Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Promotion of a Healthy Nutrition and an Active Lifestyle Across the Lifespan and in Different Settings

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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 6049

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Lucia Maria Lotrean

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Community Medicine, Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: health promotion across the lifespan; hygiene; nutrition education and policies, formal and informal education for health and well-being; community medicine; community engagement
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The promotion of a healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle acroos the lifespan is very important for appropriate growth and development as well as physical, mental, and social health and well-being. In order to achieve this, policies, measures, and programmes should target different population groups using different settings as an access point for them.

This Special Issue focuses on data gathering, developing, implementing, and evaluating different initiatives with regard to promotion of healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle across the lifespan.

This Special Issue is open to reviews and original research papers addressing themes such as:

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to nutrition, food safety and physical activity among different population groups;
Analyses of measures and policies which targets nutrition and physical activities in different countries;
Development, implementation and evaluation of educational programes which promotes healthy nutrition and physical activity in different settings;
Formal and informal education related to nutrition, physical activity and well-being among different population groups;
The use of creative and inspiring communication strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle in the digital era;

Creation of suportive environments which encourage and enable a healthy lifestyle.

Prof. Dr. Lucia Maria Lotrean
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

healthy nutrition
active lifestyle
educational programmes
health communication
nutrition policies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

23 pages, 626 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Romanian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Nina Ciuciuc, Rodica Ana Ungur, Alexandra-Ioana Roșioară, Monica Popa, Dana Manuela Sîrbu, Daniela Curșeu, Codruța Alina Popescu, Iulia Szerasz and Bogdana Adriana Năsui

Nutrients 2026, 18(8), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18081308 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 298

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder with a substantial impact on quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors are associated with the occurrence and severity of GERD symptoms; however, integrated data from Romania remain limited. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between pro- and anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, lifestyle-related behavioral factors, and the presence and severity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in an adult Romanian population. Methods: A national cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire. All participants included in the study reported a prior diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and participant classification was based exclusively on current symptomatology assessed using the GERD-Q score. Therefore, comparisons were not performed between patients and a healthy population, but rather between individuals at different stages of clinical expression of the same condition, characterized by a fluctuating course. The instrument included standardized GERD-Q items for symptom assessment, together with questions regarding dietary intake and lifestyle behaviors. Pro-inflammatory (PRO), anti-inflammatory (ANTI), and combined (PRO–ANTI) dietary scores were established. Statistical analyses included comparative and correlational tests as well as multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Among the 340 participants included in the study, 72.4% reported symptoms consistent with GERD according to the GERD-Q score. A higher pro-inflammatory dietary score was significantly associated with GERD, with participants in the highest PRO category showing more than a fourfold higher likelihood of GERD in multivariable analyses. Consumption of spicy foods and carbonated beverages was associated with an increased risk of GERD in univariate analyses; however, these associations did not remain significant in multivariable models. Late meals (defined as consumption of one’s last meal of the day less than two hours before bedtime) were independently associated with GERD. Combined analyses indicated a higher risk among participants who reported eating late meals, particularly when combined with large evening meals. Most foods considered protective, along with classical lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleeping position), were not independently associated with GERD. Conclusions: These findings suggest that overall dietary patterns with pro-inflammatory potential and meal timing in relation to the sleep–wake cycle may be more consistently associated with GERD symptoms in this sample than isolated food items or traditional lifestyle risk factors. Nutritional and behavioral interventions focused on improving overall dietary patterns and avoiding late meals may represent potential strategies for GERD management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promotion of a Healthy Nutrition and an Active Lifestyle Across the Lifespan and in Different Settings)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 308 KB

Open AccessArticle

Selected Consumer Behaviours in the Bread Market: Does Dietary Fibre Labelling Influence Consumer Decisions? A Preliminary Study

by Marta Sajdakowska, Dagmara Gniotek and Jerzy Gębski

Nutrients 2026, 18(4), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040587 - 11 Feb 2026

Viewed by 703

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The current study aimed to identify consumer segments based on bread-choice motives and to examine (1) differences between segments in terms of the information provided on product labels, including information on the bread label, and (2) consumers’ perception of bread enriched with fibre, as well as the importance of fibre in the diet. Methods: Data were collected in 2025 using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) on a sample of 289 respondents. A k-means clustering segmentation method was applied, resulting in four consumer segments: “Enthusiasts”, “Ultra-Involved”, “Involved”, and “Neutral”. To quantitatively determine the impact of selected factors on the importance of information provided on product labels, a logistic regression model was developed. Results: The “Enthusiastic” consumers expressed the most positive opinions regarding most types of information presented on bread labels and supported the addition of fibre to bread to enhance its health benefits. Membership in the “Ultra-Involved” segment reduced the likelihood of paying attention to fibre information on the label by approximately 54% compared with the “Enthusiastic” segment. Conclusions: The effectiveness of information provided on food labels depends on the clarity and comprehensibility of the content, as well as on consumers’ knowledge and motivation to use such information. These findings emphasise the importance of label designs that support efficient information processing, even among highly motivated consumers. Communication strategies for fibre-enriched products should address both health benefits and sensory concerns, particularly among consumers sceptical about taste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promotion of a Healthy Nutrition and an Active Lifestyle Across the Lifespan and in Different Settings)

14 pages, 1152 KB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Stratified Trends in Nutrition and Lifestyle Transitions in Korea: Findings from KNHANES 2013–2022

by Seongryu Bae and Hyuntae Park

Nutrients 2025, 17(20), 3282; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203282 - 19 Oct 2025

Viewed by 2403

Abstract

Background: Rapid aging and dietary Westernization in Korea have raised concerns about shifting nutrition and lifestyle patterns. Objectives: This study examined 10-year trends in nutrient intake, biochemical indicators, meal-related behaviors, and sedentary time among Korean adults, stratified by age group. Methods: Data were drawn from the 6th–9th waves (2013–2022) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for a cross-sectional analysis, including 61,688 participants (18–39 years: 17,225; 40–64 years: 28,045; ≥65 years: 16,218). Survey-weighted linear and logistic regression analyses were used to test linear trends and between-period contrasts (2013–2015 vs. 2020–2022). Results: Total energy intake declined significantly from 2087 kcal in 2013–2015 to 1823 kcal in 2022 (p for trend < 0.001), accompanied by a decrease in carbohydrate share (62.8% to 58.3%, p < 0.001) and increases in protein (13.8% to 15.4%, p < 0.001) and fat (19.0% to 23.4%, p < 0.001). Saturated fat and cholesterol intake increased significantly, particularly among older adults (+50.9% and +46.4%, respectively; both p < 0.001). The proportion of breakfast skippers increased significantly, more than 35% in 2022 (p < 0.001). Conversely, the frequency of eating out decreased (p < 0.001), with a particularly pronounced decline during the COVID-19 period. Sedentary time steadily and significantly increased over the decade (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Over the past decade, Korean adults have shifted toward lower energy and carbohydrate intake, higher protein and fat consumption, and more sedentary lifestyles. Differences in vulnerability by age emphasize the need for personalized public health strategies: promoting protein intake and reducing sedentary time for older adults, while improving dietary patterns and managing weight for younger generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promotion of a Healthy Nutrition and an Active Lifestyle Across the Lifespan and in Different Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 1056 KB

Open AccessReview

Digital Microinterventions in Nutrition: Virtual Culinary Medicine Programs and Their Effectiveness in Promoting Plant-Based Diets—A Narrative Review

by Virág Zábó, Andrea Lehoczki, János Tamás Varga, Ágnes Szappanos, Ágnes Lipécz, Tamás Csípő, Vince Fazekas-Pongor, Dávid Major and Mónika Fekete

Nutrients 2025, 17(20), 3310; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203310 - 21 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1976

Abstract

Background: Plant-based diets are associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved health outcomes. However, sustaining dietary changes remains challenging. Digital interventions—including virtual culinary medicine programs, web-based nutrition coaching, SMS and email reminders, mobile application–based self-management, and hybrid community programs—offer promising strategies to support behavior change, enhance cooking skills, and improve dietary adherence. These approaches are relevant for both healthy individuals and those living with chronic conditions. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of studies published between 2000 and 2025 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented with manual searches. Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, feasibility studies, and qualitative research. Interventions were categorized by modality (SMS, email, web platforms, mobile apps, virtual culinary programs, and hybrid formats) and population (healthy adults, patients with chronic diseases). Outcomes examined included dietary quality, self-efficacy, psychosocial well-being, and program engagement. Results: Most studies reported improvements in dietary quality, cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and psychosocial outcomes. Virtual cooking programs enhanced dietary adherence and engagement, particularly among individuals at cardiovascular risk. Digital nutrition education supported behavior change in chronic disease populations, including patients with multiple sclerosis. SMS and email reminders improved self-monitoring and participation rates, while mobile applications facilitated real-time feedback and goal tracking. Hybrid programs combining online and in-person components increased motivation, social support, and long-term adherence. Reported barriers included limited technological access or skills, lack of personalization, and privacy concerns. Conclusions: Virtual culinary medicine programs and other digital microinterventions—including SMS, email, web, mobile, and hybrid formats—are effective tools to promote plant-based diets. Future interventions should focus on personalized, accessible, and hybrid strategies, with attention to underserved populations, to maximize engagement and sustain long-term dietary change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promotion of a Healthy Nutrition and an Active Lifestyle Across the Lifespan and in Different Settings)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Promotion of a Healthy Nutrition and an Active Lifestyle Across the Lifespan and in Different Settings

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI