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Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 August 2020) | Viewed by 62709

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Dr. Antonio Di Mauro

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Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
Interests: neonatology; prematurity; probiotic; nutrition; prevention; paediatric disease

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutrition plays a key role throughout the life span. It guides growth and development during the early stage of life and affects aging processes. Thus, nutrition is considered a major modifiable determinant of acute and chronic diseases. Dietary modification trough functional foods and nutraceuticals supplementation influences not only present health but might also prevent development of disease later in life. This report aims to attract reviews and clinical trials to fully investigate diseases prevention strategies through nutritional interventions.

This Special Issue calls for original contributions, including observational and experimental designs, exploring (1) functional foods in human health and disease prevention; (2) nutraceuticals in human health and disease prevention; (3) prebiotics, probiotic, symbiotic, para-probiotics and post-biotics in human health and disease prevention; (4) safety and toxicity of functional foods and nutraceuticals; and (5) nutrition and beyond: health effects of sports.

Dr. Antonio Di Mauro
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

Nutrition
Functional foods
Eating behavior
Nutraceuticals
Human health
Health effects of sports

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 243 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Habits and Trends

by Antonio Di Mauro, Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre and Nicola Laforgia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249422 - 16 Dec 2020

Viewed by 2102

Abstract

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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

Research

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12 pages, 5491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of the Public Health Promotion Behavior: Evidence from Repurchasing Health Foods for Improving Gastrointestinal Tract Functions

by Ku-Yuan Lee, Chien-Yu Wei, Min-Hua Wu and Chi-Ming Hsieh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207604 - 19 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

Researchers believe that health foods can promote health and that the consumption of health foods can effectively help people to maintain their health. This study mainly adopted the health belief model (HBM) integrated with perceived behavioral control to investigate the repurchase behavior of consumers with regard to health foods that improve gastrointestinal functions. We obtained 550 valid questionnaires from consumers who had purchased gastrointestinal health foods and conducted structural equation modeling. Results from our analysis revealed that perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits of action, and perceived behavioral control exert a positive influence on repurchase intention and that perceived barriers of action exerts a negative influence on repurchase intention. Furthermore, repurchase intention was found to have a positive impact on repurchase behavior. The results of this study can be used as a reference for health food marketing strategies and public health behavior promotions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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18 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitudes and Consumer Behavior toward Foods Offered in Staff Canteens

by Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina, Hanna Górska-Warsewicz and Joanna Trafiałek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6239; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176239 - 27 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 10486

Abstract

The aim of our study was to analyze the attitudes of employees toward food offered in staff canteens, to analyze their eating behavior and the factors determining the choice of meals in staff canteens. The survey was conducted on a sample of 600 adult respondents, who patronize staff canteens in Warsaw, Poland. The research enabled a detailed and comprehensive assessment of consumer behavior toward the use of staff canteens, as well as their opinions on the functioning of the canteens and meals offered. Factors determining the frequency of use of canteens, type of meals, and factors influencing the use of such establishments were identified. Respondents assessed the quality and variety of meals, with the size of portion being the most valued. They were satisfied with the functioning of the canteens and had very few comments. However, they pointed out the need for an increase in the variety of meals, including the availability of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Our research enabled us to establish consumer profiles based on the reasons for not using staff canteens and comments about staff canteens. Patrons of staff canteens were referred to as “canteen enthusiasts” or “canteen medium-enthusiasts”, who are “snack lovers”, as well as “food choice-oriented” or “quality-oriented”. The results provide the basis for practical implications for owners or managers of staff canteens, part of whose work it is to analyze the needs and expectations of their potential customers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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12 pages, 1735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corporate Characteristics and Adoption of Good Manufacturing Practice for Dietary Supplements in Japan

by Keigo Sato, Kota Kodama and Shintaro Sengoku

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(13), 4748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134748 - 01 Jul 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4378

Abstract

Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is advocated and implemented as a standardized procedure for manufacturing dietary supplements. However, in Japan as a case, only half of the manufacturers in this field so far adopt it. To address this issue, the present study aims to explore the effect of key characteristics of a company on the adoption of and compliance with GMP for dietary supplements. The focus is on the effect of expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. The relationships between company characteristics and the adoption of GMP were analyzed for 90 manufacturers in the dietary supplement industry in Japan. A binomial logistic regression analysis showed that each of the following three factors had a positive and significant effect on the company’s adoption of GMP: company size in terms of revenue (odds ratio = 1.04, p = 0.019), possession of a manufacturing license for pharmaceutical products (13.7, p = 0.003), and number of own product categories manufactured (3.93, p = 0.00009). These findings strongly suggest that the company’s manufacturing capability of pharmaceutical products works as a key driver for the better adoption of a quality standard in the dietary supplement industry in Japan. Few considerations were made for conditions of the adoption and implementation of GMP. The present study empirically contributes by providing key clues for issues in the dietary supplement industry and by forming a theoretical base for policymakers and the regulatory authorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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10 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy among University Students: The Roles of Sports Type and Gender

by Youngho Kim and Garry Kuan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124251 - 14 Jun 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3898

Abstract

The present study examines the relationship between drinking behaviour and drinking refusal self-efficacy among university students, with a focus on the influential roles of sports type and gender. A total of 354 students from Seoul National University of Science and Technology volunteered and participated in this study. The Korean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-K), the Korean Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy (DRSE) Questionnaire-Revised, and a questionnaire measuring participation in sports activities were administered to measure students’ alcohol drinking behaviours, refusal self-efficacy and sport-related activities, respectively. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVAs, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The subdomains of DRSE had significant influences on binge drinking. Specifically, low DRSE in situations involving social pressure played a key role in predicting increased binge drinking. There was also a significant relationship between sports type and drinking behaviour, but only for male students. Those who participated in individual sports binge drank less than those who participated in team sports. Finally, gender differences were also revealed in drinking behaviour. Male students were more likely to binge drink compared to their female counterparts. This study offers a foundation for practical interventions to help control problematic drinking behaviour among university students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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10 pages, 828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Mother’s Stress during Hospitalization Can Influence the Breastfeeding Rate. Experience in Intensive and Non Intensive Departments

by S. Foligno, A. Finocchi, G. Brindisi, A. Pace, P. Amadio, I. Dall’Oglio, A. Portanova, P. Rossi, A. Dotta and G. Salvatori

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041298 - 18 Feb 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2974

Abstract

A mother’s milk offers several benefits to infant’s health, but, some factors may lead to a reduction in the duration of breastfeeding, such as maternal stress. The objective of our study is to determine if the rate of breastfeeding can be influenced by stress induced by infants’ hospitalization. A preliminary observational non-randomized study was carried out in Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital between October 2016 and January 2017, in order to elucidate a possible relationship between breastfeeding and maternal stress, linked to hospitalization. We modeled the modified version of the PSS NICU (Parental Stressor Scale—neonatal intensive care unit) questionnaire, which investigated parental stress during hospitalization. This included 33 items with a score from 0 to 5. The overall score, high stress, was established at 85 points or higher. The principal statistically significant correlation was between ‘high PSS score’ and reduced breastfeeding during hospitalization (p-value: 0.048; OR: 2.865, 95%; CI: 1.008–8.146). This relation was not influenced by other descriptive characteristics of the mother. The PSS questionnaire can be an instrument to evaluate the influence of stress in breastfeeding and to monitor the rate and success of lactation. Our study highlights that the stress from hospitalization could influence the success of breastfeeding, mostly in intensive settings and during long hospitalizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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9 pages, 1001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnesium Alginate in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux: A Randomized Multicenter Cross-Over Study in Infants

by Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre, Antonio Di Mauro, Maria Cristina Pignatelli, Margherita Fanelli, Silvia Salvatore, Giovanni Di Nardo, Andrea Chiaro, Licia Pensabene and Nicola Laforgia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010083 - 20 Dec 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4298

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium alginate in decreasing functional regurgitation symptoms in infants, and to assess the cost–benefit ratio of magnesium alginate compared to a thickened formula. A multicenter perspective cross-over study was conducted in formula-fed infants with persisting regurgitation, randomly assigned to receive two weeks of a magnesium-alginate-based formulation followed by two weeks of thickened formula, or vice-versa. Infants, exclusively breast-fed, were followed up for two weeks while receiving magnesium alginate. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were evaluated through the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R). Direct cost of treatments was also calculated. Seventy-two infants completed the study. We found a significant reduction of I-GERQ-R scores over time (F = 55.387; p < 0.001) in all groups with no difference between the sequences of administration (F = 0.268; p = 0.848) in formula-fed infants and between exclusively breast-fed and formula-fed infants receiving magnesium alginate (t = 1.55; p = 0.126). The mean cost savings per infant was € 4.60 (±11.2) in formula-fed infants treated with magnesium alginate compared to thickened formula (t = 2.91, p < 0.0005). Conclusions were that the magnesium-alginate formulation reduces GER symptoms both in formula-fed and breast-fed infants. In formula-fed infants, clinical efficacy is similar to thickened formulas with a slightly lower cost of treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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Review

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19 pages, 663 KiB

Open AccessReview

Complementary Feeding: Pitfalls for Health Outcomes

by Enza D’Auria, Barbara Borsani, Erica Pendezza, Alessandra Bosetti, Laura Paradiso, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti and Elvira Verduci

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7931; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217931 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 11390

Abstract

The term complementary feeding is defined as the period in which a progressive reduction of breastfeeding or infant-formula feeding takes place, while the infant is gradually introduced to solid foods. It is a crucial time in the infant’s life, not only because of the rapid changes in nutritional requirements and the consequent impact on infant growth and development, but also for a generation of lifelong flavor preferences and dietary habits that will influence mid and long-term health. There is an increasing body of evidence addressing the pivotal role of nutrition, especially during the early stages of life, and its link to the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and allergic diseases. It is clear that the way in which a child is introduced to complementary foods may have effects on the individual’s entire life. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of complementary feeding timing, composition, and mode on mid and long-term health outcomes, in the light of the current evidence. Furthermore, we suggest practical tips for a healthy approach to complementary feeding, aiming at a healthy future, and highlight gaps to be filled. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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17 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vegetarian and Vegan Weaning of the Infant: How Common and How Evidence-Based? A Population-Based Survey and Narrative Review

by Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre, Raffaella Panza, Ilaria Farella, Domenico Posa, Manuela Capozza, Antonio Di Mauro and Nicola Laforgia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(13), 4835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134835 - 05 Jul 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 10824

Abstract

Background: Vegetarian and vegan weaning have increasing popularity among parents and families. However, if not correctly managed, they may lead to wrong feeding regimens, causing severe nutritional deficiencies requiring specific nutritional support or even the need for hospitalization. Aim: To assess the prevalence of vegetarian and vegan weaning among Italian families and to provide an up-to-date narrative review of supporting evidence. Materials and methods: We investigated 360 Italian families using a 40-item questionnaire. The narrative review was conducted searching scientific databases for articles reporting on vegetarian and vegan weaning. Results: 8.6% of mothers follow an alternative feeding regimen and 9.2% of infants were weaned according to a vegetarian or vegan diet. The breastfeeding duration was longer in vegetarian/vegan infants (15.8 vs. 9.7 months; p < 0.0001). Almost half of parents (45.2%) claim that their pediatrician was unable to provide sufficient information and adequate indications regarding unconventional weaning and 77.4% of parents reported the pediatrician’s resistance towards alternative weaning methods. Nine studies were suitable for the review process. The vast majority of authors agree on the fact that vegetarian and vegan weaning may cause severe nutritional deficiencies, whose detrimental effects are particularly significant in the early stages of life. Discussion and conclusion: Our results show that alternative weaning methods are followed by a significant number of families; in half of the cases, the family pediatrician was not perceived as an appropriate guide in this delicate process. To date, consistent findings to support both the safety and feasibility of alternative weaning methods are still lacking. Since the risk of nutritional deficiencies in the early stages of life is high, pediatricians have a pivotal role in guiding parents and advising them on the most appropriate and complete diet regimen during childhood. Efforts should be made to enhance nutritional understanding among pediatricians as an unsupervised vegetarian or vegan diet can cause severe nutritional deficiencies with possible detrimental long-term effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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22 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cardioprotective Effects of Honey and Its Constituent: An Evidence-Based Review of Laboratory Studies and Clinical Trials

by Ruszymah Bt Hj Idrus, Nur Qisya Afifah Veronica Sainik, Abid Nordin, Aminuddin Bin Saim and Nadiah Sulaiman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103613 - 21 May 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4911

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is a major public health burden worldwide. Myocardial infarction is the most common form of cardiovascular disease resulting from low blood supply to the heart. It can lead to further complications such as cardiac arrhythmia, toxic metabolite accumulation, and permanently infarcted areas. Honey is one of the most prized medicinal remedies used since ancient times. There is evidence that indicates honey can function as a cardioprotective agent in cardiovascular diseases. The present review compiles and discusses the available evidence on the effect of honey on cardiovascular diseases. Three electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE via EBSCOhost, were searched between January 1959 and March 2020 to identify reports on the cardioprotective effect of honey. Based on the pre-set eligibility criteria, 25 qualified articles were selected and discussed in this review. Honey investigated in the studies included varieties according to their geological origin. Honey protects the heart via lipid metabolism improvement, antioxidative activity, blood pressure modulation, heartbeat restoration, myocardial infarct area reduction, antiaging properties, and cell apoptosis attenuation. This review establishes honey as a potential candidate to be explored further as a natural and dietary alternative to the management of cardiovascular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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Other

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5 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

The Difficult Alliance between Vegan Parents and Pediatrician: A Case Report

by Ilaria Farella, Raffaella Panza and Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176380 - 02 Sep 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4348

Abstract

The number of children on a vegetarian or vegan diet is gradually increasing. If not balanced and adequately supplemented, these dietary regimes can seriously impact the growth of children. Often the pediatrician is not perceived as a figure to rely on in the event of parents’ willingness to follow an alternative diet for their child. The feeling of distrust of parents towards the pediatrician can be dangerous for the health of the child. We present a 22-month-old boy with failure to thrive probably induced by an unbalanced vegetarian diet. The acquisition of the anamnestic data concerning the child’s diet was difficult because initially omitted by the parents. The poor compliance and the difficult follow-up highlights the difficulty in establishing a therapeutic alliance between parents who follow alternative regimens and the pediatrician. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eat Healthy to Live Healthy: Nutrition and Disease Prevention from Fetus to Adulthood)

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