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Nutrients
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Food Insecurity, Nutritional Status, and Human Health
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Food Insecurity, Nutritional Status, and Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2025) | Viewed by 3386

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Amanda Grech

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Interests: nutrition; epidemiology and public health; nutritional epidemiology; disease prevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global food system provides enough food to feed the entire population, but many face food insecurity. Food insecurity can be defined as hunger caused by insufficient intake of dietary energy, and, when sustained over the long term, can lead to malnutrition. It can also be defined as the lack of regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and the lack of an active and healthy life (FAO, 2022). Malnutrition can manifest as both wasting and stunting or overweight and obesity. In 2022, it was estimated that between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger, which is an escalation of 122 million people compared to 2019. A further 2.4 billion people endured moderate or severe food insecurity, and 900 million people experienced severe food insecurity. An estimated 3.1 billion people could not afford a healthy diet (FAO, 2023). Food insecurity is associated with premature mortality not only in low- and middle-income countries, but also in high-income countries. Although this is thought to be mediated through diet quality, more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and socio-demographic factors such as gender and ethnicity that mediate the impact of food insecurity on health.

This Special Issue aims to further examine the complex interplay between food insecurity, diet quality, and health. The presented materials are the result of international scientific cooperation amongst experts specializing in these issues. The content may be useful for clinical practitioners, future government policies, and in engaging innovative research to improve the diet quality of those experiencing food insecurity.

Dr. Amanda Grech
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • obesity
  • overweight
  • micronutrients
  • macronutrients
  • wasting
  • stunting
  • food insecurity
  • health
  • diet quality
  • non-communicable disease

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 667 KiB  
Article
Acute Malnutrition in Under-Five Children in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Risk Factors and Implications for Dietary Quality
by Meshack Mzamani Mathosi, Lindiwe Priscilla Cele, Mmampedi Mathibe and Perpetua Modjadji
Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122038 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 52
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite ongoing national interventions, pockets of acute malnutrition persist in rural settings of South Africa, contributing to disproportionate rates of child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-five children attending primary healthcare facilities [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Despite ongoing national interventions, pockets of acute malnutrition persist in rural settings of South Africa, contributing to disproportionate rates of child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-five children attending primary healthcare facilities in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal Province, with a specific focus on dietary diversity and selected infant and young child feeding indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional, facility-based study was conducted among 415 mother–child pairs attending five randomly selected PHC facilities in the Msinga sub-district. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling design from a sampling frame of 18,797 under-five children. Of the 551 mother–child pairs approached; the final analytic sample comprised 415 observations. Data were collected through structured interviews, anthropometric assessments, and dietary diversity scores (DDS). Data were analyzed using Stata 18, and Poisson regression was applied to identify risk factors. Results: The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 29% based on weight-for-height/length z-scores (WHZ/WLZ) and 27% based on mid–upper-arm circumference z-scores (MUACZ). Children aged ≥36 months had significantly higher prevalence of acute malnutrition (aPR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.15–2.10). Children from households with five or more members had reduced risk (aPR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.74), and those born full-term showed a strong protective association (aPR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.64). Maternal age was associated with reduced risk, with children of mothers aged 25–34 years (aPR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48–0.93) and ≥35 years (aPR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35–0.84) experiencing significantly lower prevalence. Mixed feeding was significantly associated with reduced risk (aPR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.55–1.17), while a DDS ≥4 was protective (aPR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.04–0.84). Consumption of protein-rich foods was notably low, with only 21% consuming flesh foods and 10% consuming eggs. Conclusions: Acute malnutrition in under-five children was significantly associated with poor diet quality, older age, low household income, and mixed feeding practices. Protective factors included full-term pregnancy, larger households, older maternal age, and adequate dietary diversity, highlighting the importance of targeted, multisectoral interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity, Nutritional Status, and Human Health)
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16 pages, 679 KiB  
Article
Socioeconomic Patterning of Stunting and Overweight Among Iranian Children Aged 2–5 Years: A National Cross-Sectional Analysis
by Maryam Sadat Kasaii, Sara Rodrigues, Morteza Abdollahi, Anahita Houshiar-Rad and Julian Perelman
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101631 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Evidence indicates a high prevalence of stunting and overweight among Iranian children. This study explores their socioeconomic patterning and the mediating role of nutrition adequacy. Methods: The data were derived from the most recent 2017 Demography and Health Survey and the Multiple [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Evidence indicates a high prevalence of stunting and overweight among Iranian children. This study explores their socioeconomic patterning and the mediating role of nutrition adequacy. Methods: The data were derived from the most recent 2017 Demography and Health Survey and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which were conducted in Iran. Children aged between 2 and 5 years were selected for the study through a two-stage random sampling process (n = 11,147). The probability of stunting and overweight was modeled using logistic regression. Parental education, occupation, and living conditions (areas, rooms, and assets of the household) were explanatory variables, with the diet diversity score (DDS) as a mediator. Analyses were adjusted for age and sex. Results: Children had over 1.7 times higher odds of stunting with a primary-educated father [95% CI: 1.13–2.62] and twice the odds with an illiterate mother [95% CI: 1.30–3.30]. The risk of stunting was almost 1.5 higher in children living in smaller houses [95% CI: 1.12–2.04]. Finally, a significant association was observed between low asset ownership and stunting [OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.23–3.27]. The results showed no significant relationship between socioeconomic factors and children’s overweight, indicating that overweight was less socially patterned. Higher DDS was associated with lower stunting and higher overweight prevalence but did not mediate the effects of socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Stunting disproportionately affects children from households with a lower socioeconomic background in Iran. Parental education, area, and assets were key factors, highlighting the need for targeted nutrition education programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity, Nutritional Status, and Human Health)
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14 pages, 287 KiB  
Article
Breastfeeding Duration, Diet, and Sports Engagement in Immigrant Children: A Quantitative Study in the Lisbon Region, Portugal
by Zélia Muggli, Regina Loesch, Iolanda Alves, Iliete Ramos and Maria Rosario O. Martins
Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081350 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 627
Abstract
Background: Being breastfed, following a healthy diet and staying active during childhood shape health trajectories across the life course, promoting long-term well-being. Despite the growing immigrant child population in Portugal, evidence on these behaviours, particularly among preschool-aged children, remains limited. In this context, [...] Read more.
Background: Being breastfed, following a healthy diet and staying active during childhood shape health trajectories across the life course, promoting long-term well-being. Despite the growing immigrant child population in Portugal, evidence on these behaviours, particularly among preschool-aged children, remains limited. In this context, this study examines the associations between migrant status and breastfeeding patterns, fruit and vegetable consumption, and participation in sports among children living in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Methods: A cross-sectional study nested within a cross-sequential cohort was carried out in the Lisbon region between May 2022 and April 2024. Approximately 760 children (49.4% immigrants) born in 2018 and 2020 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview with parents, using a structured questionnaire with information on socioeconomic variables, migration history, breastfeeding habits, and children’s diet (fruit and vegetable consumption) and physical activity. We used parametric and non-parametric tests to compare migrant and non-migrant children. To quantify factors associated with the main outcomes, we estimated a logistic regression model and calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95%CI. Results: Immigrant children were disproportionately represented in socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Breastfeeding initiation rates were higher among immigrant mothers (96.3% vs. 87.6%, p < 0.001). Additionally, immigrant mothers had a longer median duration of any breastfeeding (14 vs. 8 months, p < 0.001) and of exclusive breastfeeding (6 vs. 4 months, p < 0.001). Immigrant children had significantly lower odds of consuming three or more portions of fruit (aOR = 0.700; 95%CI: 0.511–0.959; p = 0.027) and two or more portions of vegetables per day (aOR = 0.489; 95%CI: 0.350–0.684; p < 0.001) compared with non-immigrant children. They were also twice as likely to not engage in sports (aOR = 2.185; 95%CI: 1.512–3.158; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Breastfeeding was better implemented in immigrant children. The findings highlight the need to address social determinants of health and the challenges faced by immigrant families in promoting a balanced diet and sports participation for their children. Multisectoral, culturally appropriate interventions that sustain and promote good breastfeeding practices, improve access to healthy food, and encourage sports are crucial to reducing health inequalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity, Nutritional Status, and Human Health)
22 pages, 468 KiB  
Article
Food Insecurity Predictors Differ for White, Multicultural, and International College Students in the United States
by Abigail A. Glick, Donna M. Winham and Mack C. Shelley
Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020237 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1822
Abstract
Background: Higher education institutions and public health agencies in the United States (US) have recognized that food insecurity is pervasive and interferes with student learning on multiple levels. However, less research has examined food insecurity among culturally diverse college students. A cross-sectional online [...] Read more.
Background: Higher education institutions and public health agencies in the United States (US) have recognized that food insecurity is pervasive and interferes with student learning on multiple levels. However, less research has examined food insecurity among culturally diverse college students. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity for US-born White, US-born Multicultural, and International students aged 18–34 at a Midwest university. The secondary aims were to describe dietary and meal characteristics, and the use of food assistance programs, including the on-campus food pantry. Methods: In April 2022, 853 students completed the 10-item US Adult Food Security Module, and demographic, dietary fat intake, food attitude, food access barriers, and nutrition assistance program usage questions using a socio ecological model (SEM) framework. Results: Food security prevalence was 73.3% (54.7% high, 18.5% marginal) and food insecurity prevalence was 26.7% (14.4% low, 12.3% very low). Significantly more International (26.8%) and Multicultural (35.6%) students were classified as food-insecure compared to White students (19.9%; p < 0.001). Binomial and multinomial logistic regression models indicated that predictors of food insecurity were intrapersonal factors of race/ethnicity, poor self-reported health, being an undergraduate, and the community barriers of high food costs and limited transportation. Conclusions: Dietary characteristics differed more by nativity–ethnicity groups than they did by food security levels. Food cost emerged as a strong influence on food choice for the food-insecure students. International students utilized more nutrition assistance programs, including the on-campus food pantry, than other groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Insecurity, Nutritional Status, and Human Health)
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