Search Results (501)

Background/Objectives: Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), diagnosed before age 50 years, is increasing in many countries, but its causes remain uncertain. Evidence on potentially modifiable determinants is heterogeneous and vulnerable to retrospective assessment and residual confounding. We synthesized metabolic, behavioral, dietary, medication-related, clinical, and socioeconomic factors, emphasizing consistency and life-course relevance. Methods: Two core PubMed searches covering publications from 1 January 2010 through 1 June 2026 were supplemented by targeted PubMed searches and reference-list screening. The present review cited 75 journal publications and synthesized the findings qualitatively; no formal risk-of-bias assessment, certainty-of-evidence grading, or de novo quantitative pooling was performed. Results: Evidence was most consistent for excess adiposity and cardiometabolic dysfunction, with earlier and persistent exposure and cardiometabolic clustering potentially more relevant. Inflammatory bowel disease emerged as a clinically distinct high-risk condition. Sedentary behavior, smoking, and higher alcohol consumption showed recurrent but heterogeneous associations. Dietary findings varied by pattern and component: sugar-sweetened beverages and lower-quality dietary patterns showed positive associations, whereas fiber- and plant-rich diets, calcium, folate, and vitamin D showed possible inverse associations. Dietary evidence was largely retrospective and does not establish causality. Evidence for aspirin and antibiotics was limited and vulnerable to confounding, precluding causal inference. Most patterns resembled later-onset CRC. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support a wholly distinct set of environmental determinants for EOCRC. Earlier exposure, longer duration, and cumulative interaction of CRC risk factors are plausible explanations but remain incompletely tested. Evidence supports life-course primary prevention, but no single factor should determine screening eligibility in isolation. Prospective studies with repeated exposure measurement are needed. Full article

Background: Nutritional safety has traditionally focused on preventing excessive nutrient exposure, yet chronic micronutrient inadequacy may also impair physiological function and health resilience. As the European Commission prepares to harmonise maximum permitted levels for food supplements and fortified foods, understanding long-term population intake trends is increasingly important. We assessed changes in micronutrient intakes and adequacy among adults in four European countries. Methods: Repeated, cross-sectional, secondary analyses of published adult (≥18 years) micronutrient intakes over approximately two decades were conducted using publicly available, non-harmonised national dietary surveys at non-contemporaneous time points in the Netherlands, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom (n = 17,261). Mean, lower-tail (5th centile; UK 2.5th) and upper-tail (95th centile; UK 97.5th) intakes were evaluated against dietary reference values, and changes in population intake estimates over the past two decades were examined. Results: Intakes of several micronutrients declined substantially, with mean and lower-tail intakes of vitamins D and A, riboflavin, folate and of calcium, iron and iodine decreasing by up to 50% in some population groups, indicating widening intake disparities and increasing risk of chronic insufficiency. Although improvements in some micronutrients were consistent with fortification policies and dietary changes, inadequacies remained widespread, including for vitamin D across all countries, iron in women, potassium in UK women, selenium in most populations and copper in Irish women. Folate intake in UK women and vitamin A intake in France were marginal. Conclusions: Declining intakes of several micronutrients and persistent inadequacies indicate emerging nutritional safety concerns in Europe. Population intake trends and chronic insufficiency should be explicitly considered in nutritional safety assessments, maximum permitted level discussions and modelling and future public health policy. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between dietary intake and two key components of sarcopenia in older, sex- and age-matched men and women: muscle strength and physical performance. Methods: The study included 620 carefully selected community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and more (310 men and 310 women) matched by sex and age (±1 year; median age: 66 years). Body mass and body mass index were assessed. Dietary intake was evaluated using 24 h dietary recall questionnaire and analyzed with Dieta 5.0 software. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, while physical performance using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Results: In men, but not in women, higher intakes of multiple dietary components, especially proteins, were associated with greater HGS. TUG was inversely related to animal protein, some amino acids, folate and vitamin C in men, whereas in women to copper, magnesium, vitamins C and E, riboflavin, and PUFA intakes. After multivariable adjustment, no nutrient remained associated with HGS in both sexes. In women, vitamin C intake remained inversely associated with TUG. Age was the strongest predictor of HGS, while age, physical activity (PA) and chronic diseases were significant factors associated with TUG in both sexes. Conclusions: Our findings show multifactorial nature of muscle physiology, suggesting that in preventive strategies adequate dietary intake integrated with PA and effective management of chronic diseases is required, as nutrition alone appears insufficient to preserve muscle function. The sex-stratified associations suggest that personalized dietary recommendations may be beneficial. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently experience food-related symptoms and express a strong need for dietary guidance, yet evidence-based recommendations remain limited. This often leads to self-imposed dietary restrictions, potentially compromising nutritional intake and food-related quality of life (Fr-QoL). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate changes in Fr-QoL, following personalized feedback on an IBD-specific food frequency questionnaire and access to an online nutritional knowledge portal over a 6-month period. Secondary exploratory outcomes included changes in dietary intake and diet quality. Methods: In this nationwide pre–post study, 108 patients with IBD completed baseline and 6-month assessments. Dietary intake was measured using the validated GINQ-FFQ and Fr-QoL using a 29-item questionnaire. Nutrient intake was compared with EFSA reference values. Participants received automated personalized feedback and had access to educational tools and dietitian resources. Changes over time were analyzed using paired statistical tests. Results: A significant improvement in Fr-QoL was observed (mean difference 8.1 points, 95% CI 5.5–10.7; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.39). Baseline intake was characterized by high fat and low fiber consumption. After 6 months, total energy intake decreased (p < 0.001), along with reductions in protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and several micronutrients, including iron, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Diet quality did not improve, and adherence to EFSA guidelines remained suboptimal. The digital tools were positively evaluated. Conclusions: In this single-arm pre–post study, Fr-QoL scores were higher at follow-up than at baseline among participants who completed both assessments, whereas dietary intake and overall diet quality did not improve. The findings support the feasibility and acceptability of the developed digital tools for dietary assessment and nutrition education, although their effectiveness requires further evaluation in controlled studies. Additional strategies, including structured dietitian-led support combined with digital resources, may be required to optimize nutritional outcomes in patients with IBD. Full article

Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood, with complex pathogenesis and heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Current efforts are focused on achieving remission through phenotyping and personalized therapy. Micronutrient deficiency is commonly observed in both children and adults, and current evidence points to their role in the pathogenesis of numerous acute and chronic conditions. Method: In this narrative review, we analyzed current information regarding the influence of micronutrient deficiencies on asthma control. The aim was to clarify the extent to which current knowledge provides evidence for implementing specific dietary measures in children with asthma to achieve disease control. We conducted a review of the literature covering the past 20 years to assess the impact of iron, vitamin D, and folic acid deficiency on asthma control. The research was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase. Results: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the frequency of asthma exacerbations in children. However, data regarding the severity of exacerbations, hospitalizations, or emergency department visits are not consistent across different studies. Vitamin D supplementation has controversial effects on disease control. Iron deficiency may contribute to the development of asthma, but there is no clear evidence. Observational studies have reported associations between iron deficiency, poorer asthma control, frequent exacerbations, and impaired lung function. An association between low folate levels and increased asthma risk and poorer asthma control was also reported. Conclusions: Assessing micronutrient status in children with asthma and the effect of correcting deficiencies as part of a personalized treatment plan to achieve symptom control remains a topic that requires further research. Full article

Rising global temperatures pose a serious threat to the productivity of farmed animals. Prolonged heat exposure impairs growth, reproduction and immunity; suppresses feed intake; and disrupts intestinal barriers, leading to substantial economic losses. Conventional cooling strategies offer limited relief, spurring research into the underlying molecular dysregulation. Epigenetic mechanisms link heat stress (HS) to gene expression. Specific nutrients that modulate these mechanisms could help mitigate HS. This review critically summarizes how methyl donors, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vitamins, and phytochemicals reshape the epigenome of poultry, ruminants, and swine under HS conditions, focusing on heat shock protein (HSP) modulation, intestinal barrier reinforcement, and enhancement of antioxidant capacity. Across these interventions, several consistent observations emerge: methyl donors appear to modulate HSP70 expression, butyrate reinforces intestinal barrier integrity, and folate reverses stress-induced hypermethylation in swine—although direct epigenetic evidence remains limited in most cases. However, knowledge gaps remain, especially regarding aquatic animals and interactions among dietary components. By integrating mechanistic and empirical evidence, this review provides a basis for precision nutrition that goes beyond single-nutrient strategies. Targeted dietary intervention may influence thermal tolerance through epigenetic mechanisms. Looking ahead, direct measurements of epigenetic endpoints and systematic cross-species comparisons will be essential to validate and extend the current findings. Full article

Background: Beijing’s 2024 school physical education reforms have substantially increased activity demands on children, yet population-level genotype data for Chinese schoolchildren remain scarce. Objectives: To characterize ACTN3 R577X, MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, and MTRR A66G polymorphisms in 564 Beijing schoolchildren; test Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE); compare allele frequencies with East Asian reference populations; and perform multi-locus cumulative allele analysis across all four loci. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 564 primary and secondary school students (265 males, 299 females) in Beijing. Genotyping was performed by PCR and Sanger sequencing using saliva-derived DNA; the overall call rate was 100% (564/564). HWE was assessed using the exact test of Wigginton et al. Allele frequencies were compared with 1000 Genomes CHB ($n=103$) and gnomAD EAS ($n\approx 2604$) using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Cumulative variant allele counts (0–8) were computed across all four loci. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype frequencies were estimated using the EM algorithm. Results: All four loci were in HWE (all $p>0.05$). Genotype frequencies were: ACTN3 R577X—RR 31.56%, RX 49.11%, XX 19.33%; MTHFR C677T—CC 18.62%, CT 46.99%, TT 34.40%; MTHFR A1298C—AA 71.81%, AC 26.42%, CC 1.77%; MTRR A66G—AA 56.21%, AG 35.82%, GG 7.98%. No significant sex differences were observed at any locus (all $p>0.05$). Allele frequencies were consistent with East Asian reference populations. Across all four loci, 87.23% of students carried ≥2 variant alleles; 29.26% carried ≥4. LD between MTHFR C677T and A1298C was moderate to strong ($\left|D^{\prime }\right|=0.97$, $r^2=0.23$). The double-mutant T-C haplotype was rare (frequency $=0.002$). Conclusions: This study provides genotype frequency data for exercise- and folate metabolism-related polymorphisms in a sample of Beijing schoolchildren. These descriptive frequency data establish a baseline for future genotype–phenotype association studies; however, the sample is limited to two schools in two districts of Beijing and does not represent the broader Chinese pediatric population. Studies incorporating fitness, biochemical, and dietary data are required before such genetic profiles can inform educational or clinical recommendations. Given the purely descriptive, cross-sectional nature of the study and the absence of phenotypic data, these genotype frequency data do not, on their own, provide a basis for individualized physical education programming or nutritional recommendations. Full article

Introduction: Restrictive diets are increasingly encountered in pediatric practice and may be adopted voluntarily or prescribed for medical conditions. Although they can support normal growth when appropriately planned, exclusion of nutritionally important foods may increase the risk of nutrient inadequacy. This narrative review examined nutritional deficiencies and laboratory monitoring in children following plant-based, food-allergy elimination, gluten-free, ketogenic, and protein-restricted diets for inherited metabolic disorders. Methods: Targeted searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were conducted through 30 June 2026 using pediatric, diet-specific, nutritional-status, and biomarker terms. Because this was a narrative review, the literature was selected and synthesized qualitatively rather than through a formal systematic-screening process; no fixed study count, duplicate independent screening, or formal risk-of-bias assessment was performed. Professional guidelines and position papers were prioritized when discussing monitoring considerations, while pediatric studies were used to describe dietary intake, biochemical findings, clinically manifest deficiency, and growth outcomes. Results: Nutritional risks differed according to the foods or nutrients restricted. Vitamin B12 and iron were major concerns in plant-based diets, whereas cow’s milk and multiple-food elimination increased the risk of inadequate calcium, vitamin D, iodine, protein, and energy intake. Gluten-free diets were commonly associated with low fiber, iron, folate, and B-vitamin intake, particularly when refined, non-fortified products predominated. Ketogenic dietary therapy required attention to selenium, vitamin D, bone-related minerals, carnitine in selected patients, and linear growth. In phenylketonuria and related disorders, nutritional adequacy depended strongly on protein-substitute adherence and appropriate provision of essential amino acids and micronutrients. Across all dietary patterns, laboratory results required interpretation in relation to dietary intake, growth, supplementation, inflammation, medication, and the underlying condition. Across dietary patterns, inadequate intake, biochemical abnormalities, clinically manifest deficiency, and impaired growth were considered related but distinct outcomes. Conclusions: Nutritional monitoring should be individualized and based on the actual dietary restriction and clinical risk. The principal contribution of this review is a practical, risk-based framework that links the specific dietary restriction and adequacy of replacement foods with growth, symptoms, supplementation, and targeted laboratory biomarkers. Full article

Background: Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries face a disproportionate burden of dietary inadequacy, yet evidence on the determinants of overall diet quality remains scarce. This study assessed the prevalence of macro- and micronutrient inadequate intake and identified factors associated with dietary adequacy among adolescents in rural Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescents using multistage cluster sampling. Dietary intake was assessed through a single 24-h dietary recall; nutrient adequacy was determined using age-and sex-specific Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) standards, including Estimated Average Requirements (EARs), Adequate Intakes (AIs), Estimated Energy Requirements (EERs), and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs), as appropriate. Overall dietary adequacy was quantified using the Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), calculated as the unweighted mean of nutrient adequacy ratios for fourteen nutrients, including protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, C, D, E, and folate, scaled from 0 to 100. Multivariable linear regression incorporating survey weights and clustering was used to identify independent predictors of MAR using STATA. Results: A total of 1132 adolescents were included. Most of the energy was derived from carbohydrates, and a high proportion of adolescents had energy intakes below age- and sex-specific Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) values, while very high levels of inadequacies were observed for protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A. The mean MAR score was 54.04 ± 16.51, indicating overall poor dietary adequacy. In multivariable analysis, male sex (β = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.76, 4.75), belonging to the richest wealth quintile (β = 5.81; 95% CI: 1.76, 9.86), always eating between meals (β = 6.70; 95% CI: 3.93, 9.47), and use of bar soap for handwashing (β = 4.97; 95% CI: 2.00, 7.94) were significantly associated with higher dietary adequacy. Adolescents who were underweight (β = −2.40; 95% CI: −4.81, −0.11) and those with moderate physical activity levels (β = −3.96; 95% CI: −7.62, −0.29) had significantly lower dietary adequacy scores. Conclusions: Dietary inadequacy among rural adolescents in Pakistan was highly prevalent and was associated with socioeconomic, behavioral, and nutritional factors. These findings highlight the need for interventions that address food insecurity, promote equitable food distribution, and strengthen nutrition education to support adolescent health and nutrition. However, these findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and the use of a single 24-h dietary recall, which may not reflect habitual dietary intake. Full article

Background: Classical phenylketonuria (PKU) requires the lifelong dietary restriction of phenylalanine-containing foods. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a phenylalanine-restricted diet on carnitine, amino acid, vitamin, and mineral status in children with classical PKU. Methods: This case–control study included 30 children with classical PKU and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Dietary adherence was categorized as good, moderate, or poor according to blood phenylalanine concentrations during the preceding year. Dried blood spot amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles combined with serum micronutrient and hematological parameters were analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed between the PKU and control groups regarding tyrosine, free carnitine (C0), acetyl carnitine (C2), valine, or methionine concentrations (p > 0.05). Arginine levels were significantly lower in the PKU group than in controls (40.14 ± 29.89 vs. 48.25 ± 16.08 µmol/L, p = 0.008). Vitamin B12, folate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and mean corpuscular volume were significantly higher in patients with PKU (all p < 0.05). Dietary adherence exhibited a strong negative correlation with phenylalanine concentrations (r = −0.86, p < 0.001), a moderate negative correlation with the phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratio (r = −0.56, p = 0.001), and a moderate negative correlation with body mass index (r = −0.55, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Children with classical PKU receiving long-term dietary treatment maintained adequate carnitine and micronutrient status. Reduced arginine concentrations observed in treated children with classical PKU warrant further investigation, although their clinical significance remains uncertain. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to describe dietary intake among adults 55 years and older living in the Central Division of Fiji and identify food sources of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Methods: A retrospective dietary dataset consisting of 171 adults aged 55 and over was collected using the 24 h multiple-pass recall (24 h MPR) and assessed using the Intake24 Fiji smartphone application. Analyses were restricted to 147 participants with complete dietary record data. Energy, macronutrient, and selected micronutrient intakes were assessed against recommended amounts, and nutrient sources were reported for 15 food groups. Results: Mean daily energy intakes (6.6 MJ/day) were lower than recommended, especially for Those > 70 years (5.3 MJ). The participants had acceptable contributions of energy from fat (28%) and carbohydrates (56%) but lower contributions for protein (13%) than the recommended range (15–25%). The mean protein intake for men and women was 0.68 g/kg/day. More than half of these older adults consumed less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of retinol, thiamin, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc, while vitamin B₆ requirements were met by approximately half of the participants. The primary sources of energy and nutrients were from bread and bakery products, mixed dishes, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Conclusions: The dietary intakes of older adults in Fiji’s Central Division met carbohydrate and fat intake guidelines but were low in protein as well as retinol, thiamin, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc; however, approximately half of the participants met the vitamin B6 requirements. These findings highlight the need to improve overall diet quality for older Fijians by increasing the accessibility of nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods and addressing low energy and micronutrient intakes. Full article

Nutritional peripheral neuropathy is a clinically important condition associated with inadequate intake, malabsorption, bariatric surgery, aging, metabolic disease, and chronic medication exposure. B vitamins serve as essential coenzymes in mitochondrial energy metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, redox regulation, and myelin maintenance. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic and clinical evidence linking B vitamin-dependent coenzyme systems to nutritional neuropathy and selected neuropsychiatric manifestations. Particular emphasis is placed on the tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transport chain, urea cycle, folate–methionine cycle, and MTHFR-dependent one-carbon metabolism. The proposed “dynamic coenzyme network” is intended as an integrative mechanistic framework rather than a stand-alone therapeutic recommendation. Although biochemical interdependence among B vitamins supports evaluation for combined or functional deficiencies in selected patients, mechanistic plausibility should not be equated with clinical efficacy. Clinical consideration of B vitamin repletion should be guided by documented deficiency, dietary and gastrointestinal risk factors, medication exposure, neurological phenotype, and functional biomarkers such as homocysteine and methylmalonic acid. Adjunctive nutrients, including alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine, may have context-specific relevance, particularly in metabolic neuropathies, but evidence for fixed multi-nutrient combinations remains heterogeneous. Further well-designed clinical studies are needed to determine whether this mechanistic framework translates into meaningful neurological or neuropsychiatric benefit beyond established deficiency states. Full article

Background/Objectives: Folate plays a key role in one-carbon metabolism and may influence reproductive function, but evidence regarding its association with fecundability remains inconsistent. This study examined the association of folic acid (FA) supplementation, dietary folate intake, and folate status with time to pregnancy (TTP) among women planning to conceive. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study included women enrolled during premarital health examinations in two counties in Shanxi Province (2009–2012). Folate-related exposures were assessed at baseline and included FA supplementation, dietary folate intake, and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations. Discrete-time proportional hazards model was used to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 1475 women without a history of previous pregnancy were included, among whom 24 (1.6%) reported FA supplementation at baseline. Higher intake of several food groups was associated with increased RBC folate concentrations. In separate models, only seafood intake (1–3 times per week) was significantly associated with higher fecundability (FR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.44). In joint models, FA supplementation was associated with higher fecundability at 6 months (FR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.77), 12 months (FR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.30), and 24 months (FR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.30). Conclusions: Preconception FA supplementation showed a potential positive association with fecundability when considered alongside dietary intake and folate status, although the evidence was limited by the low use of supplementation. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of folate in human fecundability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is a complex multifactorial disorder driven by genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) acting as potential disruptors of immune homeostasis. This study aimed to characterize the patterns and temporality of UPF consumption in a pediatric population with CD to provide evidence-based insights that can optimize the nutritional quality of a gluten-free diet (GFD) beyond mere gluten avoidance. Methods: A total of 128 children aged 5–14 years were enrolled, comprising a baseline cohort of 48 children newly diagnosed with CD (pre-GFD), 88 patients who had followed a GFD for at least 6 months (post-GFD), including 44 participants from the pre-GFD cohort prospectively re-evaluated after 12 months and 44 additional patients with established GFD adherence and a control group of 36 healthy children (CTRL). Dietary intake was assessed using three-day 24 h recalls. Food processing levels were determined using the NOVA classification system, and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was evaluated via the KIDMED index. Results: At baseline, UPFs (NOVA 4) were the primary daily energy source for both celiac patients and controls, accounting for over 57% of total caloric intake, peaking during breakfast (~74%) and afternoon snacks (~81%). Longitudinal analysis showed that the nutritional profile and global UPF consumption remained remarkably stable after 12 months on a GFD, though a significant increase in vitamin B6 intake was observed (0.9 ± 0.4 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5 mg; p = 0.034). However, meal-pattern shifts occurred over the 12 months: celiac children significantly reduced their daily intake of culinary ingredients (NOVA 2; p = 0.029) and processed foods (NOVA 3; p = 0.025). Compared to healthy controls, post-GFD patients exhibited significantly lower Vitamin D intakes (4.6 ± 9.4 vs. 6.2 ± 12.3 µg/day; p = 0.008), meeting only 30.8% of the reference intake. Both groups presented inadequate intakes of iron, calcium, folate, magnesium, and zinc. Conclusions: Pediatric celiac patients exhibit a high, deeply ingrained consumption of UPFs that mirrors healthy controls and persists 12 months after starting a GFD. While the GFD alters meal processing dynamics, it fails to resolve baseline micronutrient insufficiencies and is associated with lower dietary vitamin D intake, highlighting the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions that focus on whole food quality rather than just gluten elimination. Full article

Background: Adequate nutrition during young adulthood is essential for health promotion, optimal physiological function, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. However, evidence describing both nutrient adequacy and compliance with dietary recommendations in well-characterized samples of young adults remains limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe macronutrient and micronutrient adequacy and to quantify compliance with current dietary recommendations in young adults using an individualized energy-adjusted nutrient adequacy approach (NARm), and to explore sex differences to identify priority targets to inform tailored health promotion and public health nutrition strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 74 young adults aged 18–45 years participating in the NutAF project. Dietary intake was assessed using a 5-day dietary record, including three weekdays and two weekend days. Modified nutrient adequacy ratios (NARm), adjusted according to individualized total daily energy expenditure, were calculated for macronutrients and micronutrients. The prevalence of compliance with current dietary recommendations was also determined. Differences between men and women were analyzed using independent samples t-tests. Results: Protein and total lipid intake levels exceeded recommended values in most participants, whereas carbohydrate adequacy was below recommendations. Regarding micronutrients, adequate intake was observed for several nutrients; however, low adequacy and low compliance rates were identified for calcium, folate, vitamin D, and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. No participants met the recommendations for vitamin D. No significant sex differences were observed for most nutrients. Conclusions: Despite intake levels above recommendations for some macronutrients, young adults included in this study exhibited inadequate intake and low compliance with current dietary recommendations for several key nutrients. No relevant sex differences were observed for most nutrients. These findings, obtained using an individualized energy-adjusted nutrient adequacy approach (NARm), underscore the need for targeted nutritional strategies, including nutrition education and micronutrient-focused interventions, aimed at improving dietary adequacy and supporting health promotion in this population. Full article