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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition in Women".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 February 2025) | Viewed by 19916

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Dr. Pasquapina Ciarmela

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Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
Interests: nutrition in women; reproductive medicine; obstetric delivery; reproductive biology; fetal growth restriction; prenatal diagnosis; screening; RNA; immunohistochemistry; gene expression; cells
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nearly 25 centuries ago, Hippocrates proclaimed, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”. In the last decade, the importance of diet and the determinants of eating behavior have been re-evaluated.

In this scenario, women's health can be influenced by complex factors linked to specific conditions, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause. The influence on meal times, the quantity of food consumed, food preferences, and food selection is therefore very complex in women.

This Special Issue aims to compile the most recent knowledge regarding the influence of eating behavior on women's health to offer valuable insight into gender medicine.

Contributions regarding menopause management, as well as reproductive dysfunction and obstetric outcomes, are also welcome.

Dr. Pasquapina Ciarmela
Guest Editor

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Keywords

diet
eating behavior
female
menopause
pregnancy
fertile age

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Eating for Shift-Work-Registered Nurses in Hong Kong Public Hospitals: An Exploratory Multi-Method Study

by Pui-Lam Ling, Zhi-Yang Lai, Hui-Lin Cheng and Ka-Hei Lo

Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071162 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 517

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Shift work has profound effects on the health and dietary habits of registered nurses, especially in Hong Kong, where cultural and systematic barriers can pose a challenge. This study investigated the dietary habits of shift-working nurses in public hospitals, identifying barriers and facilitators to healthy eating using a mixed-methods approach. Methods: Nine subjects (five females and four males: mean = 35.6, SD = 8.4 yrs) filled out a validated food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day dietary record followed by photovoice and semi-structured interview. Results: The findings indicated that all participants reported insufficient dietary fiber intake and eight out of nine exceeded sodium intake recommendations. The key barriers included emotional eating triggered by work stress, inconsistent schedules, limited availability of nutritious foods, and workplace social dynamics. The facilitators included workplace support, positive peer influence, and family involvement in meal planning. Conclusions: This paper focuses on the necessity for health care institutions to create and implement nutritional instructions specific to shift workers, maintain appropriate meal breaks, and build a positive work environment. These interventions may be used to enhance nurses’ eating habits and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

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10 pages, 2079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Porcine Placental Extract Improves the Lipid Profile and Body Weight in a Post-Menopausal Rat Model Without Affecting Reproductive Tissues

by Tugsjargal Purevdorj, Moeka Arata, Mari Nii, Shota Yamamoto, Hiroki Noguchi, Asuka Takeda, Hidenori Aoki, Hiroaki Inui, Tomohiro Kagawa, Riyo Kinouchi, Yuri Yamamoto, Kanako Yoshida and Takeshi Iwasa

Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17060984 - 11 Mar 2025

Viewed by 844

Abstract

Introduction: What if porcine placental extract (PPE) could combat post-menopausal weight gain and lipid imbalances without the side effects of traditional hormone treatments? The menopause marks a critical shift in women’s health, with declining estrogen levels driving increased risks of obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. While hormone replacement therapy remains a common intervention, concerns over its long-term safety have intensified the search for safer alternatives. Objectives: This study aims to explore the metabolic effects of porcine placental extract (PPE) by using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model to mimic the hormonal landscape of the menopause. Methods: Twenty OVX Wistar rats were assigned to either a control group receiving phosphate-buffered saline or a PPE-treated group given intraperitoneal PPE injections for two weeks. Results: Remarkably, the PPE-treated rats showed significantly lower body weights than the controls. Biochemical analysis revealed that the PPE-treated rats had improved lipid profiles, involving lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Histological examinations of the PPE-treated rats showed no adverse changes in the uterus or mammary glands. Conclusions: These results highlight PPE’s potential as a non-hormonal, tissue-safe intervention for combating weight gain and lipid imbalances in post-menopausal conditions. By promoting lipolysis without impacting reproductive health or muscle mass, PPE opens the door to new possibilities for managing post-menopausal metabolic health. However, further research is needed to determine its long-term efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

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13 pages, 2313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 Improves Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms by Regulating Sex Hormones and Inflammatory Cytokines in a Mouse Model of Metoclopramide-Induced Hyperprolactinemia

by Hyeon-Ji Kim, Ji-Woong Jeong, Joo-Yun Kim, Jae-Jung Shim and Jae-Hwan Lee

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3889; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223889 - 14 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1228

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a clinical condition that manifests in the form of various physical and psychological symptoms, occurs periodically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and reduces quality of life. Methods: Here, we conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 (HY7801) on PMS symptoms. Results: Data from the in vitro experiments showed that HY7801 inhibits prolactin secretion by estradiol-induced GH3 cells, as well as the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. Additionally, the oral administration of HY7801 (10⁹ colony-forming units/kg/day) to mice with metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia reduced uterine tissue mass and endometrial thickness, both of which were increased excessively in the presence of prolactin. HY7801 also regulated the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and prostaglandin E1/E2, as well as recovering the progesterone/estradiol ratio. HY7801 also downregulated the serum levels of prolactin and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (Il)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf), and IL-1β. Finally, HY7801 reduced the expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines (i.e., Tnf and Il-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mice with hyperprolactinemia. Conclusion: In summary, HY7801 may be a functional bacterium that alleviates PMS symptoms by modulating hormones and inflammatory markers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

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12 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Preference for Intuition and Deliberation in Eating Decision-Making Scale among Brazilian Adult Women

by Thainá Richelli Oliveira Resende, Edilene Márcia de Sousa, Marle dos Santos Alvarenga, Mariana Cristina Palermo Ferreira, Larissa Stefhanne Damasceno de Amorim Póvoa, Leandro Henrique Pereira Galvane, Cleidiel Aparecido Araujo Lemos, António Raposo, Ariana Saraiva, Conrado Carrascosa, Hmidan A. Alturki and Pedro Henrique Berbert de Carvalho

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3252; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193252 - 26 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1225

Abstract

The Preference for Intuition and Deliberation in Food Decision-Making Scale (E-PID) was developed to evaluate both intuitive and deliberative food decision-making within a single instrument. However, its psychometric properties have only been assessed among German-speaking participants. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate evidence of validity and reliability of the E-PID among 604 Brazilian adult women. Exploratory (n = 289) and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 315) were conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the E-PID. Convergent validity was assessed correlating the E-PID with measures of eating behaviors (Tree-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18), intuitive eating (Intuitive Eating Scale-2), and a measure of beliefs and attitudes towards food (Food-Life Questionnaire-SF). McDonald’s Omega coefficient (ω) was used to test the internal consistency of the E-PID. Results from an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure with seven items. We found good internal consistency (McDonald’s ω = 0.77–0.81). Furthermore, the E-PID demonstrated adequate convergent validity with measures of intuitive, restrictive, emotional and uncontrolled eating, and beliefs and attitudes towards food. Results support the use of the E-PID as a measure of intuition and deliberation in food decision-making among Brazilian adult women, expanding the literature on eating decision-making styles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

13 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Binge Eating Behavior, Body Shape Concerns, and Associated Factors among Female Adolescents of Northern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Ahmed M. Alhuwaydi, Ayidh Muflih Alqahtani, Razan Saud Alsadun, Ohud Saud Alruwaili, Ashokkumar Thirunavukkarasu, Doaa Mazen Abdel-Salam, Yousef Salman A. Alanazi, Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmoud Al-Huwaidi and Rakan Mohammed Ahmed Alhuwaydi

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3082; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183082 - 13 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6394

Abstract

Globally, binge eating behavior has emerged as a significant public health concern, especially among female adolescents. Body shape concerns in female adolescents can lead to body dissatisfaction and other mental health issues. Using a cross-sectional study design, we evaluated the frequency of binge eating behavior, body shape concerns, and associated factors among 400 female adolescents. We utilized a pretested Arabic binge eating scale (BES) and a body shape questionnaire—shorter version (BSQ-8C) to collect the required data. We performed Spearman’s correlation analysis to find the strength and direction of the correlation between the BES and BSQ-8C scores. Finally, we applied binomial logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors of body shape concerns. Of the studied participants, 5.5% and 6.2% had medium and severe binge eating behavior. We found a significant positive correlation between the BES and BSQ-8C scores (rho = 0.434, p < 0.001). Also, we found that body shape concerns were significantly higher among the monthly family income category of 5000 to 7000 SAR (p = 0.005), the severe binge eating categories (p = 0.009), and obese adolescents (p = 0.001). The present study results can be applied to the development of focused interventions and strategies to address these concerns in this group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

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22 pages, 1160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Diet Quality Based on Selected Dietary Quality Indices and Consumption of Specific Food Items of Midwives Working on a Shift Schedule in Wroclaw, Poland

by Katarzyna Daria Gołąbek, Anna Chmielewska, Ewa Karoluk, Krzysztof Kujawa and Bożena Regulska-Ilow

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2409; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152409 - 25 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1659

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of diets among midwives working in a shift system and to analyze variations in their dietary habits according to their working hours. In a group of fifty midwives employed in four public hospitals in Wrocław, the HDI-2015, HEI-2015, AHEI-2010, and Mellen’s DASH diet index were calculated. The significance of differences in terms of the prevalence of selected dietary habits, meal frequency, average content of selected food items, and the percentage of energy obtained from them was assessed. Over half of the diets of the participants exhibited low adherence to the selected dietary indices. Only the scores on Mellen’s DASH diet index were significantly associated with other components of the diet. Diets scoring ≥ 4.5 points were characterized by significantly lower processed meat content, meal frequency, and energy value, as well as lower sugar content and lower dietary energy value, compared to diets scoring < 4.5 points. Regardless of their working hours, the diets of midwives are characterized by low quality. Therefore, it appears essential to introduce targeted educational programs and provide guidance on appropriate dietary models, such as the DASH diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

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16 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Adherence to the Saudi Healthy Plate Dietary Guidelines Associated with Eating Concerns Symptoms among Saudi Young Females?

by Mona Mohammed Al-Bisher and Hala Hazam Al-Otaibi

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1931; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121931 - 18 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1764

Abstract

Background: Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) offer broad recommendations based on scientific evidence, focusing on food groups rather than nutrients that should be included in the diet. Emerging adulthood (18–30 years) is a critical period for poor dietary quality and mental health. Eating habits (EHs) are formed early in life and are influenced by various factors, such as emotional state, which can lead to either binge or restricted eating, ultimately increasing the risk of eating disorders (EDs). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the extent of adherence to the Saudi Healthy Plate Dietary Guidelines (SHPDGs) and its potential association with Eating Concerns (ECs) among Saudi females (aged 18–30 years) from all provinces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A validated online questionnaire was used to assess eating behaviors (EBs) using the Starting The Conversation (STC) instrument and EC symptoms using the Eating Disorders Screen for Primary Care (ESP) screening tool. Results: The total sample size was 1092 participants with a mean age of 23.02 ± 3.47. Only 0.7% of the participants adhered to the SHPDGs and were free of EC symptoms. Conversely, 50.4% of participants who exhibited EC symptoms had poor adherence to the SHPDGs. Across Saudi Arabian provinces, high adherence to the SHPDGs was more prominent in both the Eastern and Western provinces (37.5%) than in the Central and Southern provinces (0%). The most striking result was that the Central province exhibited a high percentage of poor adherence to the SHPDGs (25.6%). Moreover, high adherence to SHPDGs was not associated with the probability of ECs. Conclusions: The present study revealed a trend of poor adherence to SHPDGs among Saudi females, with a large proportion also experiencing EC symptoms. Accordingly, the authors recommend increasing awareness within the Saudi community about SHPDGs using educational campaigns on social media platforms to enhance the importance of adopting a healthy diet, especially among females, and demonstrate that the impact on their health and well-being is that they are experiencing multiple phases that involve pregnancy and giving birth involves specific nutritional requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

15 pages, 920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Other Risk Factors in Women with a History of Urinary Tract Infections

by Florina Ruța, Mirela Pribac, Elena Mardale, Sara Suciu, Raluca Maior, Simona Bogdan and Călin Avram

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111753 - 3 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2402

Abstract

(1) Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among otherwise healthy women represent a problem that requires additional understanding and approaches. Evidencing the link between dysbiosis and UTIs and the associated potential risk factors could lead to therapeutic approaches with increased efficiency under the conditions of reducing the risks associated with antibiotic treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dysbiosis and other potential risk factors in women with a history of urinary tract infections; (2) Methods: Fecal dysbiosis tests were performed comparatively in two groups of women. The first group in-cluded women with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) who had either two or more symp-tomatic episodes of UTI in the previous six months. The second group included women with spo-radic UTIs who did not have >1 UTI during a 12-month period and who did not have another UTI in the last 12 months; (3) Results: An association was shown between intestinal dysbiosis and recurrences of urinary tract infections. Increased body weight was associated with intestinal dysbiosis. Also, the lack of knowledge regarding the risk of using antibiotics and the benefits of probiotics was associated with both dysbiosis and recurrences of urinary tract infections; (4) Conclusions: Dysbiosis can have an impact on the recurrence of urinary tract infections. The risk factors for rUTI and dysbiosis in the sphere of lifestyle are potentially controllable, broadening the perspective for new approaches and changing the paradigm in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behavior and Women's Health)

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Review

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14 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessReview

Depression and Obesity—Do We Know Everything about It? A Narrative Review

by Jan Dębski, Józef Przybyłowski, Klaudia Skibiak, Maria Czerwińska, Maciej Walędziak and Anna Różańska-Walędziak

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3383; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193383 - 4 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2769

Abstract

Introduction: Due to similarities in their pathophysiology and common psychological background, depressive disorders and obesity often occur simultaneously. The treatment of obesity can reduce the symptoms of comorbid depression and, conversely, treating depression can improve weight reduction outcomes. Purpose of this study: This review aimed to analyze the available literature on the subject of various methods of treating obesity and comorbid depression and to demonstrate the mutual correlation between the therapy of depressive disorders and the therapy of obesity. Method: The Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched for original articles on the subject of simultaneous depression and obesity that had been published between 2014 and 2024, using the key words “depression”, “depressive symptoms”, “obesity”, and “behavioral therapy”. Results and conclusions: The successful treatment of depression can help in treating obesity, especially in motivating patients to adjust their lifestyle by changing dietary habits and increasing their physical activity, which contribute to both changes in body mass index scores and reductions in depressive symptoms. Changes in self-perception, reduced daily stress, and dietary changes, as well as increased physical activity, contribute to both weight loss and the reduction of depressive symptoms. Depression and obesity should be treated as one two-dimensional disorder to achieve better long-term treatment results. Full article

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