Nutrients

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23 pages, 3180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Risks of Heavy Metals in the Human Diet—Multi-Elemental Analysis of Energy Drinks

by Katarzyna Czarnek, Małgorzata Tatarczak-Michalewska, Grzegorz Wójcik, Agnieszka Szopa, Dariusz Majerek, Karolina Fila, Muhammed Hamitoglu, Marek Gogacz and Eliza Blicharska

Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4306; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244306 - 13 Dec 2024

Viewed by 403

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks (EDs) by adolescents and young adults has increased significantly, so concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive ED consumption. Most analyses on EDs focus on the caffeine content. Research [...] Read more.

Background: In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks (EDs) by adolescents and young adults has increased significantly, so concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive ED consumption. Most analyses on EDs focus on the caffeine content. Research on the content of minerals (essential and toxic) in energy drinks can be considered scarce. Therefore, there is a need for research stating the actual status of heavy metal content in commercially available energy drinks. Methods: This research presents the determination of the total concentrations of macro-elements and trace elements (TEs), such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, B, Zn, V, Sr, Ba, Pb, Cd, and As in nine samples of energy drinks using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. Results: The order in the content of macro-minerals in the EDs was as follows: Na > K > Mg > Ca. The results showed that ED 1, ED 3, and ED 7 samples had the highest micro-mineral concentrations. All the samples had a hazard quotient and hazard index < 1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to single or multiple heavy metals in both the adolescent and adult age groups. Some samples exceeded the threshold limit of acceptable cancer risk for As, Ni, and Cr in both adolescents and adults. Conclusions: This assessment showed that in addition to health implications based on the caffeine content of EDs, there might be a carcinogenic risk associated with the toxic element content of these beverages. This research also highlights notable differences in the TE levels among various ED brands, which may have important implications for consumer well-being and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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17 pages, 959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Security in the Rural Mapuche Elderly: Analysis and Proposals

by Angélica Hernández-Moreno, Olga Vásquez-Palma, Leonardo Castillo-Cárdenas, Juan Erices-Reyes, Alexsa Guzmán-Jiménez, Carlos Domínguez-Scheid, María Girona-Gamarra, Marco Cáceres-Senn and Jorge Hochstetter-Diez

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4042; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234042 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 392

Abstract

Background: The increase in population longevity often occurs in contexts of inequity and relative poverty, accompanied by economic deterioration. This becomes a social determinant that has a direct impact on food security. This phenomenon particularly affects certain groups and territories, although there is [...] Read more.

Background: The increase in population longevity often occurs in contexts of inequity and relative poverty, accompanied by economic deterioration. This becomes a social determinant that has a direct impact on food security. This phenomenon particularly affects certain groups and territories, although there is still a lack of disaggregated references. Intersections between factors such as being a rural inhabitant, Indigenous, woman, or elderly person are observed in relation to food security, which forces us to pay greater attention to gaps that have remained invisible for years. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the main factors that affect the food security of Mapuche men and women over 60 years of age living in the rural area of Temuco, Chile. Method: Qualitative, descriptive, and interpretative research was carried out, observing the process from the interpretative symbolic paradigm and the complexity approach. Results: The data are made up of the discourses of these subjects, whose analysis allowed for the identification of results. These results show that producing their own food enables rural Mapuche elders to achieve food security. The cultural food heritage preserved by Mapuche elders, especially women, acts as a facilitating factor, as do community spaces that reinforce their culture. Among the obstacles to food security are migration to the city for work, pathological aging, and the limited production of culturally healthy foods (affected by environmental problems, cultural changes, the destabilization of group identity, and public policies that are incongruent with the territorial worldview). Conclusions: While rural Mapuche elders retain valuable practices for their food security, inadequate policies, migration and environmental degradation present significant challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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15 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mediterranean Food Pattern Adherence in a Female-Dominated Sample of Health and Social Sciences University Students: Analysis from a Perspective of Sustainability

by Leandro Oliveira, Ariana Saraiva, Maria João Lima, Edite Teixeira-Lemos, Jwaher Haji Alhaji, Conrado Carrascosa and António Raposo

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3886; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223886 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 659

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Food Pattern (MFP) in a self-selected sample of university students, addressing a perspective of food sustainability. In addition, it seeks to relate adherence to MFP with sociodemographic characteristics and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Food Pattern (MFP) in a self-selected sample of university students, addressing a perspective of food sustainability. In addition, it seeks to relate adherence to MFP with sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional status. Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot study whose data collection was carried out by an online questionnaire between January and April 2023. Results: Two hundred and forty-eight students participated—most of them were female (78.2%), had a median of 22 (20; 30) years, resided in the central region of Portugal (42.3%), and were pursuing a degree (73.4%) in a public higher education institution (66.5%). The prevalence of overweight (overweight and obesity) found was 33.1%. Females predominantly used olive oil as their main source of fat (95.9%, p = 0.009) and had a higher consumption of sugary drinks (81.4%, p = 0.004) compared to males, who reported usage rates of 85.2% and 63.0%, The median score of the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener was 7 points, presented with an interquartile range (Q1: 6, Q3: 8), indicating moderate adherence. The analysis showed no differences between the sexes (p = 0.087). There was also a negative correlation between adherence to the MFP and the body mass index (p = 0.007; r = −0.171). In addition, adherence to the MFP was associated with the area of study and the course attended, with students in health-related fields showing higher adherence. Conclusions: These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at promoting adherence to the MFP among university students, which could contribute to improved health outcomes and enhanced environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

11 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Education Needs and Preferences of Sports Volunteers: Access, Expectations, and Forms of Support

by Mateusz Rozmiarek

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3568; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203568 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 876

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the needs and preferences of sports volunteers regarding nutritional education, with particular emphasis on the availability of educational materials and expectations towards event organizers. The methodology was grounded in a qualitative approach, employing detailed individual [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to analyze the needs and preferences of sports volunteers regarding nutritional education, with particular emphasis on the availability of educational materials and expectations towards event organizers. The methodology was grounded in a qualitative approach, employing detailed individual interviews (IDIs) with seventeen volunteers (n = 17) who were actively involved in various sporting events, including races, triathlons, and athletic competitions at local, national, and international levels. This sample size was justified as it was sufficient to achieve data saturation, meaning no new significant themes emerged after these interviews. The results indicate that most participants feel a lack of access to reliable information about nutrition, with 70% (n = 12) indicating a need for educational materials, which limits their ability to make informed dietary decisions. Volunteers expect event organizers to provide educational materials and prefer a variety of practical forms of education, such as interactive workshops and accessible online resources. While the volunteers expressed a desire for improved nutritional education, further investigation is needed to establish a direct link between this education and potential enhancements in their performance and well-being. For this reason, greater attention should be paid to the nutritional education of volunteers, which is a key element of their preparation to work in high-stress and physically intense conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

18 pages, 1708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Defatted Flaxseed Flour as a New Ingredient for Foodstuffs: Comparative Analysis with Whole Flaxseeds and Updated Composition of Cold-Pressed Oil

by Diana Melo Ferreira, Susana Machado, Liliana Espírito Santo, Maria Antónia Nunes, Anabela S. G. Costa, Manuel Álvarez-Ortí, José E. Pardo, Rita C. Alves and Maria Beatriz P. P. Oliveira

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3482; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203482 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 960

Abstract

Background: Flaxseeds are functional foods popular in current diets. Cold-pressing is a solvent-free method to extract flaxseed oil, resulting in a by-product—defatted flour. Objectives/Methods: This study compared whole flaxseeds and defatted flour (proximate composition, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant [...] Read more.

Background: Flaxseeds are functional foods popular in current diets. Cold-pressing is a solvent-free method to extract flaxseed oil, resulting in a by-product—defatted flour. Objectives/Methods: This study compared whole flaxseeds and defatted flour (proximate composition, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, amino acids, and protein quality) and updated the composition of cold-pressed oil (oxidative stability, peroxide value, UV absorbance, colour, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity) to assess the nutritional relevance and potential for food applications of these samples. Results: The flour had higher ash (6% vs. 4%), fibre (36% vs. 34%), protein (28% vs. 16%), phenolics (205 vs. 143 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g), and antioxidant activity than seeds (p < 0.05), so it should be valued as a novel high-fibre food ingredient with high-quality plant-based protein, as it contains all essential amino acids (106 mg/g) and a high essential amino acids index (112%), with L-tryptophan as the limiting amino acid. The oil, while low in oxidative stability (1.3 h), due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acids sum (75%), mostly α-linolenic acid (57%), contains a significant amount of vitamin E (444 mg/kg), making it a specialty oil best consumed raw. Conclusions: The exploration of the flour as a minimally processed food ingredient highlights its role in supporting food security, circular economy, and sustainability goals, aligning with consumer preferences for natural, low-fat foods. Future research should investigate the bioactivity and shelf-life of the samples, as well as the bioavailability of compounds after digestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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10 pages, 911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation of the Food Literacy (FOODLIT) Tool for Turkish Adults: A Validity and Reliability Study

by Yasemin Ertaş Öztürk, Sevtap Kabalı, Yasemin Açar, Duygu Ağagündüz and Ferenc Budán

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193416 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1206

Abstract

Background: Food literacy is associated with sustainable food systems and encourages individuals to adopt healthy eating habits. However, there is no validated method that can be used to measure food literacy related to sustainable food systems of Turkish adults. This research aimed to [...] Read more.

Background: Food literacy is associated with sustainable food systems and encourages individuals to adopt healthy eating habits. However, there is no validated method that can be used to measure food literacy related to sustainable food systems of Turkish adults. This research aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the “Food Literacy (FOODLIT) Tool” for Turkish adults. Methods: The study involved 328 people aged 19 to 58 years. The FOODLIT-Tool is a five-point Likert-type scale consisting of 24 items and five factors (“culinary competencies”, “production and quality”, “selection and planning”, “environmentally safe” and “origin”). Results: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was applied to assess internal consistency reliability, showing an excellent scale coefficient of 0.927. The model was evaluated with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings of the CFA suggested that the fit indices were acceptable (χ²/df = 1.257, comparative fit index: 0.991, goodness-of-fit index: 0.977, normed fit index: 0.990 and root mean error of approximation: 0.028). Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between the FOODLIT-Tool score and the “Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale” (SHEB) score (r = 0.518, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that the Turkish version of the FOODLIT-Tool integrated with sustainable food systems is a valid and reliable measurement tool for assessing the food literacy of Turkish adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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10 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining the Health and Physical Condition of Sports Volunteers

by Mateusz Rozmiarek

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193336 - 1 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1215

Abstract

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their [...] Read more.

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their nutrition. While the importance of diet for athletes has been widely studied, the impact of nutrition on sports volunteers remains under-researched. Volunteers often have to cope with varying degrees of physical and mental exertion, which may affect their nutritional needs. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) with 17 sports volunteers who had experience in organizing various sporting events. Participants were purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which included active involvement in sports volunteering (with a minimum of two years of experience in volunteer activities) as well as volunteering experience at sports events of various scales. The interviews aimed to understand the eating habits, dietary awareness, and impact of nutrition on health and physical fitness. The data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, focusing on coding responses and identifying recurring themes. Most participants did not place much importance on their diet, making random food choices due to a busy lifestyle and lack of time. Only a few volunteers consciously adjusted their diet when they had knowledge of the physically demanding tasks they were expected to perform during their volunteer work. The majority of volunteers relied on less reliable sources of nutritional information, such as blogs or social media, rather than credible sources of knowledge. This study revealed that many individuals involved in sports volunteering are unaware of the impact of diet on their fitness and health. There is a need for nutritional education for this group to improve their awareness of the importance of a balanced diet in the context of increased physical activity. It is also advisable to provide better nutritional conditions during sporting events and to promote the use of professional sources of information about healthy eating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

16 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers and Enablers for Equitable Healthy Food Access in Baltimore Carryout Restaurants: A Qualitative Study in Healthy Food Priority Areas

by Shuxian Hua, Vicky Vong, Audrey E. Thomas, Yeeli Mui and Lisa Poirier

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 3028; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16173028 - 8 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1494

Abstract

Black neighborhoods in the U.S., historically subjected to redlining, face inequitable access to resources necessary for health, including healthy food options. This study aims to identify the enablers and barriers to promoting equitable healthy food access in small, independently owned carryout restaurants in [...] Read more.

Black neighborhoods in the U.S., historically subjected to redlining, face inequitable access to resources necessary for health, including healthy food options. This study aims to identify the enablers and barriers to promoting equitable healthy food access in small, independently owned carryout restaurants in under-resourced neighborhoods to address health disparities. Thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted with restaurant owners in purposively sampled neighborhoods within Healthy Food Priority Areas (HFPAs) from March to August 2023. The qualitative data were analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis with Taguette software (Version 1.4.1). Four key thematic domains emerged: interpersonal, sociocultural, business, and policy drivers. Owners expressed mixed perspectives on customers’ preferences for healthy food, with some perceiving a community desire for healthier options, while others did not. Owners’ care for the community and their multicultural backgrounds were identified as potential enablers for tailoring culturally diverse menus to meet the dietary needs and preferences of their clientele. Conversely, profit motives and cost-related considerations were identified as barriers to purchasing and promoting healthy food. Additionally, owners voiced concerns about taxation, policy and regulation, information access challenges, and investment disparities affecting small business operations in HFPAs. Small restaurant businesses in under-resourced neighborhoods face both opportunities and challenges in enhancing community health and well-being. Interventions and policies should be culturally sensitive, provide funding, and offer clearer guidance to help these businesses overcome barriers and access resources needed for an equitable, healthy food environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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12 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Neophobia in Children: A Case Study in Federal District/Brazil

by Priscila Claudino De Almeida, Eduardo Yoshio Nakano, Ivana Aragão Lira Vasconcelos, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, António Raposo, Ariana Saraiva, Hmidan A. Alturki and Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2962; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172962 - 3 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1050

Abstract

A reluctance to eat and/or avoidance of novel foods is characterized as food neophobia (FN). FN restricts the diet to familiar foods when, in fact, it should be much more varied. FN can be a barrier to healthy foods, affecting the quality of [...] Read more.

A reluctance to eat and/or avoidance of novel foods is characterized as food neophobia (FN). FN restricts the diet to familiar foods when, in fact, it should be much more varied. FN can be a barrier to healthy foods, affecting the quality of diet, and impairing children’s growth and development. Therefore, according to their caregivers’ perceptions, this study aimed to evaluate FN in children from Federal District/Brazil. The Brazilian Children’s Food Neophobia Questionnaire (BCFNeo), a specific instrument developed and validated in Brazil, was answered by caregivers of children aged 4 to 11 y/o. Sampling occurred through snowball recruitment, being convenient and non-probabilistic. The Health Sciences Ethics Committee approved the study. The analysis evaluated FN in total (BCFNeoTot) and in the following domains: general (FNgen), for fruits (FNfru), and for vegetables (FNveg). FN scores were compared between sex and child’s age and categorized according to three ordinal levels. FN levels were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. The Friedman test, followed by the Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni correction, was performed to analyze differences in FN according to the environment. Of the caregivers’ answers for their children, 595 answers were included, because 19 were out of age. The prevalence of high FN was 42.9%. The domain with the highest prevalence of high FN was vegetables (48.6%). Children aged 8 to 11 y/o had a higher mean FN in two domains (FNgen p = 0.047 and FNveg p = 0.038) when compared to children aged 4 to 7 y/o. Boys were more neophobic in all domains (FNgen p = 0.017; FNfru p = 0.010; FNveg p = 0.013; BCFNeoTot p = 0.008), and FN tends not to decrease with age. The results showed that the children of the FD are more neophobic than Brazilian children in general, highlighting the importance of additional studies in FN determinants in this population and nutritional education interventions to reduce FN among FD children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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23 pages, 3323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Household Dietary Diversity Score and Spatial Analysis to Inform Food Governance in Chile

by Martín del Valle M, Kirsteen Shields and Sofía Boza

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2937; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172937 - 2 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1056

Abstract

This study explores how the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and spatial visualization can inform food governance in Chile, focusing on socio-demographic and geographical determinants affecting food consumption patterns. A national household database (n = 4047), including households from 2019 (n = 3967; [...] Read more.

This study explores how the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and spatial visualization can inform food governance in Chile, focusing on socio-demographic and geographical determinants affecting food consumption patterns. A national household database (n = 4047), including households from 2019 (n = 3967; 98.02%) and 2020 (n = 80; 1.98%), provided by the “Family Support Program of Food Self-Sufficiency” (FSPFS) of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, was analyzed. The findings revealed that Chilean vulnerable households were led mostly by women (86.6%), with an age average of 55.9 ± 15.6 years old, versus 68.9 ± 12.9 years in the case of men. The intake frequency analysis showed that dairy, fruits, and vegetables were below the recommended values in at least half of the households, and that fats and sugars were above recommended levels. Regarding the HDDS (0–189), the national average was 91.4 ± 20.6 and was significantly influenced by the number of minors in the households, water access, food access issues, and residing in the Zona Sur. Finally, the spatial visualization showed that the Zona Central had higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, while the extreme zones Norte Grande and Zona Austral showed higher intakes of fats and sugars. These findings emphasize the importance of leveraging data insights like the HDDS and spatial visualization to enhance food security and inform food governance strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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13 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Health Risk (Food Security) in Thai Older Adults and Related Factors

by Teeranut Harnirattisai, Sararud Vuthiarpa, Lisa Renee Pawloski, Kevin Michael Curtin, Eden Blackwell, Jenny Nguyen and Sophia Madeleine Bourgeois

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162703 - 14 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1208

Abstract

The older adult population in Thailand has been steadily increasing in recent years, and urbanization has resulted in many older adults living independently, leaving many at nutritional risk. The purpose of this research is to explore food security among Thai older adults using [...] Read more.

The older adult population in Thailand has been steadily increasing in recent years, and urbanization has resulted in many older adults living independently, leaving many at nutritional risk. The purpose of this research is to explore food security among Thai older adults using a simple screening tool, the DETERMINE tool, as well as from three surveys which reflect seniors’ health and ultimately food security including the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the self-efficacy for physical activity scale (SEPAS), and the health literacy questionnaire. The DETERMINE tool was used in Thailand for the first time in this study. The findings revealed a moderate risk of food insecurity amongst participants, as most of them claimed to have underlying diseases, eat alone, eat a few nutrient-rich foods, and take medication. The MMSE, SEPAS, and health literacy questionnaire results suggested that food security was found to be negatively correlated with higher cognitive ability, higher physical activity, self-efficacy, and higher health literacy. In conclusion, there appears to be a high risk for malnutrition among older adults in Thailand, particularly in those with low income and underlying diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

20 pages, 1310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Political Economy of Maternal Child Malnutrition: Experiences about Water, Food, and Nutrition Policies in Pakistan

by Farooq Ahmed, Najma Iqbal Malik, Shamshad Bashir, Nazia Noureen, Jam Bilal Ahmad and Kun Tang

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2642; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162642 - 10 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2041

Abstract

This study examined access to water, food, and nutrition programs among marginalized communities in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and their effects on nutrition. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study. We held two focus group discussions (one with 10 males and [...] Read more.

This study examined access to water, food, and nutrition programs among marginalized communities in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and their effects on nutrition. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study. We held two focus group discussions (one with 10 males and one with 10 females) and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 key stakeholders, including 20 mothers and 10 healthcare providers. A survey of 235 households was carried out to evaluate water and food insecurity, with the data analyzed using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test, t-test, and Pearson’s chi-square test. The results revealed that 90% of households experienced moderate-to-severe water insecurity, and 73% faced moderate-to-severe food insecurity. Household water and food insecurity were positively correlated with each other (correlation coefficient = 0.205; p = 0.004). Greater household water (p = 0.028) and food insecurity (p < 0.001) were both associated with higher perceived stress. Furthermore, lower socioeconomic status was strongly related to higher levels of water (p < 0.001) and food insecurity (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlight the impact of colonial and post-colonial policies, which have resulted in water injustice, supply issues, and corruption in water administration. Women face significant challenges in fetching water, including stigma, harassment, and gender vulnerabilities, leading to conflicts and injuries. Water scarcity and poor quality adversely affect sanitation, hygiene, and breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers. Structural adjustment policies have exacerbated inflation and reduced purchasing power. Respondents reported a widespread lack of dietary diversity and food quality. Nutrition programs face obstacles such as the exclusion of people with low social and cultural capital, underfunding, weak monitoring, health sector corruption, and the influence of formula milk companies allied with the medical community and bureaucracy. This study concludes that addressing the macro-political and economic causes of undernutrition should be prioritized to improve nutrition security in Pakistan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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10 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban–Rural Disparities in Food Insecurity and Weight Status among Children in the United States

by Jayna M. Dave, Tzuan A. Chen, Alexandra N. Castro, Mamie A. White, Elizabeth A. Onugha, Sloane Zimmerman and Debbe Thompson

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2132; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132132 - 4 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2092

Abstract

Place of residence (urban versus rural) is a contextual determinant of health that has received less attention in the food insecurity literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the urban–rural disparity in the prevalence of food insecurity and weight status among [...] Read more.

Place of residence (urban versus rural) is a contextual determinant of health that has received less attention in the food insecurity literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the urban–rural disparity in the prevalence of food insecurity and weight status among US children. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 with three age groups of children (2–5, 6–11, and 12–17 years old), the associations of weight status and child and household food security status by urban–rural residence were examined using Rao–Scott Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Children living in urban areas were significantly more likely to experience household food insecurity (29.15%) compared to their rural counterparts (19.10%), among those aged 6–11 years. The associations between children’s weight status and child and household food security status were significant for children living in urban areas overall and different age groups but not for children living in rural areas. These trends were more pronounced in older age groups. Given the link between food insecurity and higher obesity rates, particularly among urban children, this study highlights the importance of incorporating food security interventions into future obesity prevention programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

16 pages, 3944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Health-Related Motivations for Urban Food Self-Production in the Light of Semantic Fields Analysis

by Ewa Duda

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101533 - 20 May 2024

Viewed by 1219

Abstract

One of the contemporary challenges facing urban areas is the necessity to identify novel approaches to resident involvement in solution creation, with a particular focus on ensuring the best possible nutrition. By investigating the process of co-participation of city dwellers in a unique [...] Read more.

One of the contemporary challenges facing urban areas is the necessity to identify novel approaches to resident involvement in solution creation, with a particular focus on ensuring the best possible nutrition. By investigating the process of co-participation of city dwellers in a unique education project, this paper aims to gain a deeper understanding of the health-related motivations that underpin the decision of early adopters of the implemented technological innovations to join the social experiment. The qualitative study employed purposive sampling and in-depth interviews conducted in two waves, the first between October and November 2022 and the second between September 2023 and January 2024. The study comprised 42 participants drawn from two communities of residents in Łódź and Warsaw, Poland. Transcriptions of the interviews were carried out using semantic field analysis, employing a quantitative approach that counts the frequency of keyword occurrences. Three categories of semantic fields were identified: associations, oppositions, and actions toward the subject, including positive, neutral, and negative temperatures. The findings demonstrate that the health concerns of residents are a pivotal factor in their decision to participate in urban food self-production initiatives, given their limited access to nutritious and healthy vegetables. This is related to several factors, including restrictions related to urbanization and the displacement of local suppliers, lifestyle, and the fast pace of urban life. The dissemination of innovative solutions for growing food in urban environments could, therefore, facilitate awareness-raising and motivation to alter the dietary habits of inhabitants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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Review

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20 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Vitamin B12 Supplementation in the Vegan Population: A Scoping Review of the Evidence

by Sávio Fernandes, Leandro Oliveira, Alda Pereira, Maria do Céu Costa, António Raposo, Ariana Saraiva and Bruno Magalhães

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101442 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5520

Abstract

With a significant portion of the population adopting veganism and conflicting views among nutrition professionals regarding the necessity of vitamin B12 supplementation, this review aims to explore existing studies evaluating interventions through food supplementation. It focuses on the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency [...] Read more.

With a significant portion of the population adopting veganism and conflicting views among nutrition professionals regarding the necessity of vitamin B12 supplementation, this review aims to explore existing studies evaluating interventions through food supplementation. It focuses on the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency across different demographics. The present study seeks to understand how research has addressed the relationship between the rise in veganism and vitamin B12 deficiency over the past decade. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA flow diagram. Studies from 2010 to 2023 were identified using Boolean operators and key terms in electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EBSCO (Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, and Academic Search Complete). Out of 217 articles identified, 70 studies were included. The topical analysis categorized the studies into three groups: those associating vitamin B12 deficiency with diseases (n = 14), those analyzing the dietary habits of vegetarian individuals (vegan or not) without a specific focus on vitamin B12 (n = 49), and those addressing food guides and nutrition institution positions (n = 7). The authors concluded that vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among vegans due to limited consumption of animal products. For vegetarians, supplementation is an efficient means of treating and preventing deficiency; a daily dose of 50 to 100 micrograms is advised. There are still significant gaps in the research, nevertheless, such as the absence of randomized controlled trials evaluating various forms or dosages of vitamin B12 among vegetarians and the requirement for more information and awareness of the vitamin’s significance in vegan diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)

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