Search Results (3,907)

Background/Objectives: The high cost of healthy foods makes it difficult for people with a low income to manage diabetes. This study examined the effects of a monthly grocery voucher on the dietary intake, assessed through the Canadian Diet History Questionnaire III, of diabetes patients facing food or financial insecurity. We also assessed the impact on levels of hemoglobin A1c, beta-carotene, and ascorbic acid. Methods: Participants were randomly selected from a larger clinical trial and completed the survey at 6-month follow-up. Results: Voucher recipients consumed more whole fruit (mean difference in daily servings, MD 0.8; 95% CI [0.1, 1.6]) and fewer refined grains (MD −1.0; 95% CI [−1.9, −0.1]). For other food groups, the confidence intervals for the difference included null effect. Mean HEFI-2019 score was 51.7 out of 80, with voucher recipients averaging 52.4 vs. 51.0 for controls (MD 1.4; 95% CI [−3.6, 6.1]). The voucher group showed a slight HbA1c decrease (MD −0.4; 95% CI [−1.4, 0.5]). Conclusions: A voucher providing access to healthy foods for people with diabetes or prediabetes slightly increased intake of fruits and decreased intake of refined grains. Larger interventional studies are needed to determine the effects of vouchers on dietary intake among this population. Full article

Self-medication is increasingly prevalent among healthcare students, raising concerns about the adequacy of current medical education in promoting safe medication practices. This study aimed to assess the frequency, motivations, and perceptions of self-medication among medical and pharmacy students and to identify educational gaps. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, anonymous questionnaire distributed to medical and pharmacy students at a single academic institution. The questionnaire assessed self-medication frequency, substances used, motivations, perceived risks, confidence in knowledge, sources of information, and attitudes toward curriculum improvements. Over 50% of participants reported practicing self-medication at least once a month. The most commonly used substances were analgesics and dietary supplements. Main motivations included recognition of symptoms, confidence in personal knowledge, and avoidance of waiting times. Despite receiving university instruction on self-medication risks, students continued to self-medicate, with many relying on the internet as a primary source of information. Only 8% felt very confident in counseling patients on self-medication. A majority (over 70%) expressed a strong interest in integrating dedicated educational modules into the curriculum. There is a clear need for improved, practice-oriented education on self-medication. Future interventions should focus on interdisciplinary teaching, digital literacy, and simulation-based training to foster safer medication practices. Full article

The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical determinant of immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy. A narrative review of 95 clinical studies (2015–2025) shows that patients with greater gut microbial diversity and relative enrichment of commensals such as Akkermansia, Ruminococcus, and other short-chain fatty acid producers experience longer progression-free and overall survival, particularly in melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer. Broad-spectrum antibiotics given within 30 days of ICI initiation and over-the-counter mixed probiotics consistently correlate with poorer outcomes. Early phase I/II trials of responder-derived fecal microbiota transplantation in ICI-refractory melanoma achieved objective response rates of 20–40%, while pilot high-fiber or plant-forward dietary interventions improved immunologic surrogates such as CD8⁺ tumor infiltration. Machine-learning classifiers that integrate 16S or metagenomic profiles predict ICI response with an area under the ROC curve of 0.83–0.92. Methodological heterogeneity across sampling, sequencing, and clinical endpoints remains a barrier, underscoring the need for standardization and larger, well-powered trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects approximately 5% of children globally and is characterized by motor difficulties that can negatively impact physical activity levels and increase the risk of obesity. Understanding the behavioral and physiological profiles of children with DCD is essential for early intervention. This cross-sectional study compared physical activity, dietary habits, and obesity indicators between children with DCD and their typically developing (TD) peers. Methods: A total of 243 children (134 boys, 109 girls) aged 6.65 to 11.65 years (M = 9.50, SD = 1.38) from two mainstream schools in the Chartered Community of Navarre, Spain, participated in the study. Children with conditions that could explain poor motor development were excluded based on DSM-5 Criterion D. Motor competence was evaluated using the FUNMOVES (n = 243) and MABC-2 tools (n = 49). Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), dietary habits with the Krece Plus questionnaire, and obesity indicators through bioimpedance analysis (Body Mass Index and body fat percentage). Regression analyses were adjusted for age and sex. Results: Children classified with probable DCD (pDCD) using FUNMOVES showed significantly higher BMI (95% CI: 0.96 to 4.30 kg/m²) and body fat percentage (95% CI: 3.99 to 10.24%) than TD peers. Differences in physical activity were not statistically significant between DCD and TD (95% CI: −0.68 to 0.01. No significant differences were found in dietary quality. When assessing motor development with MABC-2, the results followed similar trends but lacked statistical significance. Conclusions: Children with DCD are at increased risk of overweight and obesity, primarily due to lower physical activity rather than dietary differences. Early identification and targeted interventions are essential to promote healthier lifestyles in this population. Full article

Sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, is a major health concern primarily affecting older adults worldwide. With no pharmaceutical cure for sarcopenia, dietary protein, probiotic supplementation, and physical exercise have gained increasing attention as lifestyle-based interventions. Dietary protein has shown promising effects in preventing the loss of skeletal muscle and physical strength by favorably influencing muscle protein synthesis in sarcopenic individuals. Probiotic supplementation has been associated with muscle regeneration, increased muscle protein synthesis among adults with sarcopenia, and improved exercise performance based on preliminary and emerging evidence. Multimodal or hybrid exercise programs have been shown to improve muscle strength, mobility, and overall physical function in individuals with sarcopenia. This paper reviews how combining protein, probiotics, and multimodal exercise may offer complementary strategies for sarcopenia management. Evidence from preclinical and mechanistic studies suggests that these interventions may support muscle health by activating shared intracellular pathways such as mTOR signaling, the suppression of FOXO3a, and the enhancement of mitochondrial biogenesis. Full article

Background: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with improved health outcomes, however limited evidence exists on the socio-demographic and behavioral determinants of MD adherence among university students, a population at risk of developing unhealthy habits during a critical life stage. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2697 students (70.6% female) enrolled at a university in Northern Italy. MD adherence was measured using the validated Medi-Lite score. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify socio-demographic and behavioral associations with high adherence to the MD (score ≥12). Principal component analysis was performed to explore multivariate patterns across dietary components and participant characteristics. Results: Overall, 25.6% of participants were classified as having high adherence to the MD. Higher adherence was more frequent among women, non-smokers, older students, and those living with their families. Students in health sciences showed greater adherence compared to those in other fields of study. Conversely, frequent users of mobile food ordering applications and smokers were less likely to adhere to the MD. These associations remained consistent after adjusting for age and sex. Conclusions: Adherence to the MD is suboptimal among university students and influenced by socio-demographic and behavioral factors. Targeted interventions should prioritize younger males, smokers, and convenience food users, while promoting sustainability and social support as facilitators of healthier dietary patterns. Full article

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the impact of various dietary patterns on cancer mortality, recurrence, remission, quality of life, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients. Methods: Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus databaseswere searched from inception to March 2024. Dietary interventions or observational studies investigating dietary patterns in men with non-metastatic prostate cancer with at least one primary outcome related to mortality, recurrence, remission, quality of life or PSA/PSA doubling time were included. Two independent reviewers conducted article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Results: Sixteen eligible articles were included. Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern was linked to lower overall mortality and increased quality of life and adherence to a Prudent diet was associated with both lower overall and cancer-specific mortality risk. A plant-based dietary pattern is associated with increased quality of life. Contrastingly, a Western diet was associated with a higher cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality and high-inflammatory, hyperinsulinaemic, and insulin-resistant diets with increased recurrence. Conclusions: Despite the heterogeneity and inconsistencies of PCa literature, there is fair evidence that suggests unprocessed foods with healthier dietary patterns of Mediterranean and prudent diets confer a beneficial effect on overall and cancer-specific mortality, recurrence, and quality of life whereas, a more Western and unhealthier diet generates the opposite. The increased risk of bias prevents conclusive interpretation of these results and, hence, detracts from its clinical implementation. Future research should focus on increasing sample sizes and robustness and standardisation in study design. Full article

Non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies with variable biological behavior, clinical presentation and treatment response. While chemoimmunotherapy remains the cornerstone of their management, growing evidence implicates the gut microbiota as a critical modulator of both lymphomagenesis and therapeutic efficacy. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and pathogenic taxonomic shifts, has been observed also in newly diagnosed patients and not just after therapy. This microbial imbalance contributes to mucosal barrier disruption, systemic inflammation, and altered immune responses, affecting treatment outcomes and toxicity profiles. Antibiotic exposure, especially broad-spectrum agents, exacerbates dysbiosis and has been associated with inferior responses to immunochemotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy. Conversely, certain commensal taxa, like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Lactobacillus johnsonii, may exert protective effects by preserving mucosal homeostasis and promoting antitumor immunity. Targeted interventions, including prudent antibiotic stewardship, prebiotics, probiotics, dietary modulation, and fecal microbiota transplantation, are under investigation to restore eubiosis and improve clinical outcomes. Preliminary clinical trials suggest a strong correlation between baseline microbiome composition and therapeutic response. Further mechanistic studies and randomized trials are warranted to define the causal role of the microbiome in non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas pathophysiology and to develop personalized microbiome-modulating strategies as adjuncts to standard treatment. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the senescence of functional neurons, which hampers brain functions. These diseases are caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, cholinesterase malfunction, neuronal inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The incidence of neurodegenerative disease has been on the rise. Current therapeutic interventions are expensive, exhibit poor efficacy, and have numerous side effects. Several studies have explored the potential of crucial dietary substances rich in antioxidants and micronutrients in alleviating the clinical manifestations of such deadly diseases. Consumption of sufficient antioxidants, fatty acids, and polyphenols in regular diets delays the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Several medicinal plants, such as Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, aloe vera, Punica granatum, and various phytoextracts, contain such micronutrients in reasonable amounts. Specific dietary interventions, supplements, and patterns such as the Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay, ketogenic, paleolithic, and Wahls elimination diets have been beneficial in neurodegenerative conditions. These diet interventions and other functional foods can be an attractive, non-invasive, and inexpensive approach in the management and prevention of neurodegenerative conditions. This review discusses potential pharmacological bases involved in neurodegeneration, covering mitochondrial damage, impaired mitophagy, neuroinflammation, ferroptosis, glymphatic clearance dysfunction, brain–body interactions, and disruption of vagus nerve stimulation. The review further highlights clinical diet interventions and assorted functional foods, including fruits, vegetables, vitamins, specific supplements, and special diets, for neurodegenerative conditions. The discussion extends insights into clinical research and trials of these functional foods under neurodegenerative conditions. Overall, dietary interventions show promise in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative conditions. Full article

Cooking skills (CSs) encompass both physical and behavioral abilities, and their transmission has evolved due to social changes and the rise of fast food as a convenient but unhealthy option. Studies show that patients are more likely to follow dietary plans when the advice includes healthy, simple, and practical cooking tips. Intervention programs supporting this approach have been shown to improve CSs and encourage balanced diets in the community. CSs of health professionals, and their ability to teach and impart, can thus play a key role in these strategies. This systematic review aimed to identify studies that have already discussed CSs among health professionals. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and Scielo, Pubmed, Scoppus, and Web of Science databases were searched in January 2024. From the identified 527 potentially relevant studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria. The studies analyzed address topics such as the suitability of CS as a professional competency, professionals’ viewpoints regarding culinary aptitude, integrating CSs into training, and assessment of their impact on enhancing professionals’ competencies. Results suggest that developing CSs can improve professionals’ confidence, potentially benefiting community eating behaviors. Despite available validated tools, a clearer CS definition is needed for consistent evaluation and a better understanding of its role among health professionals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor dietary habits remain a significant public health concern, highlighting the need to promote healthy and sustainable eating patterns, especially in childhood and adolescence. This study assessed the eating habits of primary school children in the Tagus Lezíria region, focusing on adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), recognized for its health and environmental benefits. Methods: The KIDMED index (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents) was applied to 435 children, the vast majority (97.7%) aged 6–10 years. Results: The data showed that 64.6% of participants exhibited high adherence to the MD, 32.0% medium, and 3.5% low adherence. Despite these encouraging levels, several gaps were identified: 80% of the children did not meet the recommendation for regular nut consumption (≥2–3 times/week), 44% consumed legumes less than once a week, and 43% failed to eat vegetables more than once a day. Regarding demographic factors, no significant differences were observed in overall adherence categories; however, differences emerged in specific eating behaviours. For example, girls consumed more vegetables and cereals than boys, and children in rural areas consumed less dairy than those living in urban settings. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of reinforcing targeted school-based educational interventions to promote healthier dietary behaviours, particularly increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, pulses, and nuts. Strengthening children’s adherence to the MD from an early age may contribute to improving their health and fostering sustainable eating practices. Full article

The human gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that influences host metabolism, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Dysbiosis, defined as an imbalance in microbial composition or function, has been linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This connection is mediated by microbial metabolites that enter the systemic circulation and interact with vascular and immune pathways. Among these, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been most extensively studied and is consistently associated with cardiovascular events. Other metabolites, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and secondary bile acids, also contribute by modulating inflammation, endothelial function, and lipid metabolism. Recent research has expanded to emerging metabolites such as indoxyl sulfate, indole-3-propionic acid, and polyamines, which may provide additional mechanistic insights. These microbial products are increasingly explored as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. TMAO has shown predictive value in large human cohorts, while microbiota composition and diversity measures remain less consistent across studies. However, interpretation of these biomarkers is limited by methodological variability, interindividual differences, and lack of standardization. Therapeutic interventions targeting the gut–heart axis are under investigation. Dietary strategies such as the Mediterranean diet and fiber-rich nutrition, probiotics and prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) show promise, while pharmacological approaches targeting TMAO or bile acid pathways are in early stages. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanistic, diagnostic, and therapeutic links between the gut microbiota and atherosclerosis, highlighting both established findings and emerging directions for future research. Full article

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents diverse challenges that significantly impact feeding, nutrition, growth, and development. The heterogeneity of ASD manifestations adds complexity to assessments due to the broad range of factors to be considered. Moreover, the literature lacks a comprehensive tool specifically addressing nutritional aspects in ASD. Methods: Conducted in two steps, this study first involved researchers selecting evidence-based elements related to ASD and nutrition to develop a preliminary tool. Content validation was subsequently undertaken using a modified Delphi method, whereby expert consensus was sought from 30 dietitians with experience in ASD, who evaluated the tool through a digital questionnaire. Four quality criteria were evaluated: functionality, organization, language and comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness. Results: Levels of strong agreement with the quality criteria ranged from 63.3% to 80%, specifically functionality (76.7%), organization (73.3%), language and comprehensibility (80%), and comprehensiveness (63.3%). Thematic analysis highlighted six key areas for improvement. The instrument assesses nutritional aspects across seven domains: life history, food-related aspects, feeding behavior, dietary intake, daily routines, clinical aspects, and anthropometry. Conclusions: This is the first known tool to comprehensively address the nutritional needs of individuals with ASD, offering a detailed framework for clinical application. It supports initial assessments, ongoing monitoring, and targeted interventions, supporting dietitians worldwide in clinical decision-making. Full article

Managing transition cows and preventing diseases related to this period is challenging due to the latter’s multifactorial nature. The aim of this applied observational case study is to illustrate and discuss the different aspects involved and provide an approach to analysis and the resulting management solutions using a real-life case within a 500-cow herd. The initial assessment, involving the collection of data on the level of production, animal health and behaviour, and metabolic indicators, as well as management and housing key indicators, revealed key risk factors, including overcrowding, suboptimal feeding strategies, inadequate water supply, and insufficient disease monitoring. These factors contributed to increased cases of metabolic disorders such as hypocalcemia (annual incidence 7.8%), excessive lipomobilisation, and displaced abomasum (annual incidence 5.2%). A holistic approach combining feeding adjustments, disease monitoring, facility improvements, and long-term management strategies was implemented to address these challenges. Short-term interventions, such as optimizing the dietary cation–anion balance and enhancing disease detection protocols, led to noticeable improvements. However, structural constraints and external factors, such as extreme weather conditions (heat stress) and economic limitations, created significant hurdles in achieving immediate and sustained success. The farm ultimately opted for infrastructural improvements, including a new transition cow facility, to provide a long-term solution to these recurring issues. This case highlights the complexity of transition cow management, demonstrating that long-term success depends on continuous monitoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adaptability in response to evolving challenges in dairy production. Full article

Background/Objectives: While the prevalence of depression increases during the peri- and post-menopausal periods, the potential of diet as both a modifiable risk factor and complementary treatment option has received limited research attention in this population. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review aiming to map and synthesize the existing literature on diet and depression in peri- and post-menopause. Methods: Studies were identified through Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus. After deduplication in Covidence, two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts using predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted using standardized forms and presented in tables and figures. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 for intervention studies and NHLBI tools for observational studies. Results: Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, including 29 observational and 9 interventional studies. Dietary patterns showed the most consistent associations with depressive symptoms, whereas findings for foods, nutrients, and other food components were inconsistent. Most observational studies had a moderate to high risk of bias, while over half of experimental studies were rated as low risk. Conclusions: Although limited by volume and poor methodological quality, existing evidence suggests that healthy diets may be protective against depressive symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women, while unhealthy diets may increase risk. High-quality cohort studies and clinical trials are needed to guide future research and inform professionals working at the intersection of nutrition, psychiatry, and women’s health. Protocol registration: osf.io/b89r6. Full article