Search Results (412)

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which dietary habits are formed and may influence long-term health outcomes. Monitoring changes in adolescents’ eating behaviors and nutrition-related knowledge over time is important for developing effective health promotion strategies. The aim of this study was to compare adolescents’ (Lower Silesia, Poland) dietary habits and nutritional knowledge between two study periods (2011 and 2023) using comparable survey methods. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional comparison of two independent cohorts was conducted using an identical questionnaire in both study periods. The 2023 cohort included 14-year-old primary school students (n = 100; 48 girls and 52 boys), while the comparison group consisted of adolescents aged 13–15 years assessed in 2011 (n = 377; 202 girls and 175 boys). Anthropometric measurements and self-reported data on dietary habits and nutritional knowledge were analyzed using descriptive statistics and group comparison tests. Results: The findings indicate changes in selected dietary behaviors and levels of nutritional knowledge among adolescents over the studied period. A higher percentage of students in 2023 reported eating four meals per day and obtaining information about healthy eating from the Internet rather than from television. Students in 2023 were also more likely to recognize the relationship between diet and attention, identify the harmful effects of energy drinks and excessive fast-food consumption, and provide correct answers regarding proper nutrition. Nutritional knowledge improved over time, with a mean percentage of correct responses of 71.9% in 2023 compared with 63.7% in 2011. Although nutritional awareness improved in several areas, certain unhealthy eating habits remained prevalent, including irregular breakfast consumption and frequent intake of sweets. Changes in the distribution of body weight categories were also observed, with gender-specific differences between cohorts. Conclusions: The results suggest that improvements in nutritional knowledge alone may not be sufficient to ensure positive changes in dietary behavior among adolescents. Continued monitoring of adolescent nutrition and the development of comprehensive health promotion strategies addressing both knowledge and environmental influences remain necessary. Full article

Background: Childhood nutrition is essential for development and disease prevention. Parental dietary practices and sociodemographic factors shape children’s eating habits. Objective: To assess the association between parental diet quality, children’s diet, and nutritional status, as well as the influence of caregiver sociodemographic factors. Design: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using data from two waves of the PASOS study (2019–2020 and 2022–2023), which are nationally representative multicentre observational surveys. The analyses were restricted to participants with complete information on parental diet quality, children’s diet quality, and relevant covariates. Methods: Participants aged 8–16 years from the PASOS 2019–2020 (n = 1028) and 2022–2023 (n = 572) studies were included. Caregivers provided sociodemographic information and completed the Short Diet Quality Screener (SDQS), a validated questionnaire to assess parental diet quality. Children’s diet quality was assessed using the validated KIDMED index. Based on parental SDQS scores, participants were classified into low (≤50th percentile) or adequate/high (>50th percentile) diet quality groups. Associations were analysed using logistic regression and Pearson correlation. Results: Higher parental diet quality was consistently associated with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and higher consumption of fruit, breakfast cereals, and fish among children in both study waves. Children whose caregivers had better diet quality also showed a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity. Parental diet quality was positively associated with children’s diet quality and inversely related to several adiposity indicators, although associations with anthropometric measures were generally weak. Conclusions: Family-based approaches are essential for improving diet quality and preventing childhood obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) have been proposed to potentially impair appetite regulation by stimulating sweet taste receptors beyond the perception of sweetness, similar to caloric sweeteners. The evidence is, however, not clear. Methods: This sub-study investigated the acute effects of a mixture of acesulfame potassium and cyclamate (Ace-K/Cyc) versus water on postprandial appetite sensations and energy intake at baseline, after a two-month weight loss period, and after a four-month weight loss maintenance period, including (S&SE group) or excluding S&SEs (Sugar group) in the diet. A total of 26 participants (18–65 years; BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) were recruited from the one-year randomized controlled SWEET trial. Subjective appetite sensations were measured using visual analogue scales while fasting and nine times during a 250-min postprandial period. During this period, a standardized breakfast (0–10 min) was served and, 2 h later, a test drink containing either Ace-K/Cyc or water (120–130 min) was given. After 265 min, an ad libitum test meal was served. Results: Of 26 participants enrolled, 22 completed test day 2 and 16 completed test day 3. The S&SEs group rated lower prospective consumption and desire to eat something sweet after the test drink with Ace-K/Cyc compared to the sugar group consuming water (p < 0.05), with effects persisting after adjusting for taste. Initial differences in hunger were explained by taste palatability. This was true for all three test days. Ad libitum energy intake did not differ (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Ace-K/Cyc compared to water reduced feelings of prospective consumption and desire to eat something sweet acutely, after two months of weight loss, and after four months of weight loss maintenance. Due to the low sample size and power, larger studies are warranted to confirm these results. Full article

Background and objective: Depression is the most common mental health problem in women during pregnancy, associated with psychological, social, and medical factors characteristic of this stage. However, a lack of knowledge and limited attention to this condition can aggravate its consequences and restrict access to appropriate treatment. This research seeks to fill a gap in the scientific literature by exploring the association between eating habits and dietary diversity with depressive symptomatology in a group with high psychosocial vulnerability: pregnant adolescents. Material and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with a sample of 344 pregnant adolescents attending prenatal care at the National Institute of Perinatology (INPer), a tertiary care center. Non-probabilistic sampling was used for recruitment. Relevant information was collected using a pre-validated structured questionnaire administered via interview. Depressive symptomatology was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a score of ≥12 considered indicative of a higher risk of depression. Eating habits were evaluated based on meal omission, activities performed during meals, and dietary diversity, comparing them with national recommendations. Food group consumption was assessed using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Robust variance Poisson regression models were employed to evaluate the independent association between undesirable eating habits, inadequate food group intake, and the presence of depressive symptomatology. Results: A significant association was observed between the presence of depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 12) and the omission of main meals. Specifically, skipping breakfast was associated with a higher prevalence of EPDS scores ≥ 12 (aPR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.10–2.19; p = 0.013). Similarly, adolescents who skipped lunch showed a higher prevalence of depressive symptomatology compared to those who did not (aPR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.11–3.68; p = 0.022). Regarding food groups, only insufficient intake of milk and dairy products was significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms (aPR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.16–2.73; p = 0.008). Conclusions: This cross-sectional study found a significant association between breakfast skipping, distraction while eating, and inadequate dairy intake with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in socially vulnerable pregnant adolescents treated at a tertiary care center. However, due to the study’s design, causality or the direction of the relationship cannot be established (it could be bidirectional), and it cannot be affirmed that modifying the diet will necessarily reduce depression. Furthermore, the results are not generalizable to all pregnant adolescents, and future research (longitudinal or interventional) is needed to better understand these associations before developing specific dietary interventions. Full article

Background and objectives: Since postprandial lipid metabolism has emerged as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the quality of dietary fat may have a crucial role in atherogenesis and metabolic inflammation. In this study, we propose that the quality of dietary fats and the metabolic status of individuals modulate postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) composition and the response of macrophages to TRL. Methods: Randomized controlled crossover trial in the postprandial phase in 12 normal-weight adults and 12 adults with obesity. Each participant consumed both a Western-style (WB) and a Mediterranean-style (MB) breakfast in separate sessions, containing butter or olive oil as the fat source, respectively. Blood samples were collected at baseline (0 h), 2 h, and 4 h postprandially, and TRL were isolated and used to treat THP-1 macrophages. Results: The intake of the WB led to higher concentrations of inflammatory-related markers, particularly in individuals with obesity, and resulted in a higher content of saturated fatty acids and lower of monounsaturated fatty acids in TRL compared to the MB. Staining TRL-treated macrophages with Oil Red O revealed substantial lipid accumulation, which was more pronounced in cells cultured with 4 h TRL from individuals with obesity. This was also evidenced by upregulation of gene expression of lipoprotein uptake receptors following the consumption of the WB. Conclusions: Consumption of a WB led to a more pro-inflammatory postprandial profile and promoted greater lipid accumulation in macrophages, particularly in individuals with obesity, compared to a MB. These findings highlight the importance of fat quality in meals for cardiovascular risk management, especially in populations with obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: School meals play an important role in ensuring reliable, healthy access to food, but there are many barriers to participation, especially for rural students. This study examined the perceived impact of UFSM policies and the perceptions of school meals among students in rural areas of Maine. Methods: This mixed-methods study included surveys with n = 61 middle and high school students and interviews with n = 11 middle and high school students between 2023 and 2024. The surveys and interviews focused on potential impacts of UFSM policies as well as general barriers and facilitators to participation in school meals. Quantitative surveys were analyzed using logistic regression, adjusting for demographic characteristics. Interviews were analyzed using principles of content analysis. Results: Students reported that UFSM had multiple benefits, and many students perceived that providing free school meals for all helped reduce the stigma associated with school meals, in part through increased participation. Students liked the variety of foods offered, but many did not perceive school meals, especially breakfast, to be “fresh” or “healthy”. Additionally, many students perceived there to be long lunch lines and insufficient time to eat their meals. Conclusions: While students perceived multiple benefits to UFSM, opportunities to further improve the quality of school meals, as well as policies to ensure sufficient lunch period lengths, may be important complements to increase participation and consumption of school meals among rural students. Full article

Objective: We aimed to examine the longitudinal associations between lifestyle behaviors, academic achievement, and physical diseases in adolescents. Study Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Methods: We recruited participants (n = 4330; mean age of 14.0 (SD = 1.51) years at the first time point and 16.0 (1.51) years at the second time point) from 16 districts in Shanghai, China, who completed a survey in 2021 (T1) and 2023 (T2). We employed a cross-lagged panel network model to explore the interconnected relationships among lifestyle behaviors, academic achievement, and physical condition (i.e., obesity, high blood pressure, high myopia, depressive symptoms). Results: Among the cross-lagged associations, the predictive effects of T1 obesity on T2 high blood pressure (OR = 2.39), T1 breakfast skipping on T2 TV screen time (OR = 1.49), (in cross-domain relationships) T1 symptoms of depression on T2 low fruit and vegetable consumption (OR = 2.43), T1 obesity on T2 TV screen time (OR = 1.53), and T1 computer time on T2 high BP (OR = 1.31) were particularly prominent. Nonetheless, the observed cross-lagged effect sizes were small. Based on the sum of expected influence on their connecting nodes, obesity, depressive symptoms, and breakfast skipping demonstrated their paramount roles in the network metrics. We found breakfast skipping showed the strongest bridging effect among all factors in association with coexisting conditions and academic performance in children. Conclusions: Our findings identified breakfast skipping as the pivotal bridge node with the highest centrality within the network of modifiable lifestyle factors. Although this does not imply direct causality, its prominent bridge effect highlights its essential role in maintaining network stability and mediating interactions across distinct variable clusters. Full article

The circadian cycle regulates metabolism in response to external stimuli, such as light exposure, sleep schedules, and eating patterns. However, misalignment between internal biological rhythms and social demands can compromise food choices, potentially leading to overweight and obesity. This research aimed to assess how a person’s chronotype links to social jet lag (SJL), which in turn would relate to their nutritional status and food consumption patterns as a university student. 617 students from a State University located in the State of Paraná, Brazil, completed a cross-sectional research study that collected sociodemographic information/anthropometrics by means of an online survey. It included self-reported height/weight data and dietary habits. The Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) was utilized to determine each participant’s chronotype classification and SJL calculation. Researchers found that nearly half of the students (49.3%) displayed an Intermediate Chronotype, which is associated with a diet that contained elements of the “Mixed” Diet, meaning there are equal portions of healthy food (Fresh Fruits, Beans, etc.) and unhealthy foods (Sweetened Beverages). The multivariate logistic regression analyses identified age as a significant predictor of obesity risk (OR: 1.15, p < 0.001), while dietary habits such as fruit consumption played a protective role. Additionally, having a breakfast protected them from being classified as obese compared to those who did not eat breakfast (OR = 0.59). Contrary to expectations, late-night supper was not a statistically significant predictor in the adjusted model. Predictors of an Intermediate chronotype included being male and eating morning snacks regularly. The results of this study suggest that students with an intermediate chronotype will predictably have skewed eating patterns, such as skipping breakfast and eating late—both of which affect obesity risks. Nutritional strategies for university students should focus on promoting circadian regularity and optimizing meal timing. Full article

Background: Childhood undernutrition and overnutrition continue to be major public health challenges in South Africa. There is limited evidence on how socio-economic factors and dietary behaviors influence nutritional outcomes among school-aged children, particularly in rural areas such as Thulamela Municipality. Objective: This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic determinants, dietary patterns, and nutritional status among school-aged children in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 347 children aged 8–12 years. Simple random sampling was used to select eight villages from a total of 227 within the municipality. A snowball sampling method was used to recruit eligible children. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, including the child’s sex, parental education level, marital status, and employment status, were collected. Additionally, their dietary habits and meal frequency patterns were collected using structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and BMI-for-age were obtained following WHO growth standards. Associations between variables were assessed using chi-square tests, with p-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of severe and moderate stunting was 20.5% and 21.0%, respectively. Overweight conditions and obesity affected 32.6% and 16.2% of participants, respectively. Parental education (p = 0.027), marital status (p = 0.001), and household income (p = 0.043) showed significant associations with height-for-age and BMI-for-age Z-scores. Additionally, regular breakfast consumption and the frequent intake of vegetables and dairy products were positively associated with improved nutritional outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The nutritional profile of school-aged children in Thulamela Municipality reflects a double burden of malnutrition, with concurrent high rates of stunting, overweight conditions, and obesity. Interventions that promote balanced diets and address socio-economic disparities are crucial for improving child growth and overall health. Socio-economic factors, including parental education, marital status, and household income, were significantly associated with children’s height-for-age and BMI-for-age. Furthermore, the regular consumption of breakfast, vegetables, and dairy products was associated with better nutritional outcomes, highlighting the influence of both dietary behaviors and socio-demographic determinants on child growth and health. Implementing nutrition education programs within schools that emphasize the value of balanced diets and highlighting the significance of eating breakfast regularly and incorporating vegetables and dairy products into daily meals is important. These programs should include both children and their caregivers to support regular healthy eating behaviors at home and in school. Additionally, schools should carry out regular growth monitoring and nutritional assessments to identify early indications of undernutrition or overnutrition, enabling prompt referrals and interventions for children who may be at risk. Full article

Background: Eating habits such as fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and breakfast frequency are well recognized for their contribution to overall health and well-being. However, the psychological mechanisms that explain the link between these habits and life satisfaction remain poorly explored among university students in the health sciences. Objective: To examine whether positive affect mediates the relationship between FV consumption, breakfast frequency, and life satisfaction among health sciences students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 511 students. FV consumption, breakfast frequency, positive affect, and life satisfaction were assessed using self-report measures. Mediation models were applied to estimate direct and indirect associations. Results: FV consumption and breakfast frequency were positively associated with both positive affect and life satisfaction. Although the direct associations with life satisfaction were not significant, the indirect associations through positive affect were significant (FV: β = 0.114, 95% CI [0.055, 0.173]; breakfast: β = 0.133, 95% CI [0.073, 0.192]). The model accounted for 51.4% of the variance in life satisfaction. Conclusions: The results highlight the role of positive affect as a psychological mechanism linking everyday eating habits to life satisfaction, emphasizing the need to integrate emotional components into strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles among university populations. Full article

Thermal insulation is essential in lowering the energy consumption of buildings. However, many fossil-based insulation and exterior cladding materials are derived from petrochemical components, which often have adverse ecological impacts. This study explores the effectiveness of integrating sustainable thermal insulation solutions into building design to reduce energy consumption and minimize ecological impact. Focusing on an energy-efficient breakfast house located in Van, Turkey, the project was modeled using Autodesk-Revit software (2023). A comprehensive analysis was conducted by generating eighty alternative scenarios, combining two distinct wall structures, eight fiber-based natural insulation materials, and five wood-based exterior cladding materials. The energy performance of each scenario was evaluated using IES-VE software (2024.1), focusing on annual total energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, while accounting for regional climatic conditions and targeted indoor comfort levels. To further refine the selection of optimal materials, a hybrid evaluation was performed using multi-attribute decision approaches, including LODECI, MAXC, and DEPART. These methods provided a systematic framework for comparing the performance of wood-based insulation materials across multiple criteria. In order to verify the accuracy of the proposed multi-attribute decision models, a comparative analysis has been undertaken with other multi-attribute decision methods (COPRAS, ARAS and WASPAS). The study highlights the technical feasibility of incorporating cost-effective, eco-friendly fiber-based and wood-based materials into building envelopes, demonstrating their potential to significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By combining advanced simulation tools with robust decision-making methodologies, this research offers a scientifically grounded approach to sustainable architectural design, providing important outputs for future applications in energy-efficient construction. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect 843.6 million people, accounting for more than 10% of the world’s population, making it a serious public health issue. Dietary therapy is important for suppressing CKD progression risk factors such as hypertension. Fruits granola (FGR), which is rich in dietary fiber, including β-glucan and polyphenols, is expected to contribute to improving the intestinal environment and providing anti-inflammatory effects. We previously reported that FGR consumption improves blood pressure and the intestinal environment in hemodialysis patients. However, the safety and efficacy of FGR for patients with moderate CKD remain unclear. Therefore, we examined the effects of FGR by replacing the breakfast of 24 patients with moderate CKD at least 5 days per week over a total of 2 months. Patients with moderate CKD who were attending outpatient appointments at the Department of Nephrology at Juntendo University Hospital and whose condition was stable were included. Patients with cancer or poor nutritional status were excluded from this study. The results revealed lower systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios after FGR intake. Furthermore, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), a marker of renal tubular damage, was also reduced. Regarding the intestinal environment, improved bowel movements and stool quality were observed. Based on the results of this FGR intervention study, consuming dietary fiber, which is often deficient in moderate CKD patients, may have contributed to reducing risks for cardiovascular disease and urinary tubular dysfunction through FGR intake. Full article

Background: Nutrition literacy (NL) plays a crucial role in shaping long-term health behaviors among college students, particularly during the transformative final phase of their school education. This study investigated the level of NL among college students in Beijing and examined its association with these behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 765 students from 12 universities in Beijing. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and a nutrition literacy scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.893; χ²/DF = 4.750; RMSEA = 0.048; GFI = 0.891; AGFI = 0.876). The NL scale was divided into two domains: cognition and skills. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize NL scores and their distributions across dimensions and subgroups. Group differences for categorical variables were examined using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Logistic regression analyses was employed to identify factors associated with NL. Mediation effects were tested using the Baron and Kenny approach. Results: The mean NL score was 67.74 ± 9.07, with only 7.6% of participants achieving an excellent NL level. Several lifestyle factors were significantly associated with excellent NL. Students with monthly living expenses of 2000–3000 CNY (OR = 2.35, p = 0.019) and >3000 CNY (OR = 3.22, p = 0.023) had higher odds of excellent NL compared to those spending <2000 CNY. Occasional exercise (OR = 2.36, p = 0.026) and daily breakfast consumption (OR = 2.76, p = 0.027) were also positively associated with excellent NL. In contrast, frequent midnight snacking significantly reduced the likelihood of excellent NL (OR = 0.20, p = 0.031). Better self-rated health status was strongly correlated with higher NL (OR = 2.82, p = 0.012). Moreover, NL mediated the relationship between lifestyle factors and healthy eating behaviors, underscoring a gap between nutritional knowledge and practical food skills. Conclusions: Current findings indicated suboptimal nutrition literacy among college students in Beijing, particularly in food selection skills. Excellent NL rates were associated with demographic and lifestyle factors, with NL serving as a mediator between lifestyle and health-related behaviors. These results emphasize the need for targeted nutrition education programs to enhance both knowledge and practical skills among university students. Full article

Background: The body requires effective antioxidant defense mechanisms to counter the effect of oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to evaluate the postprandial effect of antioxidative vitamin (C, E and β-carotene) consumption during breakfast and of aerobic exercise on salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Methods: Fifty-one healthy male adolescents were examined (13–18 years; 15.4 ± 1.6). Dietary interviews including vitamin C, E, and β-carotene intake were performed twice, once on the examination day and again the day before. Salivary TAC was assessed using the DPPH method (2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and expressed as % of free radical reduction. Saliva samples were assayed at three subsequent time-points: fasting (DPPH 1), after a meal—breakfast—(DPPH 2), and after aerobic exercise training (DPPH 3). Results: DPPH 2 was higher than DPPH 1 (16.8 ± 7.5 vs. 14.9 ± 7.2% of reduction; p = 0.03), and no differences were noted between DPPH 2 and DPPH 3 (16.8 ± 7.5 vs. 16.3 ± 6.5%; p > 0.05), nor between DPPH 1 and DPPH 3. Subjects with higher BMI demonstrated higher values of DPPH at all time-points of the study (p < 0.05). In turn, neither the DPPH values nor the changes in DPPH were related to weekly exercise-related energy expenditure (p > 0.05). No singular DPPH index was associated with the level of vitamin E or β-carotene intake with meals on the day before the study; however, DPPH 1 (rho = −0.38; p < 0.01) and DPPH 2 (rho = −0.45; p < 0.001) negatively correlated with vitamin C intake on the day before examination. Conclusions: In physically active adolescents, daily vitamin C consumption decreased salivary TAC, and the consumption of antioxidant nutrients/vitamins as part of a regular breakfast directly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of saliva; nevertheless, subsequent physical exercise had no detectable impact. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity remains a critical public health concern in Greece, particularly among socioeconomically vulnerable groups. This study conducted a secondary analysis of five large-scale epidemiological datasets to examine the association between energy balance-related behaviours (EBRBs) and obesity in children in need. Methods: Data were compiled from five nationally or regionally representative studies (Genesis, ToyBox, Healthy Growth, ENERGY, and Feel4Diabetes) involving children aged 1–12 years. Stratified and subgroup analyses were performed to examine associations between weight status and EBRBs, including dietary habits, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Determinants of EBRBs were also analysed using the socio-ecological model framework. Results: Children in need demonstrated a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to the general child population. Key risk factors for EBRBs included frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sweet snacks, and high screen time. Protective behaviours associated with lower obesity risk included regular breakfast consumption, adequate sleep duration, and physical activity. Determinants of high-risk EBRBs were primarily interpersonal and, to a lesser extent, individual and community-level factors. Conclusions: These findings highlight the disproportionate burden of childhood obesity among vulnerable populations and identify modifiable behaviours and determinants that can inform targeted interventions. These results provide a robust evidence base to guide national public health policies, including the development of school- and community-based obesity prevention programmes aligned with the goals of Greece’s National Action Against Childhood Obesity. Prioritising children in need in such initiatives is essential to reduce health inequities and improve long-term health outcomes. Full article