Dietetics

Nutrition has been recognized as a major contributor to health and well-being. However, the association between nutritional status and cardiometabolic health across different stages of adulthood is not yet well understood. This cross-sectional study examined the association between health and micronutrient status among young and older Austrian adults. Specifically, the study investigated how blood micronutrients, blood lipid measures, and body composition are interrelated. A total of 488 adults who fulfilled the study criteria were categorized into young adults (n = 380; aged 20–49 years; 48% female) and older adults (n = 108; aged 50–64 years; 45% female). Blood analyses were performed to assess blood micronutrient levels and serum concentrations of a wide range of cardiometabolic health biomarkers, including blood lipids. Micronutrient deficiencies and excesses were determined using sex-based reference ranges. Significant differences were found between younger and older adults for 16 out of the 28 blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health using group comparison tests (p < 0.05). There were significant age-based differences in the levels of magnesium, copper, zinc, molybdenum and vitamin D, but only copper and molybdenum deficiency/excess differed significantly between age groups (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that several micronutrients and demographic factors were associated with body weight, body mass index, and blood lipids (p < 0.05), with variation in associations observed between younger and older adults. These findings highlight that age-related differences in specific micronutrients, as well as their associations with blood lipids and body composition, should be considered when developing targeted nutritional and cardiometabolic health interventions for adults.

The Olea europaea L., commonly known as the European olive, has been recognized for centuries as one of the most valuable species among useful plants. In contemporary applications, the olive tree provides a wide array of raw materials utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Extracts derived from the leaves, bark, and fruits of O. europaea have also gained significant relevance in dermatological and cosmetic formulations. The aim of this paper was to review scientific studies published between 2019 and 2025 concerning the application of olive oil and other derivatives of the European olive in the care of skin, hair, and nails. The analysis underscores the role of olive-derived bioactives in wound healing, stretch mark management, and skin regeneration, highlighting compounds such as oleocanthal and oleuropein in hydration, elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and photoprotection relevant to skin aging. The evidence for olive oil in hair and nail care mainly highlights their moisturizing and strengthening effects, though studies remain limited. O. europaea derivatives show a favorable safety profile with low allergenic potential, and their availability and minimal sensitization risk support use in home cosmetics. The importance of the European olive and its products is expected to grow in the coming years. However, the availability of technologies for processing waste materials obtained from this plant, as well as the associated technological costs, remain significant limitations.

This study examined the efficacy of pediatric Produce Prescription Programs (PPP) on food security status, dietary intake, and health outcomes among children, and aimed to determine the optimal prescription dosage and exposure duration required to promote beneficial outcomes. A systematic review of studies published within the past 10 years, reporting on discrete food security status, dietary quality, and health outcomes among children was conducted. Studies not reporting child-specific data or not published in the English language were excluded. Three databases were searched (PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and EBSCO), data was narratively compiled, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment was employed to assess risk of bias. Prescription monetary amounts (dosages) were standardized, facilitating comparison between programs and outcomes. Nine studies (n = 3808 at-risk children) conducted at 52 sites were retrieved. Program protocols varied. Participation improved food security and fruit/vegetable intake; some beneficial changes were similar regardless of produce dosage and exposure. Data suggest conjecturally that a minimum dosage of $70/month adjusted for locality, cost-of-living and implementation year and exposure of ≥6 months might promote achievement of FV recommended guidelines. The value of educational components emerged in the studies. The findings of this study are limited by the high risk of bias embedded in the included interventions, as well as high heterogeneity amongst the programs. More research on program designs, the impact of PPPs on health outcomes, and cost-benefit analyses are warranted. Rigorous study designs are needed to assess the health impacts and long-term efficacy of pediatric PPPs.