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11 pages, 889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring the Quality of Life and the Relationship between Quality of Life, Dietary Intervention, and Dietary Adherence in Patients with Coeliac Disease

by Eszter Dakó, Sarolta Dakó, Veronika Papp, Márk Juhász, Johanna Takács, Éva Csajbókné Csobod and Erzsébet Pálfi

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172964 - 3 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Inadequate adherence to a gluten-free diet in coeliac disease triggers autoimmune reactions and can reduce the quality of life. The strict diet requires constant vigilance, which can cause psychological distress. Our research aimed to assess the quality of life in adult patients with [...] Read more.

Inadequate adherence to a gluten-free diet in coeliac disease triggers autoimmune reactions and can reduce the quality of life. The strict diet requires constant vigilance, which can cause psychological distress. Our research aimed to assess the quality of life in adult patients with coeliac disease and to find a correlation between quality of life, dietary intervention, and adherence. The study included 51 adult patients with coeliac disease who completed a quality-of-life questionnaire. Adherence was assessed using serological tests and a dietary adherence test. The patients were divided into two groups: those on a gluten-free diet for at least three months (Group I) and newly diagnosed patients (Group II). Group I showed a significant decrease in the dysphoria subscale of the quality-of-life test between the first and last surveys. Poor quality of life was associated with worse adherence in Group II. A higher “Health concerns” quality of life subscale score was also associated with worse adherence in Group II. Our results suggest that dietetic care may be beneficial for patients with coeliac disease by reducing dysphoria. We recommend regular and long-term dietary monitoring from diagnosis to ensure adherence to a gluten-free diet and to maintain quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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14 pages, 1372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Yuxiang Yang, Yuge Li, Hongtao Yuan, Zengxu Tang, Mulei Chen, Shuya Cai, Wei Piao, Jing Nan, Fusheng Li, Dongmei Yu and Xiang Gao

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2685; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162685 - 13 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Hypertension is currently highly prevalent worldwide and serves as one of the significant risk factors for chronic diseases and mortality. Adult hypertension can be traced back to, as well as prevented starting in, childhood and adolescence. However, due to the lack of surveillance [...] Read more.

Hypertension is currently highly prevalent worldwide and serves as one of the significant risk factors for chronic diseases and mortality. Adult hypertension can be traced back to, as well as prevented starting in, childhood and adolescence. However, due to the lack of surveillance among children and adolescents, the prevalence and influencing factors of hypertension-related conditions have not been well described. Hence, a total of 67,947 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2015–2017) were enrolled to describe the weighted average blood pressure level and the weighted prevalence of hypertension, pre-hypertension, and their distribution and to analyze the risk factors for hypertension and pre-hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents at a nationwide level. In summary, the weighted mean values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 111.8 (95% CI, 111.2–112.5) mmHg and 66.5 (95% CI, 66.0–67.0) mmHg, respectively. The weighted prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was 24.9% and 17.1%, respectively. Moreover, general obesity, overweight, and central obesity served as risk factors for hypertension and pre-hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents. The current study indicated that the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension in Chinese children and adolescents was at a high level. Moreover, blood pressure screening should be further intensified for children and adolescents at a high risk of being overweight or obese. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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10 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Predictors of Soft Drink Consumption among Adolescents in the Gulf Countries: Findings from National Surveys

by Abdulmohsen H. Al-Zalabani

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162637 - 10 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of soft drink consumption among adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using nationally representative data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional data were [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of soft drink consumption among adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using nationally representative data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire in a school survey and included 22,116 adolescents aged 12–18 years from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Data were collected and analyzed using complex survey methods. The GSHS was not available for Saudi Arabia. Soft drink consumption was the main outcome variable. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviors, parental factors, and health-related behaviors. Results: The prevalence of soft drink consumption three or more times per day ranged from 10.6% to 26.8% across the countries, with the highest being in Qatar. Adjusted analyses showed that girls had lower odds of SD consumption compared to boys (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.57–0.77). Food insecurity, a proxy for low socioeconomic status, was associated with twice the odds of frequent consumption (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.75–2.43). Parental smoking and low physical activity levels were also associated with higher soft drink intake (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.13–1.88 and OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.28, respectively), while obesity showed a weak positive association. Conclusions: Daily soft drink consumption was highly prevalent among adolescents in the GCC countries. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related factors were significantly associated with frequent intake. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions to reduce soft drink consumption in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

16 pages, 727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Changes in Dietary Supplement Use among United States Military Personnel: The US Military Dietary Supplement Use Study

by Joseph J. Knapik, Daniel W. Trone, Ryan A. Steelman, Emily K. Farina and Harris R. Lieberman

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2547; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152547 - 3 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Previous studies investigating temporal changes in dietary supplement (DS) use have used representative samples but have not followed the same cohort over time. This study investigated longitudinal patterns of changes in DS use and factors associated with discontinuing DS use in a single [...] Read more.

Previous studies investigating temporal changes in dietary supplement (DS) use have used representative samples but have not followed the same cohort over time. This study investigated longitudinal patterns of changes in DS use and factors associated with discontinuing DS use in a single group of active-duty United States military service members (SMs). SMs (n = 5778) completed two identical questionnaires on their DS use and demographic/lifestyle characteristics an average ± standard deviation 1.3 ± 0.2 years apart. Prevalences of reported DS use ≥1 times/week in the baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) phases were: any DS, BL = 77%, FU = 78%; multivitamins/multiminerals (MVM), BL = 50%, FU = 48%; individual vitamins/minerals, BL = 33%, FU 35%; proteins/amino acids, BL = 43%, FU = 39%; combination products, BL = 44%, FU = 37%; prohormones, BL = 5%, FU = 4%; herbal products, BL = 23%, FU = 21%; joint health products, BL = 12%, FU = 12%; fish oils, BL = 25%, FU = 23%; other DSs, BL = 17%, FU = 17%. Among BL users, the proportions reporting use in the FU phase were: any DS 88%, MVM 74%, protein/amino acids 70%, individual vitamin/minerals 62%, combination products 62%, fish oils 61%, joint health products 57%, herbal products 50%, other DSs 50%, and prohormones 37%. Higher odds of discontinuing any DS use in the follow-up were associated with female gender, younger age, higher BMI, and less weekly resistance training. Overall, prevalence of DS use was relatively consistent in the two phases; however, the cohort changed their use patterns in the follow-up with some discontinuing use and others initiating use, thus maintaining use prevalence over the period. These findings have implications for repeated cross-sectional DS studies where different samples are followed over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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19 pages, 1217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Psychosocial Aspects of Vegetarian Diets: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Motivations, Risks, and Limitations in Daily Life

by Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa, Wiktoria Stoń, Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka, Mateusz Grajek, Karolina Krupa-Kotara and Oskar Kowalski

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152504 - 1 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is linked to various motivations, such as health, ethics, ecology, and social and religious influence. India has the highest proportion of vegetarians and vegans. The practise of these diets is linked to moral and health [...] Read more.

Introduction: The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is linked to various motivations, such as health, ethics, ecology, and social and religious influence. India has the highest proportion of vegetarians and vegans. The practise of these diets is linked to moral and health reasons and environmental concerns. Vegetarianism may also be associated with eating disorders such as orthorexia (ON). Aim: The main aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial aspects of vegetarian diets. Understanding these aspects is crucial for identifying potential risks and developing effective interventions. This study investigated the reasons for following vegetarian diets, the duration of dietary adherence, the occurrence of feelings of restriction in selected situations, and the risk of orthorexia and other eating disorders. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 186 individuals (82 vegetarians and 104 traditional dieters) between October 2023 and April 2024. The survey was administered via a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) using Google Forms, distributed through social media, forums, and private messages. The inclusion criteria for the study group included consent, an age over 18, and a vegetarian diet, excluding those with eating disorders or diseases requiring strict diet therapy. The control group criteria were similar, excluding vegetarians and those requiring special diets. Four unreliable questionnaires were excluded from the analysis. The survey consisted of four sections: metric data, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, the EAT-26 questionnaire, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire. Results: The main motivations for following vegetarian diets were ethical and environmental (86.9%) and health (32.1%) reasons. Over half of the vegetarians had been following a plant-based diet for over five years. Vegetarians were more likely to feel restricted in restaurants and when grocery shopping. The ORTO-15 results indicate a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians (48.8% vs. 29.4% in the control group; p = 0.00673). The EAT-26 questionnaire showed a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians (23.8% vs. 14.7%; p = 0.11391). The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences between groups (Subscale 1: food restriction, p = 0.77279; Subscale 2: lack of control in overeating, p = 0.91935; Subscale 3: eating under the influence of emotions, p = 0.16612). Conclusions: This study concluded that ethical and environmental considerations and a belief in health benefits mainly drive vegetarians. An analysis of BMI revealed no significant differences between groups. The ORTO-15 results suggest a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians. The EAT-26 indicated a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians and vegans. The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences in restrictive eating, lack of control in overeating, and emotional eating. Vegetarians were likelier to encounter dietary difficulties in restaurants and shopping but less likely to feel socially excluded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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14 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Long-Term Dietary Coenzyme Q10 Intake and New-Onset Hypertension in Adults: Insights from a Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study

by Dan Zhao, Zezhong Tian, Huiying Kuang, Yixuan Xu, Yiqi Zheng, Zepei Zhong, Lihan Liang and Yan Yang

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152478 - 31 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation appears to be associated with a lower blood pressure. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether food-sourced CoQ10 will affect new-onset hypertension in general adults. This study investigated the relationship between dietary CoQ10 intake and new-onset hypertension among the general population. [...] Read more.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation appears to be associated with a lower blood pressure. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether food-sourced CoQ10 will affect new-onset hypertension in general adults. This study investigated the relationship between dietary CoQ10 intake and new-onset hypertension among the general population. Participants without hypertension at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) prospective cohort study were included (n = 11,428). Dietary CoQ10 intake was collected by validated dietary recalls and the food weighing method. Linear and non-linear relationships between dietary CoQ10 intake and new-onset hypertension were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines. During follow-up (median: 6 years), 4006 new-onset hypertension cases were documented. Compared with non-consumers, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from quintile 2 to 4 total dietary CoQ10 were 0.83 (0.76, 0.91), 0.86 (0.78, 0.94) and 1.01 (0.92, 1.11); total plant-derived CoQ10 were 0.80 (0.73, 0.88), 1.00 (0.91, 1.09) and 1.10 (1.00, 1.20); and animal-derived CoQ10 were 0.65 (0.59, 0.71), 0.58 (0.53, 0.64) and 0.68 (0.62, 0.75). The lowest risk was found at moderate intake, with a non-linear relationship (P nonlinearity < 0.05). Furthermore, the overall inverse association was stronger among individuals without alcohol consumption or eating a low-fat diet. Moderate long-term dietary CoQ10 intake might be protective against new-onset hypertension. However, it follows a non-linear relationship and excessive intake may increase the risk of new-onset hypertension in the Chinese population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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13 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deficiency of Energy and Nutrient and Gender Differences among Chinese Adults: China Nutrition and Health Survey (2015–2017)

by Xiaoqi Wei, Liyun Zhao, Hongyun Fang, Mulei Chen, Wei Piao, Lahong Ju, Shuya Cai, Yuxiang Yang, Yuge Li, Fusheng Li, Jiaxi Li, Jing Nan and Dongmei Yu

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2371; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142371 - 22 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Half of Chinese adults face the double burden of overweight/obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, and nearly 40% of them are severely overweight/obese or have micronutrient deficiencies. This study used the data from China Nutrition and Health Survey (CNHS) from 2015 to 2017 to estimate [...] Read more.

Half of Chinese adults face the double burden of overweight/obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, and nearly 40% of them are severely overweight/obese or have micronutrient deficiencies. This study used the data from China Nutrition and Health Survey (CNHS) from 2015 to 2017 to estimate the prevalence of inadequate dietary micronutrient intake (including vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin C, cCalcium, iron and sodium) in Chinese adults and further determine the differences in micronutrient intake by gender, age and BMI. A total of 61,768 subjects were included in this study, of which 33,262 (54%) were female. The intake of energy and all macronutrients decreased with age, and the intake was higher in men than in women. Inadequate energy intake occurs in adults of all ages. In terms of nutrient intake, women had a higher rate of insufficient carbohydrate intake than men in all age groups. Inadequate protein intake was more common in women aged 18–49 years (60.9%) than in men. Compared with women, men had a higher rate of vitamin B2 intake. Insufficient vitamin B3 intake was more common in women aged 18–49 years (35.6%), men aged 65–79 years (39.7%) and men aged 80 years and above (47.9%). In all age groups, insufficient vitamin C intake is higher in women than in men—up to 85.8 percent in women aged 80 years old and above. Compared with men in the same age group, insufficient intake of calcium and iron is more obvious in women. Women have significantly higher rates of inadequate intake of calcium, iron and sodium than men. In the analysis of correlations between BMI or demographic data and micronutrient intakes, the likelihood of micronutrient intakes being insufficient was higher in the central and western regions in all age groups compared to the eastern regions. The risk of insufficient micronutrient intake was higher in obese men and women aged 18–49 years and 50–64 years. Underweight and overweight women in the 65–79 age group were more likely to have inadequate micronutrient intake. Obese women over 80 years of age were less likely to have inadequate micronutrient intake. No significant difference was found between urban and rural areas for each age group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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17 pages, 2828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combined Effects of the Most Important Dietary Patterns on the Incidence and Prevalence of Chronic Renal Failure: Results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian Analyses

by Yanqiu Huang, Shiyu Xu, Tingya Wan, Xiaoyu Wang, Shuo Jiang, Wentao Shi, Shuai Ma and Hui Wang

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2248; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142248 - 12 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Background: We aimed to comprehensively assess the relationship of specific dietary patterns and various nutrients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its progression. Methods: The observational study data were from the NHANES 2005–2020. We calculated four dietary pattern scores (healthy eating index 2020 [...] Read more.

Background: We aimed to comprehensively assess the relationship of specific dietary patterns and various nutrients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its progression. Methods: The observational study data were from the NHANES 2005–2020. We calculated four dietary pattern scores (healthy eating index 2020 (HEI-2020), dietary inflammatory index (DII), alternative mediterranean diet (aMed), and dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)) and the intakes of various nutrients and defined CKD, CKD—very high risk, and kidney dialysis. Associations between dietary patterns and nutrients and disease were assessed by means of two logistic regression models. Two-sample MR was performed with various food and nutrients as the exposure and CKD, kidney dialysis as the outcome. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the reliability of the results. Results: A total of 25,167 participants were included in the analyses, of whom 4161 had CKD. HEI-2020, aMed, and DASH were significantly negatively associated with CKD and CKD—very high risk at higher quartiles, while DII was significantly positively associated. A higher intake of vitamins and minerals may reduce the incidence and progression of CKD to varying degrees. The MR results, corrected for false discovery rates, showed that a higher sodium intake was associated with a higher prevalence of CKD (OR: 3.91, 95%CI: 2.55, 5.99). Conclusions: Adhering to the three dietary patterns of HEI-2020, aMed, and DASH and supplementing with vitamins and minerals benefits kidney health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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15 pages, 2637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Resource Management and Healthy Eating Focus Associates with Diet Quality and Health Behaviors in Low-Income Adults

by Manije Darooghegi Mofrad, Briana M. Nosal, Daniela C. Avelino, Kate Killion, Michael Puglisi, Valerie B. Duffy and Ock K. Chun

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132043 - 27 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Nutrition education and food resource management (FRM) can assist food-insecure individuals in acquiring healthy and affordable food. We aimed to assess the relationships between FRM skills and healthy eating focus with diet quality and health-related behaviors in low-income adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. [...] Read more.

Nutrition education and food resource management (FRM) can assist food-insecure individuals in acquiring healthy and affordable food. We aimed to assess the relationships between FRM skills and healthy eating focus with diet quality and health-related behaviors in low-income adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey of 276 low-income adults living in a low-food-access community in Northeast Connecticut. Through analysis of covariance, adults who usually or always had a meal plan, considered reading nutrition labels important, made a grocery list, were concerned about their food healthiness, and rated their diet quality as very good/excellent reported higher diet quality (frequency-based and liking-based scores) (p < 0.05 for all). Individuals who considered reading food labels very important and reported having a good diet reported less frequent pandemic-related unhealthy behaviors (consumption of candy and snack chips, soda or sugary drinks, weight gain, smoking) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, higher-frequency-based diet quality was associated with lower risk of overweight or obesity (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.76; p-trend < 0.01). Thus, FRM skills and healthy eating focus were associated with higher diet quality and healthier self-reported changes in diet, weight, and smoking behaviors during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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12 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Patterns among Smokers and Non-Smokers: Findings from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018

by Wenxue Lin, Hani A. Alfheeaid, Ibrahim Alasqah, Nada Alqarawi, Saad Abdullah Alotaibi, Fatmah Fahad Alribdi, Sulaiman Almutairi, Maria João Lima, Edite Teixeira-Lemos and António Raposo

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132035 - 27 Jun 2024

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Diet behavior and nutrition are critical for maintaining health and improving quality of life. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Poor dietary choices, such as excessively frequenting restaurants, consuming ready-to-eat foods from grocery stores, and ingesting [...] Read more.

Diet behavior and nutrition are critical for maintaining health and improving quality of life. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Poor dietary choices, such as excessively frequenting restaurants, consuming ready-to-eat foods from grocery stores, and ingesting ultra-processed foods (like frozen meals and pizzas), can adversely impact health. Despite this, research comparing dietary behaviors between smokers and non-smokers is limited. Using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2017–2018, we analyzed diet behavior based on smoking status. Our findings reveal that smokers had a significant increase (90%) in the frequency of consuming frozen meals/pizzas in the past 30 days compared to non-smokers (coefficient: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.6; p-value < 0.001). Additionally, over 70% of participants, regardless of their smoking status, were unaware of MyPlate, a nutritional guide created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage Americans to make healthier food choices. There is an urgent need to increase public awareness of MyPlate and promote a better understanding of healthy dietary behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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17 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Patterns of Pregnant Women and Their Association with Diet Quality Measures: A Comparative Analysis

by Andreea-Maria Mitran, Alina Delia Popa, Andreea Gherasim, Otilia Nita, Laura Mihalache, Lidia Iuliana Arhire, Dumitru Gafitanu, Monica Hancianu and Oana Cioanca

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111736 - 1 Jun 2024

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Healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring maternal and foetal health outcomes. Numerous methodologies exist for assessing the diet of pregnant women, including dietary patterns and various appraisal tools of diet quality. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns and [...] Read more.

Healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring maternal and foetal health outcomes. Numerous methodologies exist for assessing the diet of pregnant women, including dietary patterns and various appraisal tools of diet quality. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns and diet quality of pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, diet quality estimators, and the adequacy of nutrient intake. EPIC FFQ was applied to a sample of 251 pregnant women, and questionnaires were interpreted with the FETA program. Dietary patterns were then determined by means of principal component analysis. Our results showed a substantial association between dietary patterns and total diet quality, as measured by the Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-Pc), PURE Healthy Diet Score, and FIGO Diet Quality Score. We also found correlations between certain dietary patterns and particular nutrient intakes recommended by the European Food Safety Authority during pregnancy. The most deficient intake was registered for iron (86.1%), zinc (87.3%) and magnesium (79.3%), posing a threat to normal bone development, anaemia prophylaxis, and immune status. These results highlight the importance of assessing and understanding eating habits during pregnancy in order to achieve optimal outcomes for both the mother and the foetus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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20 pages, 783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development and Evaluation of a Literature-Based Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota

by Bezawit E. Kase, Angela D. Liese, Jiajia Zhang, Elizabeth Angela Murphy, Longgang Zhao and Susan E. Steck

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071045 - 3 Apr 2024

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The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a novel dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) that captures dietary composition related to gut microbiota profiles. We conducted a literature review of longitudinal studies on the association of diet with gut microbiota [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a novel dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) that captures dietary composition related to gut microbiota profiles. We conducted a literature review of longitudinal studies on the association of diet with gut microbiota in adult populations and extracted those dietary components with evidence of beneficial or unfavorable effects. Dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2010, n = 3812) were used to compute the DI-GM, and associations with biomarkers of gut microbiota diversity (urinary enterodiol and enterolactone) were examined using linear regression. From a review of 106 articles, 14 foods or nutrients were identified as components of the DI-GM, including fermented dairy, chickpeas, soybean, whole grains, fiber, cranberries, avocados, broccoli, coffee, and green tea as beneficial components, and red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and high-fat diet (≥40% of energy from fat) as unfavorable components. Each component was scored 0 or 1 based on sex-specific median intakes, and scores were summed to develop the overall DI-GM score. In the NHANES, DI-GM scores ranged from 0–13 with a mean of 4.8 (SE = 0.04). Positive associations between DI-GM and urinary enterodiol and enterolactone were observed. The association of the novel DI-GM with markers of gut microbiota diversity demonstrates the potential utility of this index for gut health-related studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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8 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

A Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program for Prenatal Patients in Flint, Michigan: Baseline Food Security and Dietary Intake

by Amy Saxe-Custack, Jenny LaChance and Jean M. Kerver

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081234 - 21 Apr 2024

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Although adequate nutritional status during pregnancy is necessary to support optimal fetal development, many low-income women have poor access to fresh, high-nutrient foods. To address these challenges, a pediatric fruit and vegetable (FV) prescription program was expanded to include pregnant women, providing one [...] Read more.

Although adequate nutritional status during pregnancy is necessary to support optimal fetal development, many low-income women have poor access to fresh, high-nutrient foods. To address these challenges, a pediatric fruit and vegetable (FV) prescription program was expanded to include pregnant women, providing one prescription for fresh FVs worth 15 US dollars during each prenatal office visit for redemption at farmers’/mobile markets. This analysis describes baseline sociodemographic characteristics, food security, and dietary intake among 253 pregnant women in Flint, Michigan in 2022–23. Dietary recall data were collected and analyzed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h Tool developed by the US National Cancer Institute, with nutrition output reported in relation to adherence to US Dietary Guidelines. Most participants (mean ± SD age 26.51 ± 4.90 years) identified as African American (53%) and were receiving publicly funded health insurance (66%). Most (75%) reported no food insecurity, yet the majority failed to meet dietary recommendations for whole grains (99.3%), vegetables (93.1%), dairy (93.1%), and fruits (69.4%). Moreover, most did not meet micronutrient recommendations through food sources, including vitamin D (100%), iron (98.6%), folic acid (98.6%), vitamin A (82.6%), calcium (68.8%), and vitamin C (62.5%). Results raise deep concerns regarding diet and nutrition among pregnant women in this US city. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Dietary Intake, Dietary Behaviours and Health)

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