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Search Results (116)

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Keywords = adequate fruit and vegetable intake

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18 pages, 1459 KiB  
Article
Observance of the Atlantic Diet in a Healthy Population from Galicia (NW Spain): A Comparative Study Using a New Scale-Based Procedure to Assess Adherence
by Inés Rivas-Fernández, Paula Roade-Pérez, Marta López-Alonso, Víctor Pereira-Lestayo, Rafael Monte-Secades, Rosa Argüeso-Armesto and Carlos Herrero-Latorre
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2614; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152614 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
The Atlantic Diet (AD) is based on traditional dietary patterns in Galicia (northwestern Spain) and northern Portugal and is known for its health benefits. The AD focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal foods, especially fish, seafood, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruit, olive oil, [...] Read more.
The Atlantic Diet (AD) is based on traditional dietary patterns in Galicia (northwestern Spain) and northern Portugal and is known for its health benefits. The AD focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal foods, especially fish, seafood, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruit, olive oil, and a moderate consumption of wine. However, it has received less attention from researchers than other dietary patterns. The present study had two main objectives: (i) to evaluate the dietary habits of a Galician population in relation to the AD and (ii) to create a numerical index to measure adherence to the AD. In 2022, a validated food frequency questionnaire was administered to 500 healthy adults living in Galicia. The data on participants’ dietary habits showed notable deviations from the ideal AD, especially regarding consumption of fruits, grains, and seafood. However, an adequate intake of legumes and nuts was observed, along with a reduction in the consumption of processed foods (except among younger participants) relative to that revealed in previous surveys. To assess adherence to the diet, statistical and chemometric analyses were applied, leading to the development of a new index: the Atlantic Diet Scale (ADS). The ADS was compared with three existing tools and proved to be a simple, flexible, and effective method for assessing dietary adherence based on optimal intake levels across food groups. When applied to dietary data, the ADS yielded adherence levels similar to two of the three traditional methods, with some differences relative to the third. These findings highlight the need for standardized evaluation tools, including clear definitions of food groups and consistent scoring systems, to better assess and promote adherence to the Atlantic Diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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17 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Food Intake of Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients According to a European Guideline and Mediterranean Diet Score: DICA-NUTS Substudy
by Rodrigo Damasceno de Oliveira, Lívia Costa de Oliveira, Marcio Santos Prazeres, Tais Saint Martin Fonseca, Aline Marcadenti, Angela Cristine Bersch-Ferreira, Rachel Helena Vieira Machado, Elisa Maia dos Santos, Annie Seixas Bello Moreira and Grazielle Vilas Bôas Huguenin
Life 2025, 15(7), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071051 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Contextualization: Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and healthy eating, are essential for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The 2021 update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines highlights the need to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean [...] Read more.
Contextualization: Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and healthy eating, are essential for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The 2021 update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines highlights the need to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in patients who have suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and dietary 2021 ESC guidelines of individuals who have suffered AMI and to evaluate the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with the adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from participants prior to enrollment in the DICA-NUTS multicenter clinical trial. The dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and 24 h dietary recall. The nutrient intake was compared with the nutritional recommendations of the 2021 ESC guidelines, and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet was analyzed using a Mediterranean diet score. Furthermore, the analyses of the factors associated with the Mediterranean diet score and 2021 ESC were performed. Analyses were conducted using Stata Data Analysis and Statistical Software version 15.0. Values were considered statistically significant when the p-value < 0.05. Results: Among 488 participants aged ≥ 40 years, moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed obtaining an average of nine points, with a low intake of vegetables, fish, and cereals. The protein intake was adequate with 18% (interquartile range [IQR] 15.0–23.1) of the total energy value, and the saturated fat intake was high with 9.7% (IQR 7.3–12.7) of the total energy value, while the carbohydrate and total fat intake was adequate. According to the 2021 ESC guidelines, the fiber intake was low with more than 79% of the sample consuming less than 30 g per day. The multivariate analysis using the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations showed that older age (≥60 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.63; 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.44–1.91], never smoking (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.17–1.65), and higher education (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.17–1.77) were correlated with an increased fruit and vegetable intake. Non-white, never-smokers, and former smokers were more likely to consume fish. The alcohol scores were higher in older age participants and women. The dairy scores increased with older age, while the cereal scores decreased. No significant association was found for legumes. Conclusions: According to the scores used, the diet of these individuals moderately reflects the Mediterranean characteristics. Analyzing the 2021 ESC dietary recommendations, the studied population was inadequate. This study found different factors associated with an adequate food intake in post-AMI patients. The highlight of this study was that older age is more likely to increase fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
16 pages, 368 KiB  
Article
Dietary Diversity and Its Associated Determinants Among Senegalese Adolescent Girls
by Nafissatou Ba Lo, Jérémie B. Dupuis, Aminata Ndene Ndiaye, El Hadji Momar Thiam, Aminata Diop Ndoye, Mohamadou Sall and Sonia Blaney
Adolescents 2025, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/adolescents5020022 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, yet research on dietary quality and its influencing factors among Senegalese adolescent girls is limited. This study aims to assess dietary quality, with a focus on dietary diversity (DD), and identify its determinants in [...] Read more.
Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, yet research on dietary quality and its influencing factors among Senegalese adolescent girls is limited. This study aims to assess dietary quality, with a focus on dietary diversity (DD), and identify its determinants in a nationally representative sample of adolescent girls in Senegal. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 600 girls aged 10–19 years. Food intake was assessed over a seven-day period to evaluate DD. Household food security and sociodemographic data were gathered through face-to-face interviews. Half the sample had adequate DD. As for consumption, 80% had breakfast daily, while the same proportion consumed one snack per day. Fruits and vegetables, meat/poultry/fish, and dairy were consumed daily by less than 25% of the sample. Sweet foods, sweet beverages, and salty and fried food were consumed by less than 10% every day. Not having been sick in the past two weeks (Odds ratio (OR): 1.53, Confidence Interval (CI): 1.05–2.22), taking breakfast daily (OR: 1.89, CI: 1.23–2.93) and micronutrients (OR: 2.75, CI: 1.54–4.92), listening to the radio at least once a week (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.05–2.63), and living in a household with access to an improved source of water (OR: 4.13, CI: 2.28–7.49) were positively associated with adequate DD. Overall, the diet of adolescent girls is of poor quality. Potential determinants of their dietary quality should be considered in future nutrition programs and policies to ensure their optimal growth and development. Full article
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14 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Food Consumption Frequency Based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Its Association with Probable Sarcopenia as Measured by Handgrip Strength in a Group of Chilean Older Persons Aged 65 and over
by Camila Henríquez Mella and Mirta Crovetto
Nutrients 2025, 17(11), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111773 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, is prevalent in older persons and affects their quality of life. Nutritional intervention and physical activity play a key role in its prevention and treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, is prevalent in older persons and affects their quality of life. Nutritional intervention and physical activity play a key role in its prevention and treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship between food consumption frequency as assessed through the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and probable sarcopenia, evaluated by grip strength, in Chilean older persons aged 65 or older. Methods: A correlational, cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample of 155 older persons aged 65 or older was undertaken. Food consumption frequency was assessed using the MNA, and muscle strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. The authors analyzed the relationship between food consumption frequency, as assessed by the MNA, and the protein intake index with muscle strength. Results: Participants who consumed less than two servings of fruits and vegetables per day were 4.28 times more likely to have low muscle strength compared to those who consumed two or more servings per day (OR = 4.28; 95% CI: 1.59–11.45). No significant associations were found with the consumption of dairy products, legumes, meat, fish, poultry, or fluids. The protein intake index did not show a significant relationship with muscle strength. Conclusions: The results suggest that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect on muscle strength in older persons. Promoting adequate intake of these foods could be critical in the prevention of sarcopenia in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Nutrition)
31 pages, 793 KiB  
Review
Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Immunological Mechanisms, Inflammatory Pathways, and Nutritional Implications
by Mónika Fekete, Andrea Lehoczki, Ágnes Szappanos, Virág Zábó, Csilla Kaposvári, Alpár Horváth, Árpád Farkas, Vince Fazekas-Pongor, Dávid Major, Ágnes Lipécz, Tamás Csípő and János Tamás Varga
Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081351 - 15 Apr 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 10006
Abstract
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, with immunomodulatory effects that are key in the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). Over the past decades, research has shown that this steroid hormone impacts much more than bone health, [...] Read more.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, with immunomodulatory effects that are key in the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). Over the past decades, research has shown that this steroid hormone impacts much more than bone health, significantly influencing immune responses. Vitamin D enhances immune organ functions such as the spleen and lymph nodes, and boosts T-cell activity, which is essential in defending the body against tumors. Additionally, vitamin D mitigates inflammatory responses closely linked to cancer development, reducing the inflammation that contributes to CRC. It acts via vitamin D receptors (VDRs) expressed on immune cells, modulating immune responses. Adequate vitamin D levels influence gene expression related to inflammation and cell proliferation, inhibiting tumor development. Vitamin D also activates mechanisms that suppress cancer cell survival, proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of CRC, with deficiency correlating with higher disease incidence. Lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in red meat and calories but low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, as well as physical inactivity, contribute significantly to CRC risk. Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake are also linked to disease occurrence and poorer clinical outcomes. Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels and adequate dietary intake is crucial in preventing CRC and improving patient prognosis. This review explores the role of vitamin D in immune regulation and summarizes findings from randomized clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation on CRC outcomes. Full article
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11 pages, 535 KiB  
Article
Health on the Pitch: Dietary Habits of Football Referees in Poland
by Patryk Szlacheta, Mateusz Grajek, Aleksander Gwiszcz, Jolanta Zalejska-Fiolka, Paulina Zalejska-Fiolka and Ilona Korzonek-Szlacheta
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030401 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1128
Abstract
Background: Football referees are pivotal to match regulation, requiring both cognitive and physical abilities comparable to players. Proper nutrition is essential to sustain their intense activity levels, yet dietary habits among referees in Poland are under-researched. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Background: Football referees are pivotal to match regulation, requiring both cognitive and physical abilities comparable to players. Proper nutrition is essential to sustain their intense activity levels, yet dietary habits among referees in Poland are under-researched. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dietary habits of football referees in Poland, focusing on identifying beneficial and detrimental practices and assessing their impact on professional performance. Material and Methods: A survey-based study was conducted with 258 football referees from Poland between December 2022 and January 2023. The questionnaire assessed demographic data, professional experience, and dietary habits, including meal frequency, food choices, and hydration. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most referees consumed 4–5 meals daily (63.7%), but irregular meal timing (45.2%) was common, particularly among less-experienced referees. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was limited, with significant age-related differences. Water intake was generally adequate, but hydration strategies during matches varied. Cooking practices revealed a preference for frying (48.1%), reflecting limited awareness of healthier alternatives. Dietary education was highlighted as a key need, especially among referees with lower professional experience. Conclusions: The results of the study clearly indicate significant deficiencies in meal regularity and healthy cooking practices among Polish soccer referees. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs that could help improve the health and professional performance of this group, especially in the context of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and promoting healthier food processing methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition Methodology & Assessment)
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13 pages, 231 KiB  
Article
Food Group Consumption and Nutrient Intake by Breastfeeding Women: Comparison to Current Dietary Guidelines and Nutrient Recommendations
by Ying Jin, Jane Coad and Louise Brough
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030375 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1940
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Optimal nutrition is essential for the health of breastfeeding women and their infants. This study aimed to assess food and nutrient intake and alignment with nutrition guidelines for breastfeeding women living in New Zealand. Methods: Seventy-six breastfeeding women were enrolled in the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Optimal nutrition is essential for the health of breastfeeding women and their infants. This study aimed to assess food and nutrient intake and alignment with nutrition guidelines for breastfeeding women living in New Zealand. Methods: Seventy-six breastfeeding women were enrolled in the longitudinal Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation study and completed a weighed four-day diet diary including supplement use at three months postpartum. The number of servings consumed for each food group were calculated based on the 2020 Eating and Activity Guidelines for New Zealand Adults. Nutrient intakes were compared to the nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand. Results: Overall, the percentages of women who met the recommended number of servings for fruits, vegetables, grain foods, meats and milk/milk products were 25%, 0%, 5%, 34%, and 13%, respectively. None of women met the current recommendations for all food groups. Many participants had intakes below the estimated average requirement or adequate intake and were at risk of nutrient inadequacy for vitamin E (55%), vitamin D (53%), manganese (61%), and selenium (55%). Conclusions: Breastfeeding women had a low alignment with the current dietary guidelines and were at risk of an inadequate intake of vitamin E, D, manganese, and selenium. Research to investigate the barriers and enablers of healthy food choices is needed. Full article
17 pages, 965 KiB  
Article
Daily Adequate Intake of Fruit and Vegetables and All-Cause, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer Mortalities in Malaysian Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Lay Kim Tan, Nabilah Hanis Zainuddin, Najjah Tohar, Ridwan Sanaudi, Yong Kang Cheah, Mohd Azahadi Omar and Chee Cheong Kee
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3200; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183200 - 21 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2237
Abstract
Background/Objective: We investigated the relationship between daily adequate FV intake and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortalities among Malaysian adults. Methods: Data from a total of 18,211 Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above whom participated in the National Health [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: We investigated the relationship between daily adequate FV intake and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortalities among Malaysian adults. Methods: Data from a total of 18,211 Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above whom participated in the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 were analyzed. The participants were followed up for approximately 11 years, and mortality data were ascertained through record linkages with the death registry from the Malaysian National Registration Department. Multiple Cox regression was applied to assess the association between daily adequate FV intake and risk of all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortalities, adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health conditions. Results: During the follow-up period, we observed a total of 1809 all-cause, 374 CVD, and 216 cancer mortalities. No significant association between daily adequate FV intake with all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI: 0.79–1.31), CVD mortality (aHR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.57–1.47), and cancer mortality (aHR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.74–2.17) were observed, even after excluding deaths that occurred in the first two years of observation. Conclusions: Further investigation on the type of FV intake and its preparation method with risk of mortality will provide a holistic insight into the causal relationship between FV intake and mortality. Full article
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13 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Nutrients, Diet Quality, and Dietary Patterns in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comparative Analysis
by Tingting Yin, Wenjing Tu, Yiting Li, Lina Huang, Yamei Bai and Guihua Xu
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3093; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183093 - 13 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2608
Abstract
(1) Background: Diet plays an important role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are a number of methods available to assess the diets of patients with IBD, including nutrients, dietary patterns, and various appraisal tools of diet quality. However, research [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Diet plays an important role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are a number of methods available to assess the diets of patients with IBD, including nutrients, dietary patterns, and various appraisal tools of diet quality. However, research on diet quality and dietary patterns in IBD populations is limited, and comparative evaluations of dietary intake in patients with IBD have not been performed. (2) Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess nutrients, the dietary patterns, and diet quality of patients with IBD and to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, diet quality, and the adequacy of nutrient intake. (3) Methods: Three-day food records of 268 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 126 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) were collected to estimate nutrients and food groups, while dietary quality was assessed using the Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). Participants’ nutrient intake, diet quality, and dietary patterns were compared. We used binary logistic regression to assess the relationship between dietary patterns (independent variable) and nutritional adequacy (dependent variable). (4) Results: In our sample, patients had inadequate energy, protein, and dietary fiber intake compared with Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI). Regarding micronutrients, intakes of potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, sodium, calcium, iron, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin were inadequate. Regarding food groups, the highest intakes were fruits, legumes, dairy products, and nuts. PCA revealed four dietary patterns, namely DP1, DP2, DP3, and DP4. Among UC patients, 96, 55, 69, and 48 patients adhered to DP1, DP2, DP3, and DP4 dietary patterns, respectively. Among CD patients, 41, 31, 34, and 20 patients complied with the dietary patterns of DP1, DP2, DP3, and DP4, respectively. There was no significant difference in dietary patterns between UC and CD patients. Compared with DP4 (high intake of mixed legumes and low intake of tubers), DP1 (high intake of cereals, tubers, vegetables and eggs) was more likely to ensure adequate intake of energy (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.55, 5.62), protein (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.06, 3.96), carbohydrates (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.51, 6.59), thiamine (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.36,4.93), niacin (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.39, 5.42), phosphorus (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.08, 3.85), zinc (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.28, 4.63), and manganese (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.60, 5.90), and DP2 (high intake of fruits, poultry, aquatic products, and nuts) was more likely to meet niacin requirements than DP4 (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.28, 5.48). (5) Conclusion: This study clarifies our understanding of dietary intake, diet quality, and dietary patterns in adult patients with IBD. Future attention is needed to improve diet quality, emphasizing the importance of assessing and understanding patient dietary habits and increasing understanding of the factors that influence dietary intake in IBD in order to achieve optimal outcomes for patients with IBD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Ways to Achieve Healthy and Sustainable Diets)
17 pages, 294 KiB  
Article
Single-Person Households: Insights from a Household Survey of Fruit and Vegetable Purchases
by Andres Silva, Maripaz Rivera, Samuel Durán-Agüero and Maria Isabel Sactic
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2851; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172851 - 26 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2537
Abstract
Despite the efforts made to promote consumption, some countries are not increasing their fruit and vegetable intake, while household structures are undergoing relevant changes. Fruit and vegetable consumption is necessary but not sufficient for a healthy diet. Previous research has linked adequate fruit [...] Read more.
Despite the efforts made to promote consumption, some countries are not increasing their fruit and vegetable intake, while household structures are undergoing relevant changes. Fruit and vegetable consumption is necessary but not sufficient for a healthy diet. Previous research has linked adequate fruit and vegetable consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some mental health conditions. Furthermore, millions of deaths are reported annually worldwide due to diets low in fruit and vegetables, highlighting their critical public health importance. This study aims to separately analyze the purchases of fruit and vegetables in single-person households. We used three waves of the Family Budget Survey, Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares, in Chile, which is nationally representative of urban areas and includes over 10,000 households in each wave. We employed descriptive statistics to examine the characteristics of the head of household and the food shopper as well as the structure, composition, and overall characteristics of households. Additionally, we performed separate analyses for fruit and vegetable purchases, using these variables to determine the marginal effect on the probability of purchasing fruit or vegetables through probit models. Results show that, from 2011–2012 to 2021–2022, the share of households not purchasing fruit and vegetables increased from 5.0% to 8.4% and that, in single-person households, it rose from 11.2% to 19.1%. Male-headed, single-person households with low education and income were more likely not to purchase fruit, and these households also have decreasing vegetable purchases. Additionally, household income significantly impacts fruit purchases but does not significantly affect vegetable purchases. Our findings highlight the importance of considering single-person households as a target population segment for future public policies to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Consumer Behaviour and Healthy Food Consumption)
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15 pages, 719 KiB  
Article
Dietary Quality and Nutrient Intakes of Elite Paracyclists
by Keely A. Shaw, Philip D. Chilibeck, Thomas D. Warkentin and Gordon A. Zello
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162712 - 15 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1584
Abstract
Nutrient requirements for para-athletes will be influenced by a variety of factors secondary to their impairment and, therefore, recommendations for para-athletes cannot be drawn directly from that of able-bodied athletes. Information on the dietary intakes of para-athletes is lacking and therefore needs to [...] Read more.
Nutrient requirements for para-athletes will be influenced by a variety of factors secondary to their impairment and, therefore, recommendations for para-athletes cannot be drawn directly from that of able-bodied athletes. Information on the dietary intakes of para-athletes is lacking and therefore needs to be examined. This study assessed the nutrient intakes and diet quality of 31 paracyclists via food frequency questionnaires. Based on the dietary reference intakes, most paracyclists consumed intakes above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI). Recommendations were not met for iodine (males = 87% RDA; females = 62% RDA) or fibre in males (84% AI). A 26% risk of inadequacy was noted for vitamins D and E in females. A total of 42% of females and 75% of males did not meet fibre recommendations (14 g/1000 kcal), and only three athletes (all females) consumed fatty acids in the recommended omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 4:1 or less. Athletes consumed grains, fruits, and vegetables frequently, though whole grains, pulses, and oily fish were generally consumed less often. Paracyclists appear to be consuming intakes at or above recommendations for most nutrients, though several nutrients were consumed below the recommended amounts; therefore, increasing the variety of foods consumed is suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)
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37 pages, 3539 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Combinations of Phytochemical-Rich Fruits and Vegetables on Chronic Disease Risk Markers and Gene Expression Changes: Insights from the MiBLEND Study, a Randomized Trial
by Julia N. DeBenedictis, Courtney Murrell, Duncan Hauser, Marcel van Herwijnen, Bart Elen, Theo M. de Kok and Simone G. van Breda
Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080915 - 29 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2477
Abstract
Adequate fruit and vegetable (F and V) intake, as recommended by the World Health Organization (over 400 g/day), is linked to reduced chronic disease risk. However, human intervention trials, especially with whole F and V and in complex combinations, are lacking. The MiBlend [...] Read more.
Adequate fruit and vegetable (F and V) intake, as recommended by the World Health Organization (over 400 g/day), is linked to reduced chronic disease risk. However, human intervention trials, especially with whole F and V and in complex combinations, are lacking. The MiBlend Study explored the effects of various phytochemical-rich F and V combinations on chronic disease risk markers, phytochemical absorption, and gene expression in blood. This randomized cross-over study involved participants consuming two of seven different F and V blends for 2 weeks (450 g/day), following a 2-week low F and V intake period (50 g/day). Each blend represented major phytochemical classes (flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and glucosinolates) or combinations thereof. Markers of chronic disease risk, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and retinal microvasculature, were measured. Increasing F and V intake significantly improved plasma antioxidant capacity, DNA damage protection, and retinal arteriolar dilation. Flavonoid-rich, carotenoid-rich, and complex blends notably reduced DNA damage susceptibility. Anthocyanin-rich and carotenoid-rich interventions were most effective in boosting antioxidant capacity, while blends high in flavonoids, especially combined with anthocyanins, significantly improved retinal microvasculature. Gene expression analysis revealed changes in DNA repair, signal transduction, and transcription processes, indicating mechanisms for these health benefits. The study suggests specific F and V blends can provide targeted health improvements, emphasizing the importance of both overall F and V intake and the specific phytochemical composition for personalized preventive strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)
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11 pages, 843 KiB  
Article
Clustering of Dietary Patterns Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children and Adolescents
by José Francisco López-Gil and Mayra Fernanda Martínez-López
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2308; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142308 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1782
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Spanish children and adolescents. Methods: A modified version of the parental version of 10 items of the Screening for and Promotion [...] Read more.
Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Spanish children and adolescents. Methods: A modified version of the parental version of 10 items of the Screening for and Promotion of Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents—a European Public Health perspective (KIDSCREEN-10) was used to assess children’s HRQoL in three areas: subjective physical, mental, and social status. To evaluate dietary habits, a food frequency questionnaire was employed. To identify different feeding patterns in the sample of children and adolescents examined, cluster analyses were carried out. In addition, a generalized linear model with a Gaussian distribution was applied to test the associations between the determined clusters and HRQoL. Results: The lowest HRQoL was identified in participants located in the unhealthiest cluster (Cluster 1) (mean [M] = 85.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 83.7 to 86.7). In comparison with the unhealthiest cluster (Cluster 1), a greater estimated marginal mean of HRQoL was identified for participants in the moderately healthy cluster (Cluster 1) (p = 0.020) and in the healthiest cluster (Cluster 2) (p = 0.044). Conclusions: Based on our findings, dietary habits based on the low consumption of bread, cereals, and dairy products (mainly), together with low intake of fruits and vegetables, are related to lower HRQoL in children and adolescents. These results underscore the importance of promoting balanced and nutrient-rich diets among young populations. Public health initiatives should focus on educating parents, caregivers, and children about the benefits of a varied diet that includes adequate portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2024 Collection: Dietary, Lifestyle and Children Health)
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15 pages, 1036 KiB  
Review
Molecular Pharmacology of Vitamin C and Relevance to Health and Obesity—A Narrative Review
by Robert Beaumont Wilson, Yicong Liang, Devesh Kaushal and Anitra Carr
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147523 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5448
Abstract
The role of food constituents as pharmacological agents is an important consideration in health and obesity. Vitamin C acts as a small molecule antioxidant but is also a co-factor for numerous transition metal-dependent enzymes involved in healthy weight and energy metabolism. Vitamin C [...] Read more.
The role of food constituents as pharmacological agents is an important consideration in health and obesity. Vitamin C acts as a small molecule antioxidant but is also a co-factor for numerous transition metal-dependent enzymes involved in healthy weight and energy metabolism. Vitamin C cannot be manufactured by humans and is mainly obtained from the dietary intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. There is great variability between different nutritional guidelines in the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency results from an inadequate intake of vitamin C-containing foods and also increased utilization by oxidative and carbonyl stress. Risk factors for vitamin C deficiency include cigarette smoking, malnutrition, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, age, race, sex, social isolation, major surgery, and Western-type diets. Despite the common belief that vitamin C deficiency is rare in affluent countries, surveys of large populations and specific patient groups suggest otherwise. Patients with obesity typically consume highly processed, energy-dense foods which contain inadequate micronutrients. As obesity increases, larger amounts of oral vitamin C are required to achieve adequate plasma and tissue concentrations, as compared to persons with a healthy weight. This is important in the control of oxidative stress and the maintenance of homeostasis and organ function. In this narrative review, the dosage, absorption, distribution, excretion, and catabolism of vitamin C are reviewed, together with the latest findings on vitamin C pharmacology in patients with obesity. Full article
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12 pages, 1161 KiB  
Article
Low Dietary Diversity and Low Haemoglobin Status in Ghanaian Female Boarding and Day Senior High School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Joyce Asare, Jia Jiet Lim and Isaac Amoah
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071045 - 26 Jun 2024
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Anaemia is one of the most common forms of malnutrition globally, with most anaemia cases related to micronutrient deficiency. Diets with higher dietary diversity scores (DDS) are usually nutritionally diverse and could positively impact micronutrient status, including haemoglobin (Hb) [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Anaemia is one of the most common forms of malnutrition globally, with most anaemia cases related to micronutrient deficiency. Diets with higher dietary diversity scores (DDS) are usually nutritionally diverse and could positively impact micronutrient status, including haemoglobin (Hb) concentration improvement. The study aimed to determine DDS and its association with the Hb concentration of Boarding and Day adolescent Senior High School students in Ghana. Materials and Methods: A semi-structured and three 24 h dietary recalls were used to obtain the participants’ demographic and diet intake data, respectively. Hb concentration was assessed using a validated portable haemoglobinometer. DDS was evaluated using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) approach. Results: A significant difference in the DDS between Boarding and Day students existed. Only 22% of the Boarding students had adequate dietary diversity, whereas 64% of the Day students had adequate dietary diversity. A significantly smaller proportion of the Boarding students consumed nuts and seeds, dairy, flesh foods, eggs, vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits, other vegetables, and other fruits compared to Day students (p < 0.05, all). No significant difference (p = 0.925) in mean (±SD) Hb concentrations between Boarding (11.9 ± 1.1 g/dL) and Day (11.9 ± 1.1 g/dL) students was found. Additionally, no significant correlation between mean DDS and Hb concentration (p = 0.997) was recorded. Using Hb < 12 g/dL as the determination of anaemia, 55.1% Boarding and 57.8% Day students had anaemia. Conclusions: Low dietary diversity in Boarding students highlighted inadequate nutrition provided by school meals. Strategies to increase meal diversity should be prioritised by stakeholders in Ghana’s educational sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
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