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Addressing the Health Impacts of Dietary Exposure: Enhancing Public Health Through Dietary Literacy and Experimental Methodologies

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Policies and Education for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 June 2026 | Viewed by 3843

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Valeria Bellisario

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Interests: nutrition; health impact; public health; health literacy; innovative methodologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the impact of dietary exposure on human health has raised significant concerns. Potential harmful effects can derive from different sources, ranging from traditional ones, such as the bioaccumulation of pesticides/metals in the food chain, to newer risks, such as industrially manufactured additives, which are typically found in ultra-processed foods, micro- and nanoplastics from food packaging, and PFAS, which are currently a point of concern in society.

From a public health perspective, having an informed population regarding food choices is crucial for reducing these risks. In this context, dietary literacy plays a fundamental role. Individuals with higher dietary literacy are better equipped to understand the content of their food, and make safer and healthier food choices.

This Special Issue aims to deepen our understanding of the potential risks related to dietary exposure such as inflammation or oxidative imbalance, and will include research on new and innovative methodologies to elucidate those exposures. Additionally, it will highlight strategies for preventing and mitigating the risks posed by harmful diets to protect health. An important aspect will also be the exploration of population knowledge concerning dietary topics, to emphasize the importance of improving dietary literacy to reduce health risks associated with diet.

Dr. Valeria Bellisario
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • health outcomes
  • dietary exposure
  • public health
  • nutrition literacy
  • inflammation and oxidative stress

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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19 pages, 1567 KB  
Article
Changes in Body Weight Perception, Lifestyle Habits, and Health Awareness in Croatia: A Comparative Population Survey (2022–2024)
by Sanda Marusic, Radenka Munjas Samarin, Vjekoslav Cigrovski, Silvija Canecki Varzic, Ines Bilic-Curcic, Lana Ruzic and Maja Cigrovski Berkovic
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010011 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Background: Croatia has the highest prevalence of obesity among European Union member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours related to body weight is essential for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies. [...] Read more.
Background: Croatia has the highest prevalence of obesity among European Union member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours related to body weight is essential for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Objective: This study compared Croatian adults’ satisfaction with body weight, physical fitness, and dietary habits in 2022 and 2024, exploring potential behavioural changes following national awareness campaigns and the introduction of new anti-obesity measures. Methods: Data were collected via computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI) from representative national samples of adults aged 18 years and older (N = 798; 398 in 2022, 400 in 2024). Analyses used descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables, and independent t-tests for continuous variables. Results: In both years, fewer than half of respondents were satisfied with their body weight or physical fitness. Obesity prevalence rose slightly among men (from 18.9% to 25.4%), while rates among women remained stable. Although 93% of women and 78% of men were aware of BMI, only 21% knew their exact value. Individuals with obesity were significantly more dissatisfied with their body shape (p < 0.001). One-third reported dieting within the past six months, and only one in ten sought medical advice for weight management. Lack of time and the high cost of healthy foods were the most frequently cited barriers to healthier lifestyles. Conclusions: Body weight satisfaction and lifestyle habits among Croatian adults remain suboptimal. Targeted, gender-sensitive, and web-based interventions are needed to promote awareness, improve self-perception accuracy, and enhance obesity prevention efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing the Health Impacts of Dietary Exposure: Enhancing Public Health Through Dietary Literacy and Experimental Methodologies)
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13 pages, 647 KB  
Article
Nutrition Literacy Among University Students in Beijing: Status, Determinants, and Implications
by Wenpeng Li, Bohao Yang, Jianrui Zhai, Jiahui Li, Lunrongyi Tian and Meihong Xu
Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233748 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 646
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing the Health Impacts of Dietary Exposure: Enhancing Public Health Through Dietary Literacy and Experimental Methodologies)
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15 pages, 611 KB  
Article
Targeted Outreach by an Insurance Company Improved Dietary Habits and Urine Sodium/Potassium Ratios Among High-Risk Individuals with Lifestyle-Related Diseases
by Sunao Tanaka, Junji Fukui, Akira Otsu, Shintaro Yokoyama, Tsukasa Tanaka, Kaori Sawada, Shigeyuki Nakaji, Yoshinori Tamada, Koichi Murashita and Tatsuya Mikami
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132152 - 27 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: The urine sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio can potentially be used to detect dietary habits that contribute to hypertension. In this prospective cohort interventional trial, we aimed to verify whether private insurance sales staff can help clients change their lifestyle habits based on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The urine sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio can potentially be used to detect dietary habits that contribute to hypertension. In this prospective cohort interventional trial, we aimed to verify whether private insurance sales staff can help clients change their lifestyle habits based on their urinalysis results. Methods: Clients of the life insurance company (20–65 years old) who were considered to have “high risk” lifestyle factors, which was defined as having high values for two or more of the following indicators: body mass index, blood pressure, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and glucose metabolism, were included. The clients were randomly assigned to three groups: a face-to-face (FF) intervention by sales staff (n = 83), non-FF (Non-FF) intervention via a social networking service (n = 87), and no intervention (Control) (n = 58). Urinalysis and surveys about diet and exercise habits were conducted before and after a 3-month interventional period in all groups. Three interventions were performed for the FF and Non-FF groups, including dietary advice based on urinalysis results, education encouraging reduced salt intake and increased locomotor activity, and viewing an educational video. The Control group only received their urinalysis results by mail. Results: The participants’ mean age was 44.0 years old. Significant improvements in estimated potassium intake were observed in the Non-FF group, and significant reductions in urine Na/K ratios were noted in both the FF and Non-FF groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that watching the video was the most effective factor for decreasing the urine Na/K ratio (odds ratio = 1.869). The total points for dietary behavior, based on the questionnaire, significantly improved among the individuals who watched the video. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential for private health insurance companies to contribute to health promotion and introduces a novel strategy for improving lifestyle habits among individuals at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing the Health Impacts of Dietary Exposure: Enhancing Public Health Through Dietary Literacy and Experimental Methodologies)
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11 pages, 517 KB  
Article
Food Literacy as an Instrument for Health Promotion Among Hospital Workers: The “ABCibi Project”
by Samar El Sherbiny, Valeria Bellisario, Elena Lenta, Giacomo Scaioli, Giulia Squillacioti, Anna Rovera, Patrizia Lemma, Cloè Dalla Costa and Roberto Bono
Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091515 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 860
Abstract
Background: Health literacy (HL) promotes the achievement of skills and information useful to endorse health. Food Literacy (FL) is a subtype of HL related to the knowledge necessary to achieve a healthy diet. Methods: This pilot study aimed to assess and [...] Read more.
Background: Health literacy (HL) promotes the achievement of skills and information useful to endorse health. Food Literacy (FL) is a subtype of HL related to the knowledge necessary to achieve a healthy diet. Methods: This pilot study aimed to assess and improve FL of hospital workers through a survey before and after an educational intervention consisting of nutrition courses, infographics, and updates to the canteen service. FL was evaluated with a questionnaire, and Kruskal–Wallis, Friedman and Wilcoxon test was performed to assess group differences. Results: Of 897 participants, 375 (T1) completed both surveys, while 522 completed only T0. A pairwise comparison stratified by role, age and education revealed a significant improvement in FL scores in the T1 group. Improvements were observed in the T1 group, with overall scores rising from 6.2 ± 2.7 to 6.9 ± 2.1 (p-value < 0.001). An upgrade was noted in healthcare workers (T0 = 6.5 ± 2.2 vs. T1 = 7 ± 2, p-value < 0.001), administrative workers (T0 = 5.5 ± 2.5 vs. T1 = 6.2 ± 2.4, p-value = 0.008), all age groups (T0 = 6.3 ± 2.4 vs. T1 = 6.8 ± 2, p-value = 0.03, T0 = 6.2 ± 2.3 vs. T1 = 6.7 ± 2.2, p-value = 0.02, T0 = 6.2 ± 2.3 vs. T1 = 7 ± 2, p-value = 0.003), low and high education (T0 = 5.7 ± 2.3 vs. T1 = 6.6 ± 2.1, p-value < 0.001, T0 = 6.6 ± 2.3 vs. T1 = 7.1 ± 2 p-value = 0.03). Conclusions: Our survey highlights the efficacy of a multifactorial intervention in enhancing FL and proves the importance of food health promotion within workplaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing the Health Impacts of Dietary Exposure: Enhancing Public Health Through Dietary Literacy and Experimental Methodologies)
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14 pages, 383 KB  
Protocol
NutriWomen, Novel Evidence-Based Web Platform to Support Women’s Health, Nutrition Decisions and Address Nutrition Misinformation on Social Media: Protocol for a Digital Tool Development
by Mireia Bosch Pujadas, Andreu Prados-Bo, Alessandra Wagner, Bradley C. Johnston, Andreu Farran-Codina and Montserrat Rabassa
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010020 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
Background: Social media, especially Instagram, spreads nutrition-related information that often lacks scientific rigor. Many women report feeling inadequately informed about women’s health by healthcare professionals, turning to social media, increasing exposure to misinformation. Objectives: The NutriWomen platform aims to assess the [...] Read more.
Background: Social media, especially Instagram, spreads nutrition-related information that often lacks scientific rigor. Many women report feeling inadequately informed about women’s health by healthcare professionals, turning to social media, increasing exposure to misinformation. Objectives: The NutriWomen platform aims to assess the quality, methodological soundness, and credibility of nutritional health claims and dietary recommendations on Instagram targeting women across different life stages. Its goal is to develop a systematic and scientifically grounded evaluation framework to assess Instagram nutrition-related claims and the methodological quality and interpretability of their supporting evidence, and to translate the results into accessible outputs that help women make informed nutrition decisions across life stages. Methods: This study follows a five-stage design Stage 1 involves a retrospective content analysis of Instagram posts containing nutrition-related claims targeted at women, identified through the “Top posts” function and screened using predefined criteria. Stage 2 assesses information quality using a validated 14-item tool. Stage 3 evaluates the scientific accuracy of claims by formulating PI(E)CO(TS) questions, selecting key outcomes, retrieving evidence from PubMed and the Cochrane Database, and appraising systematic reviews with a modified AMSTAR-2 tool incorporating GRADE ratings, when available. Stage 4 develops the NutriWomen website platform to translate assessments into accessible visual summaries. Stage 5 conducts a mixed-methods study with peri-, meno-, and postmenopausal women to explore information needs and evaluate platform usability through focus groups. Conclusions: The NutriWomen platform will be the first website to systematically publish the results of evaluations assessing the scientific quality of nutritional health claims on Instagram targeted at women across different life stages. It will provide a replicable methodology, and a digital tool designed to empower women with trustworthy nutrition information, with the potential to enhance health literacy and promote better health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing the Health Impacts of Dietary Exposure: Enhancing Public Health Through Dietary Literacy and Experimental Methodologies)
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