Search Results (572)

Background/Objectives: Studies have reported that female athletes often exhibit low levels of nutritional knowledge and inadequate dietary intake to meet their nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a nutritional education intervention on nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and body composition in female handball players (n = 45; age, 17.6 ± 2.1 years). Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention design was implemented, consisting of a 3-week educational program delivered through six in-person sessions led by a registered dietitian. Nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and anthropometric and body composition measurements were assessed. Results: Nutrition knowledge levels were significantly higher both immediately post-intervention and three months later compared to baseline (p < 0.05, ES > 0.8). A total of 36 participants completed a 3-day dietary record at baseline and at follow-up. Initial assessments revealed insufficient energy (31 kcal/kg/day) and carbohydrate intake (3.0 g/kg/day) and a high intake of total fats (1.4 g/kg/day). During follow-up, a significant decrease in the consumption of foods rich in sugar was observed (p = 0.0272). A total of 82.2% of the players needed to improve their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. No significant changes were found in Mediterranean diet adherence or body composition following the intervention. Conclusions: The nutritional education intervention significantly improved athletes’ nutritional knowledge and significantly decreased their consumption of sugary foods; however, further studies are needed to evaluate its impact on dietary intake and body composition, considering the study’s limitations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns have changed over time, characterising a process of nutritional transition that reflects socioeconomic and demographic inequalities among different populations. This study assessed changes in dietary consumption patterns and the associated social determinants, comparing two time periods in a sample of individuals from a state in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Methods: Data from the 2008–2009 and 2017–2018 Household Budget Survey for the state of Paraíba were analysed, totalling 951 and 1456 individuals, respectively. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification and compared based on sociodemographic and economic variables. To determine the factors that most strongly explain the contribution of each NOVA food group to the diet, beta regression analysis was conducted. Results: Differences were observed between the two periods regarding the dietary contribution of the NOVA food groups, with a decrease in consumption of unprocessed foods and an increase in ultra-processed foods. Living in urban areas, being an adolescent, and having an income above the minimum wage were associated with reduced intake of unprocessed foods in both periods. Additionally, being an adolescent and having more than eight years of schooling were associated with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. Conclusions: The population under study showed changes in food consumption, reflecting a transition process that is occurring unevenly across socioeconomic and demographic groups, thereby reinforcing social inequalities. These findings can guide priorities in food and nutrition policies, highlighting the need for intervention studies to evaluate the effectiveness of such actions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Excessive sugar intake through sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has raised global concerns due to its association with various health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nudges—in the form of order placement, variety expansion, and a combination of both—in promoting non-SSB purchases at self-service kiosks, a key environment for SSB consumption. Methods: This study was conducted using a real-world kiosk at food and beverage outlets in South Korea from 28 May to 12 July, 2024. A total of 183 consumers aged 19 to 29 participated in this study. A single kiosk device was used with four screen layouts, each reflecting a different nudge strategy. Participants were unaware of these manipulations when making their purchases. After their purchases, participants completed a survey. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0. Results: Females reported significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males. In particular, both the single (variety) and combination (order and variety) nudges received positive responses from females (p < 0.001). The combination nudge significantly increased non-SSB purchases compared to the control (p < 0.05) and single (order) nudge groups (p < 0.01), which suggests that combination nudge is effective in promoting healthier beverage choices. Females were also more likely to purchase non-SSBs than males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the combination nudge strategy effectively promotes healthier beverage choices in real kiosk settings. Notably, females demonstrate significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males, and are also more likely to purchase non-SSBs. These findings offer valuable insights for real-world applications aimed at encouraging healthier consumption behaviors. Full article

Background: Addressing undernutrition and malnutrition requires a multi-pronged approach targeting different populations with appropriate interventions. Knowledge and perception (K&P) of Individuals and communities about nutrition to human health relationship/continuum is a prerequisite for addressing malnutrition in rural and mountain communities. Assessing K&P is essential for developing strategic interventions to up-scaling K&P of communities and achieving nutrition security. Homestead gardens are a proven intervention for achieving nutrition security for all family members of gardeners. Methods: This paper includes homestead gardeners from the Himalayan Mountain Region (HMR) as respondents. We developed a scale to assess the K&P of respondents, based on ratings from 20 judges. A total of 134 issues/items have been retained in the scale from macronutrients, micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins. A framework has also been developed and adopted for the study. A knowledge and perception index (KPI) has been developed based on the respondents’ responses. We have reviewed and analysed the national policy interventions for augmenting the K&P of the study community to achieve nutrition security. Results: The nutrition K&P of respondents are inadequate and far from the desirable level. Policy review and analysis indicate that the creation of K&P in the community to contribute to self and family nutrition security was previously highly neglected. Conclusions: The policy process of national, state, and county/district-level development sectors in developing countries under the HMR may take the initiative to ensure self-nutrition security by creating K&P of the community on nutrition issues. The designed scale is prudent requires testing and validation for measuring farmers’ K&P on nutrition, which may be adopted in future studies and policymaking not only nationally but also from an international perspective. Full article

In 2023, the USDA reported that 17.9% of U.S. households with children were food insecure, meaning they had limited or uncertain access to adequate food. However, there is evidence that far more children experience food insecurity than is currently being reported, and the effects of that insecurity on child health and development are broad and far-reaching. Childcare and early childhood education centers are particularly well-positioned to make a difference yet are often not discussed in the scientific literature. Childcare arrangements provide meals and snacks to the children they serve, buffer the effects of food insecurity by supporting children’s cognitive and social–emotional development, and provide an important point of intervention for food-insecure families. In this report, we unpack the definition of food insecurity and who is considered food insecure, review how food insecurity impacts child health and development across physical, social–emotional, and cognitive domains, and explore the evidence behind childcare’s role in addressing childhood food insecurity. Additionally, we make recommendations for policy and practice, advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach, with a special focus on how childcare providers can change to best combat children’s food insecurity. Full article

Background: Promoting sustainable eating is gaining increasing attention, yet the transition from intentions to actual behaviors remains unclear. This study compares the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the theory of behavioral choice (TBC) in predicting such intentions and examines the moderating role of distress, psychological well-being, and dysfunctional eating styles in the intention–behavior relationship. Methods: A total of 223 participants from the general population (29.49 ± 9.30 years; 68.6% females) completed an online survey assessing TPB and TBC predictors, the Sustainable and Healthy Dietary Behaviors (SHDB) questionnaire, the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). Results: The TBC model explained a significantly greater variance in intention (R² = 0.45, ΔR² = 0.28, F(215,4) = 27.27, p < 0.001) compared to the TPB, with TBC-affect (β = 0.48, p < 0.001) and felt obligation (β = 0.23, p < 0.001) being the strongest predictors. Moderation analyses revealed that the intention–behavior link was stronger in participants with lower external eating and autonomy. Conclusions: Both internal and external factors play a crucial role in predicting intentions. In addition, the intention–behavior link is stronger in individuals who are less reactive to external food stimuli and more influenced by social pressure. Promoting more balanced psychological well-being and functional eating habits may foster more sustainable diets. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood/youth are ideally the best periods to teach healthy behaviors; unfortunately, children/adolescents are frequently characterized by unhealthy lifestyles and reduced well-being. Lifestyle improvement early in life may play a fundamental role in determining present health, preventing many chronic diseases, and fostering well-being. Having a clear picture of the lifestyle characteristics of a group can help institutions and schools define effective educational and intervention strategies. This observational study aims to examine whether information collected from children and adolescents about their lifestyles and perceptions of well-being could help identify particular groups that deserve specific interventions, implemented by the school, to improve their overall health. Methods: After administering a simple lifestyle/well-being questionnaire to 225 children/adolescents at an Italian school complex, we investigated the relationships between lifestyles and perceptions of well-being by constructing statistical indicators through nonlinear principal component analysis. Then, we defined lifestyle typologies based on lifestyle indicators and studied the distribution of the well-being indicator across such typologies, also adjusting for sex and age effects. Results: The study shows that lifestyle worsens with age (p < 0.001) and influences overall well-being perception. We identified four lifestyle typologies by combining two indicators of sedentary behavior and sleep, and of quality of nutrition and the volume of physical activity. The healthier the lifestyle, the better the overall well-being perception is (represented by the indicator that includes the perceived quality of health, sleep, and academic performance) (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Tailored educational/intervention strategies that consider specific groups’ characteristics, rather than general counseling, might be more effective at improving health/well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: A dietary pattern that simply reduces animal-based foods may be more acceptable to consumers than strict vegetarian or vegan diets. The objective of this investigation was to identify the most consistently used definitions of “flexitarian” dietary patterns, or dietary patterns with a reduced amount of animal foods. Then, sets of food-based dietary guidance (FBDG) from different countries and regions were evaluated to determine whether their guidance could accommodate flexitarian diets. Methods: Literature searches yielded 86 total results on flexitarian eating after screening by title/abstract, full text availability, and English language. Definitions of “flexitarian” were extracted from each article then reviewed and summarized. FBDGs available in English were downloaded from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations website. Guidance related to reduced animal product diets was extracted from FBDGs for eating patterns closest to 2000 kcal. Results: The summary definition of flexitarian included eating at least one animal product (dairy, eggs, meat, or fish) at least once per month but less than once per week. FBDGs from n = 42 countries or regions were downloaded and data extracted. Only FBDG from Sri Lanka explicitly describe a “semi-vegetarian” eating pattern, though n = 12 FBDGs describe a vegetarian pattern and n = 14 recommend reducing meat or animal food and/or choosing meat/dairy alternatives. Conclusions: Following a flexitarian dietary pattern in terms of reducing or limiting red meat is feasible and even implicitly recommended by the official dietary guidance of several countries. Most FBDGs examined did not include recommendations to decrease dairy or fish intake. Full article

Background: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and a key structural driver includes SIDS’ heavy reliance on imported food. Yet, our knowledge about food sources in SIDS is limited. Methods: We systematically searched 14 peer-reviewed databases and 17 grey literature repositories, identifying 56 articles and 96 documents concerning food sources in SIDS. Our study aimed to map these sources while considering broader societal, cultural, and environmental aspects. Results: We found high heterogeneity of food sources beyond store-bought foods, highlighting the complexity of food landscapes in this context. To explore these food sources and their interconnections, we developed a classification including Aid, Buy, Grow, Share, State and Wild food sources, and offered contextually-sensitive insights into their variety (types), extent (relevance), nature (characteristics) and changes over time. We developed an interactive open-access evidence map that outlined the identified interconnections between food sources following our proposed classification. There are numerous interrelations between food sources, showing that pathways from food sourcing to consumption can be unexpected and complex. Conclusions: In 2014, SIDS governments collectively committed to ending malnutrition by 2030. A deeper understanding of food sourcing is essential to achieve this goal. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sports tourism, particularly international running events such as half marathons and marathons, has rapidly grown due to rising health consciousness and active lifestyles. Runners competing abroad face unique nutritional challenges that extend beyond physiological needs, including adaptation to local food cultures and psychosocial factors. This study aims to explore the nutritional difficulties encountered by international runners during competitions abroad, using participants of the Poznan Half Marathon 2025 as a case example. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 international runners from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine. Participants had at least two years of experience competing internationally. Results: Four primary categories of nutritional challenges emerged: (1) quality and availability of food, (2) adaptation to local eating habits and physiological impacts, (3) hydration and access to appropriate fluids, and (4) logistical factors and the interactions between psychological stress, physical well-being, and nutritional choices. These factors influenced runners’ preparation, race-day performance, and recovery, highlighting the complexity of managing nutrition in unfamiliar environments. Conclusions: Nutritional challenges for international runners are multidimensional, requiring flexible and culturally sensitive nutritional strategies. Although these findings offer useful insights, they are based on a small, specific sample and should be generalized with caution. Further research is necessary to explore the broader applicability of the findings and their relevance to diverse athletic populations and contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychological distress is common among university students and often co-occurs with unhealthy lifestyle patterns. However, most studies examine physical activity (PA) and dietary intake (DI) in isolation, overlooking how these behaviors interact under stress. This study aimed to identify and compare integrated PA and DI behavior patterns among students with low vs. high psychological distress. Methods: A cross-sectional case–control design was used with 209 students (aged 19–21). Questionnaires included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Questionnaire of Eating Behavior (QEB), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 items (DASS-21). Behavioral patterns were assessed using a cophylogenetic approach (tanglegrams, cophenetic statistics), and predictive behaviors were analyzed using stepwise logistic regression. Results: Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant group differences in PA–DI structure (F = 3.91, R² = 0.0185, p = 0.001). Tanglegram and PACo analyses showed tighter PA–DI alignment in high-distress individuals, suggesting more rigid, compensatory behavior profiles. Logistic regression identified vigorous PA (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.33–2.50, p < 0.001) and fast food intake (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05–1.98, p = 0.026) as significant distress indicators. Sweets intake showed a non-significant trend (OR = 1.33, p = 0.064). Conclusions: Students with higher psychological distress exhibit complex lifestyle co-patterns combining risk (e.g., fast food) and compensatory behaviors (e.g., vigorous PA). Health promotion should address PA and DI jointly, and screening for distress should be integrated into student wellness programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ancient grains are increasingly recognized for their nutritional value, environmental sustainability, and connection to traditional agriculture. This study examines Italian consumers’ awareness, purchasing habits, and willingness to pay (WTP) for ancient grain pasta, focusing on the influence of product origin, price, and flour type on preferences. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 3020 Italian household grocery shoppers. Descriptive statistics assessed awareness and purchasing behavior, while conjoint analysis (CA) evaluated the relative importance of key product attributes (origin, price, and flour type) in pasta choices. The sample was segmented based on consumer knowledge of ancient grains. Results: A significant portion of respondents reported familiarity with ancient grains, perceiving them as “less refined” and “more digestible”; pasta emerged as the most purchased product. CA results indicated product origin as the most influential factor, followed by price, with flour type having comparatively lower influence. Notably, consumers more familiar with ancient grains showed a slight preference for ancient flour types and were less sensitive to price. Conclusions: While origin and price are primary drivers for pasta choices, knowledgeable consumers show greater valuation for flour type and accept higher prices. These findings provide strategic insights for stakeholders seeking to promote traditional, sustainable agri-food products through targeted marketing and transparent value communication. Full article

Background/Objectives: The adoption of sustainable eating behaviors is not only crucial for environmental health but also has significant implications for individual health outcomes. A deeper understanding of the psychological determinants underlying such changes is needed. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been widely used to understand the psychological factors influencing health behaviors, including dietary choices. Recent advances suggest integrating additional psychological constructs, such as personal values, to enhance TPB’s predictive power and the effectiveness of related behavioral interventions. Methods: A novel Food-Related Personal Values Questionnaire (FRPV-Q) was developed based on Schwartz’s circumplex model of basic values, and the role of these food-related personal values within an enhanced TPB framework was tested. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore the structure of the questionnaire. Results: Three components were identified within the FRPV-Q: Openness, Health and Security, and Autonomy (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test = 0.576). The regression analyses highlighted the potential role of personal values in predicting sustainable eating behaviors (adjusted R² = 0.318). Specifically, an orientation toward autonomy, hedonism, and self-directionality appeared to hinder the adoption of sustainable food choices, while an orientation toward health, security, and openness to novelty was found to promote more sustainable dietary choices. Conclusions: The results offer preliminary insights into the role of personal values in food-related behaviors. Future research aimed at understanding and promoting pro-environmental food-related behaviors should rigorously investigate the topic. Carefully tailored value-based psychological interventions may prove beneficial for the general population in the promotion of sustainable dietary lifestyles. Full article

In personalized nutrition, dietary guidelines must be adapted to the physiological and developmental needs of individuals across the lifespan, especially during childhood and adolescence. These should account for nutritional status, health conditions, and early-life risk factors, including those that emerge during pregnancy. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence (2020–2025) on the biological value of protein sources in supporting pediatric growth and development. While adequate protein intake is essential for physical and cognitive development in individuals under nineteen, excessive intake may accelerate growth and increase the long-term risks of overweight and obesity. Compared to animal-based proteins (ABPs), plant-based proteins (PBPs) carry a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations due to lower digestibility and incomplete amino acid profiles. Although plant-based diets are encouraged for environmental reasons—particularly to reduce the ecological impact of livestock—protein intake must remain appropriate for age, sex, health status, and context. Nutritional strategies must ensure an adequate supply of essential amino acids and proper micronutrient supplementation, regardless of whether children follow diets rich in ABPs, PBPs, or a combination of both. Attention to these factors is vital to balancing nutritional adequacy with long-term health and sustainability goals. Full article