Search Results (2,895)

In the original randomised Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis (DISCO-CT) trial, a 12-month Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) project led by dietitians improved cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and reduced platelet chemokine levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It is unclear whether these benefits are sustained. Objective: To determine whether the metabolic, inflammatory, and clinical benefits achieved during the DISCO-CT trial are sustained six years after the structured intervention ended. Methods: Ninety-seven adults with non-obstructive CAD confirmed in coronary computed tomography angiography were randomly assigned to receive optimal medical therapy (control group, n = 41) or the same therapy combined with intensive DASH counselling (DASH group, n = 43). After 301 ± 22 weeks, 84 individuals (87%) who had given consent underwent reassessment of body composition, meal frequency assessment, and biochemical testing (lipids, hs-CRP, CXCL4, RANTES and homocysteine). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were assessed. Results: During the intervention, the DASH group lost an average of 3.6 ± 4.2 kg and reduced their total body fat by an average of 4.2 ± 4.8 kg, compared to an average loss of 1.1 ± 2.9 kg and a reduction in total body fat of 0.3 ± 4.1 kg in the control group (both p < 0.01). Six years later, most of the lost body weight and fat tissue had been regained, and there was a sharp increase in visceral fat area in both groups (p < 0.0001). CXCL4 decreased by 4.3 ± 3.0 ng/mL during the intervention and remained lower than baseline values; in contrast, in the control group, it initially increased and then decreased (p < 0.001 between groups). LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP levels returned to baseline in both groups but remained below baseline in the DASH group. There was one case of MACE in the DASH group, compared with four cases (including one fatal myocardial infarction) in the control group (p = 0.575). Overall adherence to the DASH project increased by 26 points during counselling and then decreased by only four points, remaining higher than in the control group. Conclusions: A one-year DASH project supported by a physician and dietitian resulted in long-term suppression of the proatherogenic chemokine CXCL4 and fewer MACE over six years, despite a decline in adherence and loss of most anthropometric and lipid benefits. It appears that sustained systemic reinforcement of behaviours is necessary to maintain the benefits of lifestyle intervention in CAD. Full article

The frequency of specific variants associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases has been extensively studied through genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Differences between populations may be caused by the interaction of several factors, such as environmental and genetic backgrounds. Here, we studied 19 SNPs involved in atherosclerosis (AT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in the Azorean and mainland Portuguese populations and compared their frequencies with other European, Asian, and African populations. Results revealed that, although there was no difference between Azorean and mainland populations, eight SNPs in ADAMTS7, PCSK9, APOE, and LDLR genes showed significant statistical differences (χ², p < 0.05) when compared with the European population. The multilocus genetic profile (MGP) analysis demonstrated that 7.4% of mainlanders and 11.2% of Azoreans have a high-risk of developing atherosclerosis. The opposite tendency was observed for venous thromboembolism risk, where the mainland population presented a higher risk (6.5%) than the Azorean population (4.1%). Significant differences in VTE-MGP distribution were found among the Azorean geographic groups (p < 0.05), with the Eastern group showing the highest VTE risk. Conversely, for the risk AT-MGP, the Central group shows the highest risk (12.9%). Taken together, the data suggest a risk of developing a cardiovascular disease consistent with the European population. However, the Azorean-specific genetic background and socio-cultural habits (dietary and sedentary) may explain the differences observed, validating the need to assess the allelic and genotypic frequencies between different populations, especially in small geographical locations, such as the Azores archipelago. In conclusion, these findings can improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of high-risk individuals, and contribute to reducing the lifelong burden of cardiovascular diseases in the Azorean population. Full article

Effective management of fecal pollutants in rural sanitation is crucial for environmental health and public safety, especially in developing regions. In this study, temporal and regional variations in nutrient elements, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms (PMs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of fecal samples from rural toilets in China were investigated. The moisture contents of the fecal samples average 92.7%, decreasing seasonally from 97.4% in summer to 90.6% in winter. The samples’ pH values range from 6.5 to 7.5, with a slight decrease in winter (6.8), while their electrical conductivity varies from 128.1 to 2150 μs/cm, influenced by regional diets. Chromium (9.0–49.7 mg/kg) and copper (31.9–784.4 mg/kg) levels vary regionally, with higher concentrations in Anhui and Guangxi Provinces due to dietary and industrial factors. Zinc contents range from 108.5 to 1648.9 mg/kg, with higher levels in autumn and winter, resulting from agricultural practices and Zn-containing fungicides, posing potential health and phytotoxicity risks. Seasonal and regional variations in PMs and ARGs were observed. Guangxi Province shows the high PM diversity in summer samples, while Jiangsu Province exhibits the high ARGs types in autumn samples. These findings highlight the need for improved waste management and sanitation solutions in rural areas to mitigate environmental risks and protect public health. Continued research in these regions is essential to inform effective sanitation strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD. Results: CAP acts as a potent and selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. We confirmed TRPV1 expression in the liver and demonstrated that CAP activates hepatic TRPV1, thereby preventing steatosis, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. These beneficial effects were observed in wild-type but not in TRPV1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, CAP-induced TRPV1 activation promotes calcium influx and activates AMPK, which leads to SIRT1-dependent upregulation of PPARα and PGC-1α, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dietary CAP prevents MASLD through TRPV1 activation. TRPV1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Full article

This study investigated pesticide residues in 580 vegetable samples collected from markets in Serbia, encompassing potatoes, carrots, celery, radishes, horseradish, ginger, onions, and leeks. In total, 33 distinct pesticides were detected using validated HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS analytical methods. Multiple residues were identified in 19 samples, while 29 samples exceeded established maximum residue levels (MRLs). Acute and chronic dietary risks were assessed for both adults and children. Although individual hazard quotients (HQs) for adults and children remained below the threshold of concern (HQ < 1), the cumulative acute risk reached up to 63.1% of the Acute Reference Dose (ARfD) for children and 51.1% ARfD for adults, with ginger and celery posing the highest risks. Similarly, cumulative chronic risks remained below the safety threshold, with the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) percentages reaching a maximum of 5.9% ADI for adults and increased vulnerability of 11.0% ADI among children. Monte Carlo simulations were applied to account for variability and uncertainty in chronic exposure estimates. The hazard index (HI) results showed that adverse health effects for both population groups remained within acceptable safety limits (HI < 1), although higher susceptibility was observed in children. Sensitivity analysis identified body weight and vegetable consumption rates as the most influential factors affecting chronic risk variability. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern in Latin America, driven by rapid aging, widespread micronutrient inadequacies, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition, many older adults struggle to meet daily dietary micronutrients requirements, increasing the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the role of Multivitamin and Mineral supplements (MVMs) in promoting cognitive healthy aging among older adults in Latin America. Methods: A panel of nine experts in geriatrics, neurology, and nutrition applied a modified Delphi methodology to generate consensus statements. The panel reviewed the literature, engaged in expert discussions, and used structured voting to develop consensus statements. Results: Consensus was reached on 14 statements. Experts agreed that cognitive aging in Latin America is influenced by neurobiological, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, including widespread micronutrient inadequacies (vitamins B-complex, C, D, E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, copper, iron and selenium), which were identified as critical for global cognitive function and brain structures, yet commonly inadequate in the elderly. While a balanced diet remains essential, MVMs can be recommended as a complementary strategy to bridge nutritional gaps. Supporting evidence, including the COSMOS-Mind trials, demonstrate that MVM use improves memory and global cognition, and reduces cognitive aging by up to 2 years in older adults. Conclusions: MVMs offer a promising, accessible adjunct for cognitive healthy aging in Latin America’s elderly population, particularly where dietary challenges persist. Region-specific guidelines, public health initiatives, and targeted research are warranted to optimize outcomes and reduce health inequities. Full article

As veganism becomes more popular, the number of vegan pregnant women and children is steadily increasing. During vegan pregnancy and early childhood, there is a high risk for nutrient deficiencies that may impair child development. External factors, such as healthcare advice, social networks, and social environments, that affect the diet of vegan pregnant women, parents, and their children, as well as their approach towards dietary supplementation, have not yet been investigated. Various sources of information, combined with a lack of expertise, sparse food and nutritional health literacy, and qualitatively heterogeneous information provision by medical experts, unsettle vegan pregnant women and parents and affect their dietary choices and potentially the health of their children. The VedieS study aims to investigate potential connections between external influences and associated impacts on a vegan diet and the intake of dietary supplements (DS) of pregnant women and children. Two surveys are being conducted within the study: one targeting 1000 vegan pregnant women and parents, and another targeting 60 experts in each of five healthcare groups: gynecologists, pediatricians, general practitioners, pharmacists, and dietitians. This study is the first to examine how socio-economic, social, and further informational factors influence dietary practices during vegan pregnancy and childhood. It highlights the need for reliable, expert-led guidance, as current information sources are often inconsistent and may put these vulnerable groups at risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition in older adults is both preventable and treatable, yet its detection and etiology remain complex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and various factors involved in the etiology of malnutrition in community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older in a health center in Ağrı, Türkiye. The nutritional status of older adults was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a series of validated instruments, including the Standardized Mini Mental Examination (MMSE), body composition measurements (BIA), dietary intake records, and physical performance tests such as hand grip strength, chair stand, and Timed ‘Up & Go’ (TUG) Test. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for group comparisons and logistic regression to investigate independent factors associated with risk of malnutrition. Results: A total of 182 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 72.1 ± 6.0 years. Of the participants, 59.3% were male. 1.6% of the participants were malnourished, and 25.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Perceived health status compared to peers (OR: 1.734, 95% CI: 1.256–2.392, p = 0.001), lower appetite status (OR: 1.942, 95% CI: 1.459–2.585, p < 0.001) and lower waist circumference (OR: 1.089, 95% CI: 1.040–1.140, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of malnutrition risk. Conclusions: The risk of malnutrition was higher among individuals with lower appetite, poorer self-perceived health status compared to peers, and smaller waist circumference. Reduced physical function and strength were also associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although prediabetes is a major risk factor for T2D, it remains largely underdiagnosed and untreated. Structured lifestyle interventions have proven effective in preventing diabetes, but their feasibility within the Brazilian public health system remains unclear. Methods: This multicenter pilot randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention (PROVEN-DIA) across the five regions of Brazil. A total of 220 adults at high risk for T2D were randomized to an intervention group or a control group (usual care) and followed for three months. Both groups received similar educational content on healthy eating and physical activity, but the intervention group participated in a structured and personalized lifestyle program with regular follow-up sessions. The primary outcome was adherence to dietary recommendations, assessed using the BALANCE Index—a validated dietary score (range: 0–40) based on the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet that classifies foods into color-coded groups according to nutritional quality—along with engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Secondary outcomes included diet quality (DQIR), anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by a 93.2% retention rate (n = 205). There was no significant difference in the primary outcome (simultaneous improvement in diet and MVPA). However, the PROVEN-DIA group exhibited significantly greater improvements in diet quality, with a 2.8-point increase in the BALANCE Index (vs. 0.5 in the control, p = 0.03), and a significant improvement in the DQIR (p < 0.001). No significant differences between groups were observed in MVPA, HbA1C, glycaemia, or body weight. Conclusions: The PROVEN-DIA intervention proved feasible within the Brazilian public health context, resulting in significant improvements in dietary quality among individuals at high risk for T2D. A larger trial with longer follow-up is warranted to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing the progression to diabetes. However, to enhance physical activity outcomes, specific adaptations and targeted strategies may be required to better support participant engagement in exercise. Full article

Background/Objectives: Affecting close to one-third of the global population, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disorder linked to metabolic risk factors such as obesity and insulin resistance. Liver fibrosis is a key determinant of prognosis, and its progression increases the risk of liver-related and overall mortality. This exploratory research evaluated the potential impact of a 3-month intervention involving dietary counseling and liraglutide therapy on liver fibrosis and related metabolic markers in patients with MASLD and obesity without diabetes. Methods: In this prospective, single-arm exploratory intervention, 28 adult patients with MASLD and obesity received structured dietary counseling and daily subcutaneous liraglutide for 12 weeks. Liver fibrosis was assessed using non-invasive indices (FIB-4, APRI, BARD, ELF) and transient elastography performed with the FibroScan^® device (Echosens, Paris, France). Results: After 3 months, a significant reduction in liver stiffness (−7.14%, p < 0.05) and ELF score (from 6.71 to 6.63; −1.2%, p < 0.05) was observed. APRI (p = 0.06) and FIB-4 (p = 0.09) showed trends toward improvement, while the BARD score and AST/ALT ratio remained unchanged. Conclusions: Short-term liraglutide therapy combined with lifestyle modification may improve early-stage liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD and obesity, as indicated by reductions in liver stiffness and ELF score. These preliminary findings highlight the potential of advanced non-invasive fibrosis markers in monitoring treatment response. However, as an exploratory study, results should be interpreted with caution, and larger, long-term trials are needed to confirm these observations and evaluate efficacy in patients with more advanced fibrosis stages. Full article

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. High salt intake when consumed with excess fructose enhances hypertension and resultant cardiovascular disease. Usually, the small intestine absorbs dietary fructose, and the proximal tubule of kidney reabsorbs filtered fructose into the circulation with the help of different transporters including SGLT4 and SGLT5. Very recently, SGLT5 mRNA has also been found to be expressed in the heart. High-fructose diet stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAAS) activity, of which both are responsible for endothelial dysfunction and are associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. Few studies exist regarding the effects of SGLT4 and SGLT5 on cardiovascular function and blood pressure. However, SGLT4 gene knockout does not alter fructose-associated impact on blood pressure. In contrast, blood pressure does not increase in SGLT5 knockout rats even during fructose consumption. Given that limiting fructose and salt consumption as a public health strategy has proven challenging, we hope that studies into SGLT4 and SGLT5 transporters will open new research initiatives to address salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights current information about SGLT4 and SGLT5 on fructose absorption, salt-sensitive hypertension, cardiovascular disease and points the way for the development of therapeutic fructose inhibitors that limit adverse effects. Full article

Unhealthy dietary patterns are a major modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). International guidelines recommend reducing saturated fatty acid intake while increasing polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) to mitigate cardiovascular risk. However, evidence regarding MUFAs and risk of ASCVD remains conflicting, with recent studies raising concern about a potential higher risk associated with MUFA intake. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of current knowledge and gaps in the literature regarding MUFAs and the risk of ASCVD with a focus on intake, individual types, and content in adipose tissue as a biomarker of endogenous exposure. Main findings reveal that most studies have inappropriately combined all MUFAs together, despite individual MUFA types having different biological effects and showing varying correlations between dietary intake and adipose tissue content. Adipose tissue composition may serve as a biomarker of long-term MUFA exposure, reflecting cumulative intake over one to two years while minimizing biases inherent in dietary assessments. However, tissue levels reflect both dietary intake and endogenous synthesis, complicating interpretation. Importantly, the source of MUFAs appears critical, with plant-derived MUFAs potentially offering advantages over animal-derived sources. In conclusion, we suggest that future research should focus on individual MUFA types rather than treating them as a homogeneous group, investigate their specific dietary sources and associations with ASCVD risk, and use adipose tissue biomarkers to improve exposure assessment and clarify causal relationships while considering overall dietary patterns. Full article

Gastric cancer traditionally affects older adults, and its precursor lesions and risk factors are well-documented in this population. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia and contributes to gastric pathology. However, early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC), diagnosed in individuals aged ≤ 45 years, presents unique challenges and remains poorly understood in young populations. Therefore, we conducted an observational cohort study using a prospective longitudinal design (2021–2024) involving 1823 Saudi nationals aged 18–45 years who underwent zoom high-definition chromoendoscopy to evaluate the prevalence of premalignant gastric lesions (PGLs) and EOGC. We found a high H. pylori prevalence (78.0%) with PGLs in 1.9% of participants and EOGC-adenocarcinoma in 0.7% of patients. All EOGC cases arose from dysplasia, with most PGLs being classified as OLGA/OLGIM stage II/III. Multiple risk factorswere significantly associated with PGLs and EOGC, including H. pylori infection (p = 0.022), increasing age (p < 0.001), a family history of gastric cancer (p < 0.001), poor dietary habits (p < 0.001), obesity (p < 0.001), and smoking (p < 0.001). Additional EOGC risk factors include dage of 36–45 years (p = 0.018), EBV infection (p = 0.016), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001). These findings demonstrate the notable presence of PGLs and EOGC in young Saudi adults and emphasize the importance of early detection and risk factor management in this vulnerable population. Full article

Background: BDE-47, a pervasive environmental pollutant detected in >90% of human serum samples, is increasingly linked to metabolic disorders. This study investigates the specific impact of BDE-47 exposure on the gut microbiota in prediabetic mice and evaluates the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in mitigating these effects. Objectives: To determine whether BDE-47 exposure induces diabetogenic dysbiosis in prediabetic mice and to assess whether dietary interventions, such as grape exosomes and an antioxidant cocktail, can restore a healthy microbiota composition and mitigate diabetes risk. Methods: In this study, a prediabetic mouse model was established in 54 male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice through a combination of high-sugar and high-fat diet feeding with streptozotocin injection. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted on day 7 and day 21 post-modeling to assess the establishment of the model. The criteria for successful model induction were defined as fasting blood glucose levels below 7.8 mmol/L and 2 h postprandial glucose levels between 7.8 and 11.1 mmol/L. Following confirmation of model success, a 3 × 3 factorial design was applied to allocate the experimental animals into groups based on two independent factors: BDE-47 exposure and exosome intervention. The BDE-47 exposure factor consisted of three dose levels—none, high-dose, and medium-dose—while the exosome intervention factor included three modalities—none, Antioxidant Nutrients Intervention, and Grape Exosomes Intervention. Fresh fecal samples were collected from mice two days prior to sacrifice. Cecal contents and segments of the small intestine were collected and transferred into 1.5 mL cryotubes. All sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on defined similarity thresholds. To compare means across multiple groups, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. The significance level was predefined at α = 0.05, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Bar charts and line graphs were generated using GraphPad Prism version 9.0 software, while statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: The results of 16S rDNA sequencing analysis of the microbiome showed that there was no difference in the α diversity of the intestinal microbiota in each group of mice (p > 0.05), but there was a difference in the Beta diversity (p < 0.05). At the gate level, the abundances of Proteobacteria, Campylobacterota, Desulfobacterota, and Fusobacteriota in the medium-dose BDE-7 group were higher than those in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Patellar bacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundances of Proteobacteria and Campylobacterota in the high-dose BDE-7 group were higher than those in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Planctomycetota and Patescibacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Campylobacterota in the grape exosome group was higher than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Patescibacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Firmicutes and Fusobacteriota in the antioxidant nutrient group was higher than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). However, the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Patescibacteria was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundances of Bacteroides and unclassified Lachnospiraceae in the high-dose BDE-7 group were higher than those in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136_group and Lactobacillus was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Veillonella and Helicobacter in the medium-dose BDE-7 group was higher than that in the model control group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Lactobacillus was lower (p < 0.05). The abundance of genera such as Lentilactobacillus and Faecalibacterium in the grape exosome group was higher than that in the model control group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Alloprevotella and Bacteroides was lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). In the antioxidant nutrient group, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Hydrogenophaga was higher than that in the model control group (p < 0.05). However, the abundance of Akkermansia and Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002 was significantly lower than that of the model control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: BDE-47 induces diabetogenic dysbiosis in prediabetic mice, which is reversible by dietary interventions. These findings suggest that microbiota-targeted strategies may effectively mitigate the diabetes risk associated with environmental pollutant exposure. Future studies should further explore the mechanisms underlying these microbiota changes and the long-term health benefits of such interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Latinos, particularly those of Mexican ancestry, experience high rates of type 2 diabetes and sleep disturbances, exacerbating adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness and its associations with diet, cardiometabolic risk factors, and glycemic control in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the El Banco por Salud biobank, including 1685 participants (aged 52.6 ± 14.5 years, BMI: 32.4 ± 7.0 kg/m²) recruited from Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, while dietary information was obtained via the Brief Dietary Assessment Tool for Hispanics. Primary outcomes included cardiometabolic risk factors and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results: Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale > 10) was present in 22.0% of participants and was associated with higher BMI (p < 0.001), larger waist circumference (p = 0.002), poorer diet quality, increased dyslipidemia (p = 0.036), and elevated HbA1c (p = 0.007). Linear regression analyses confirmed that excessive daytime sleepiness was significantly associated with higher HbA1c levels, both in unadjusted (R² = 0.011; p < 0.001) and adjusted for demographic, anthropometric, and socioeconomic factors (R² = 0.107; p = 0.004) models. Conclusions: Excessive daytime sleepiness among Latinos of Mexican ancestry is associated with unhealthy dietary patterns and poor glycemic control, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing sleep and dietary habits in this vulnerable population. Full article