themes: children preferring Israeli/ Western foods to traditional foods; financial stresses were compounded; a preference for receiving assistance with purchasing food (vouchers), rather than food handouts.ConclusionIn conclusion, vulnerable populations (asylum seekers and other undocumented communities) were severely affected and are in danger of food insecurity. Culturally relevant and contextualized solutions are needed to address the acute hunger within the community. These include establishment of a cross-ministerial forum, a social grocery store, increased liaison with food rescue bodies, complete nutritional support for children in educational settings and increased guidance regarding food choices and budgeting.

Exploring Student Perspectives of the Dietetics Profession Using a Professional Socialization Lens.

Purpose: We aimed to explore student perspectives of the dietetics profession using a professional socialization lens.Methods: We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews, virtually or by phone, with 25 dietetic undergraduate/graduate students or interns in 2020/21. Transcripts were thematically analyzed.Results: All participants identified as female, averaged 25 years old at the time of the interviews, and were in different stages of their education. Two themes captured their perspectives of the profession: dietitians have technical expertise and professional identities are evolving. Technical expertise was focused on scientific understandings of how individuals consume and utilize food, and how (mostly Western) food should be prepared for safety and maximum nutrition. Participants perceived dietetics as a white, feminized profession with dietitians' role to aid in weight loss; participants actively sought to resist these stereotypes, notably through social media.Conclusions: While holding technical expertise continues to be embedded as a key component of dietetics identity, student professional socialization is also being shaped by social media, racial justice, and body positivity movements. This socialization process is likely to influence changes to the profession as students enter practice.