Dietetics

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a cornerstone in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), with patients’ Nutrition Literacy (NL) playing a potential role in their dietary choices. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between NL and MD adherence in 81 patients with T2DM from two Greek hospitals. Participants completed the NLS-GR questionnaire to assess NL and the 14-MEDAS for MD adherence, while socio-demographic and clinical data, including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), BMI, and disease duration, were obtained through researcher-conducted interviews and medical records. Median HbA1c was 6.9%, duration of T2DM was 13 years, and BMI 26.9 kg/m². A total of 71.6% had moderate MD adherence (median 14-MEDAS: 7), and 96.3% had adequate NL (median NLS-GR: 23). HbA1c showed a weak negative correlation (r = −0.238, p = 0.033) with the 14-MEDAS. Median duration of DM showed a low negative correlation with NL (NLS-GR: r = −0.323, p = 0.003). No statistically significant correlation was found between 14-MEDAS and NLS-GR (r = 0.032, p = 0.775). Although MD adherence was correlated with HbA1c, neither MD adherence nor nutrition literacy were independent predictors after adjustment for confounding factors. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the extent to which NL can influence adherence to a specific dietary pattern.

Background: Dysphagia is a medically complex condition that often necessitates modified food textures to ensure safe swallowing. As smoothies continue to grow in popularity, developing nutritionally balanced recipes that meet the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Level 3 guidelines may offer practical, appealing options for caregivers and individuals managing dysphagia. Standardized recipes can potentially also support consistency in preparation. Purpose: The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate palatable smoothie recipes that meet the IDDSI Level 3 consistency guidelines. Method: In this descriptive pilot study, using a pre-test/post-test design, 32 preprofessional students evaluated three smoothies prepared in a laboratory setting. Both fresh and frozen ingredients were used, and each smoothie was tested for IDDSI Level 3 consistency using the IDDSI funnel. Participants rated the smoothies on color, aroma, texture, flavor, appearance, palatability, and overall acceptability using a five-point Likert scale. Results: The results varied across evaluation criteria. Texture and color were the most influential factors in participants’ assessments. The strong impact of texture was an unexpected finding, as all smoothies met Level 3 standards according to the IDDSI funnel. Conversely, the influence of color was expected, as visual presentation is known to significantly affect food perception and acceptance. Conclusions: Given their nutritional value and ease of preparation, smoothies can be a practical addition to modified diets. While IDDSI Level 3 appears to be an appropriate consistency for this purpose, further research may be needed to evaluate the reliability of the IDDSI funnel in ensuring consistent texture outcomes.

Micronutrient status is strongly influenced by dietary patterns; however, the extent to which plant-forward dietary patterns versus omnivorous diets shape micronutrient profiles and their associations with blood pressure, body composition, and cardiovascular health remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively assess associations between blood micronutrient profiles, blood pressure, and body composition in adults, with analyses stratified by dietary patterns to compare omnivorous and plant-forward dieters. Secondary cross-sectional analyses were conducted using data from an exploratory study of 488 Austrian adults (median age: 38 y [IQR 21]; 48% female, 52% male). Participants were classified as omnivores (n = 260) or plant-forward dieters (including 194 flexitarians, 25 vegetarians, and 9 vegans; n = 228). Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were obtained alongside fasting venous blood sample analysis to quantify a comprehensive panel of micronutrient, hematological, lipid, and inflammatory biomarkers. Micronutrient concentrations were standardized (scaled −1 to +1, truncated ±3) and evaluated for deficiency or excess according to sex-specific reference ranges. Linear regression was used to analyze the association of micronutrients with BMI, including age and sex as covariates. Vitamin D showed the highest micronutrient deficiency, observed in 96% of omnivores and 93% of plant-forward dieters. Across both dietary subgroups, multiple micronutrients, together with age and sex, were significant correlates of body weight, body mass index, and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Significant differences between omnivores and plant-forward dieters were observed for blood pressure, lipid, hematological, and inflammatory markers, with participants adhering to plant-forward dietary habits exhibiting lower blood pressure and more favorable lipid profiles (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the potential of diet-type-specific strategies for personalized cardiometabolic risk management.