Search Results (1,356)

Background/Objectives: Vending machines in hospitals offer convenient access to snacks and beverages for employees, visitors, and patients. However, their contents are typically energy-dense and nutritionally poor, which can potentially reinforce unhealthy eating habits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of introducing healthier vending machine options on purchasing behaviour and consumer perceptions in a hospital setting. Methods: An interventional study was conducted at a university clinical centre in Slovenia. Sales data were collected from a standard vending machine and a pilot machine stocked with healthier products over two 14-day periods. Additionally, a consumer survey assessed factors influencing purchasing decisions and opinions on the healthier offerings. Results: The proportion of healthy items purchased increased from 22% to 39% in the pilot vending machine, indicating a positive shift toward healthier choices. However, total sales declined by 18.81%, suggesting consumer hesitation toward the new product mix. Survey results identified price, ingredients, and visual appeal as the primary factors influencing purchase decisions. Conclusions: The introduction of healthier vending machine options can promote better food choices in hospital environments, though challenges remain regarding consumer acceptance and sales performance. Expanding the variety of healthy items and adopting more competitive pricing strategies may enhance uptake. Further long-term research is needed to assess the sustainability of such interventions and their broader impact on hospital food environments. Full article

Functional food plays an increasingly important role in shaping healthy dietary habits by integrating health-promoting components into consumers’ everyday diets and helping reduce food waste. Products developed using by-products and raw material streams from food processing can support the principles of the circular economy (CE) by improving resource efficiency and lowering the environmental footprint of the food system. In Poland, as in many countries worldwide, functional food is a rapidly growing category that can contribute to public health and serve as a driver of economic development. However, the excessive and scientifically unsupported use of the term “functional food” for marketing purposes may mislead consumers and weaken trust in this product group. From a CE perspective, transparent communication and informed consumer choices are essential, as they promote environmentally responsible behaviors and support sustainable production models. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about functional food among residents of Eastern Poland, which is a less industrialized and predominantly agricultural region. The analysis focused on awareness of health benefits, consumption frequency, consumer attitudes, and interest in educational initiatives promoting functional food within CE principles. The study also examined whether consumers associate functional food with sustainability-oriented practices. The findings offer insights for educational and marketing strategies grounded in scientific evidence and highlight the potential of functional food in building a sustainable, resource-efficient food system. Full article

Background/Objectives: To promote sustainable and healthy diets, increased consumption of pulses (the edible grains of legumes) is recommended. Adolescence is a period in which perceptions and behaviours develop that can impact lifelong dietary behaviours. Therefore, this study aimed to understand how Australian adolescents perceive healthy, sustainable diets and perceive and consume pulses. Methods: Students (11–17 years old, median = 15 years, n = 33) in Brisbane, Australia, participated in school-based face-to-face focus groups and an online survey. Results: Students’ perceptions of healthy and sustainable dietary behaviours largely focused on the health aspects of food and consideration of food waste. The main factors that adolescents identified as influencing the health and sustainability of their diet were a lack of perceived responsibility for the impact of their meal choices and lack of knowledge of what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet. Most students were unfamiliar with the term ‘pulses’ and lacked a desire to consume pulses more often. Consumption of pulses was below recommendations in national and international dietary guidelines. The main factors that adolescents identified as influencing pulse consumption related to students’ lack of capability to prepare pulses and the limited opportunities to access pulse-based foods. Conclusions: Perceptions of sustainable diets and pulses were very limited, and a lack of knowledge, skills, and limited availability were identified as barriers to their consumption. Education and cooking classes, in conjunction with increased availability of tasty pulse foods, are recommended to increase students’ pulse consumption as part of a healthy and sustainable diet. Full article

Background: The aim of the S.A.P.O.R.E. (Sustainable And Pocket friendly Options for nutritious and Responsible Eating) initiative was to offer students attending the University of Brescia a teaching kitchen programme to develop cooking and food skills (CS and FS) and promote healthy food choices. Methods: The course was structured in four weekly lessons, and both before and after, participants were asked to anonymously complete validated questionnaires to assess CS and FS, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and dietary fibre intake. Levels of competence and satisfaction were assessed at the end of the course. Results: Twenty-eight students completed the course. Mean CS and FS scores significantly increased, from 56.1 ± 19.8 to 68.0 ± 16.5 (score range 0–98, p < 0.001) and from 92.7 ± 22.4 to 104.3 ± 21.0 (score range 0–133; p = 0.012), respectively. The MediLite score significantly increased from 9.43 ± 2.77 to 10.9 ± 2.06 (p = 0.006). The mean daily dietary fibre intake increased slightly from 17.8 ± 8.4 to 19.2 ± 7.1 g. More than 70% of participants correctly answered the questionnaire about acquired competence. The average cost for a single meal was EUR 1.50 ± 0.60, and the mean level of students’ satisfaction was 4.4 out of 5. Conclusions: This initiative was significantly associated with improvement in CS, FS and adherence to MD, but not in fibre intake. Full article

This paper investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practical adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) among students of the Teacher Education Study Program in Split. Recent trends indicate a decline in adherence within Mediterranean regions, a phenomenon known as the Mediterranean paradox. Studying the relationship between students’ knowledge and practice is critical within the context of SDG 3 and SDG 4, as it highlights the role of future educators in promoting healthy communities. A quantitative approach was employed using the MDNK methodology, supplemented with the MEDAS test, to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Statistical analysis included p-values and effect size measures to assess practical relevance. Students averaged 13.39/18 on the MDNK test, with most showing moderate MEDAS adherence and only 5 reaching high adherence. The year of study or employment status has not been shown as an influential factor. While most students possess a high level of knowledge on the MD’s key components and express a positive attitude toward this dietary pattern, a significant knowledge-practice gap exists, confirming the Mediterranean paradox among future teachers. The need for nutritional and food education within the university curriculum is essential to move beyond theoretical instruction and actively promote food literacy and practical skills. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolism is fundamental to all living organisms. It comprises a highly complex network of fine-tuned chemical reactions that sustain life but also generate by-products that damage cellular biomolecules, including DNA, thereby contributing to aging and disease. As metabolism can be largely modified by dietary alterations, it has the potential to positively or negatively affect health and disease. Interestingly, many aging-associated illnesses known to be influenced by diet also show a causal relation with DNA damage. As DNA keeps all instructions for life, and DNA lesions, if unrepaired, interfere with vital processes such as DNA replication and transcription, DNA damage may be an important mediator of the impact of nutrition on health and aging. Methods: Here, we discuss the genome-protective effects of various oral interventions in mice, aiming to elucidate which nutritional alterations lower DNA damage and promote overall health. Results: Our analysis covers a wide range of interventions with reported positive impacts on genomic stability, including modified diets (e.g., dietary restriction, probiotics, micronutrients, fatty acids, and hormones), NAD+ precursors (e.g., nicotinamide riboside), plant derivatives, and synthetic drugs. Among these, caloric and dietary restriction emerge as the most potent, generic modulators of DNA damage and repair processes, enhancing aspects of repair efficiency through metabolic recalibration and improved cellular resilience. Other interventions, like NAD+ precursors, activate partly similar pathways without necessitating reduced food intake. Conclusions: While many interventions show promise, their effects are often less pronounced or are process-specific compared to caloric or dietary restriction. Additionally, many substances lack comprehensive exploration of their genome-protective effects in mice, with often only a small number of studies examining their impact on genome stability. Moreover, the heterogeneity between studies limits direct comparison. However, the observed overlap in mechanistic effects between treatments lends credibility to their potential efficacy. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for translating these findings into, e.g., combination treatments to promote healthy aging in humans. Full article

The circadian cycle regulates metabolism in response to external stimuli, such as light exposure, sleep schedules, and eating patterns. However, misalignment between internal biological rhythms and social demands can compromise food choices, potentially leading to overweight and obesity. This research aimed to assess how a person’s chronotype links to social jet lag (SJL), which in turn would relate to their nutritional status and food consumption patterns as a university student. 617 students from a State University located in the State of Paraná, Brazil, completed a cross-sectional research study that collected sociodemographic information/anthropometrics by means of an online survey. It included self-reported height/weight data and dietary habits. The Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) was utilized to determine each participant’s chronotype classification and SJL calculation. Researchers found that nearly half of the students (49.3%) displayed an Intermediate Chronotype, which is associated with a diet that contained elements of the “Mixed” Diet, meaning there are equal portions of healthy food (Fresh Fruits, Beans, etc.) and unhealthy foods (Sweetened Beverages). The multivariate logistic regression analyses identified age as a significant predictor of obesity risk (OR: 1.15, p < 0.001), while dietary habits such as fruit consumption played a protective role. Additionally, having a breakfast protected them from being classified as obese compared to those who did not eat breakfast (OR = 0.59). Contrary to expectations, late-night supper was not a statistically significant predictor in the adjusted model. Predictors of an Intermediate chronotype included being male and eating morning snacks regularly. The results of this study suggest that students with an intermediate chronotype will predictably have skewed eating patterns, such as skipping breakfast and eating late—both of which affect obesity risks. Nutritional strategies for university students should focus on promoting circadian regularity and optimizing meal timing. Full article

In recent decades, species within the genus Amaranthus L. (amaranth) have garnered growing global interest due to their exceptional nutritional value, functional properties, and agricultural versatility. Traditionally consumed as leafy vegetables or pseudo-cereals, several Amaranthus species are now receiving renewed attention in the context of the development of modern functional foods. This review evaluates the data on nutritional composition, health-promoting properties, and potential applications of Amaranthus spp. in sustainable food systems in peer-reviewed publications from the last 25 years. Amaranth is rich in high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, positioning it as a significant factor in addressing malnutrition and enhancing food security. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and peptides, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities, suggesting its potential as a part of healthy diets, alleviating the risk of non-communicable diseases. The presence of anti-nutritional factors, including saponins, phytates, and oxalates, has also been explored, with implications for nutrient bioavailability and overall health effects. In addition to its nutritional advantages, Amaranthus spp. demonstrate strong adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, thus performing as a crop resilient under climate stress. Their olfactory and sensory attributes are also considered important for consumers’ acceptance and market integration. By synthesising traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research, this review underscores the potential of Amaranthus spp. as a multifunctional food source that could support health promotion, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: A healthy lifestyle based on a balanced diet promotes overall well-being and supports brain health, while the consumption of high-energy foods can negatively affect cognitive function, particularly during early developmental stages, such as adolescence. Astrocytes are essential for brain homeostasis, including modulation of neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a region involved in cognitive functions. The impact of short-term high-fat diet (HFD) exposure on astrocytes during adolescence remains unclear. In this study, we examined if brief periods of HFD influence astrocyte morphology, density, and territory volume and, in parallel, the maturation of doublecortin-positive (DCX⁺) cells in the dorsal hippocampus of adolescent male mice. Methods: We performed 3D reconstructions, analyzed morphometric features as well as other parameters of astrocytes and DCX⁺ cells following 1 week of HFD (1 w-HFD), 2 weeks of HFD (2 w-HFD), and 1 week of HFD followed by 1 week of return to a low-fat diet (1 w-HFD – 1w-LFD). Results: We observed that 1 w-HFD significantly increased astrocyte morphological complexity and density compared with the control group (1 w-LFD). After 2 w-HFD, astrocyte complexity declined, whereas density was unchanged. Notably, in the 1 w-HFD – 1 w-LFD group, astrocyte complexity was comparable to that of the 2 w-HFD group; density increased compared to both control groups (2 w-LFD and 2 w-HFD). Moreover, both 1 w- and 2 w-HFD impaired granular cell layer (GCL) DCX⁺ cells density and maturation, and a return to LFD after 1 w-HFD restored maturation but not density. Conclusions: Altogether, these data suggest that short-term HFD exposure has complex effects on GCL astrocytes and impairs DCX⁺ cell maturation in the dorsal hippocampus of adolescent mice. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a persistent global health challenge, often rooted in early-life dietary patterns shaped within the home environment. Objective: To investigate the association between parents’ culinary skills, children’s eating behavior, and the degree of child involvement in family culinary practices. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study. In the public and private schools in southern Brazil. A total of 205 families with children aged 3 to 13 years participated. Parents or caregivers answered a structured questionnaire on culinary skills and sociodemographic variables. Children’s eating behavior was assessed through the validated Brazilian version of the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Student’s T test was used to compare means, and Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact test to compare proportions. Multivariate linear regression was applied to control for potential confounders. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27.0 and R software. Results: Most parents (90.7%) reported cooking regularly, and 65.9% involved children in cooking activities. The predominant culinary profile (40%) was classified as “convenience cooking,” marked by frequent use of processed ingredients. Healthier parental cooking practices were positively associated with adaptive eating behaviors in children, reflected by lower food fussiness, satiety responsiveness, food responsiveness and food refusal scores and higher enjoyment of food scores domains of the CEBQ. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of routine cooking, convenience-oriented practices remain dominant, reflecting broader sociocultural patterns. Engagement in healthier cooking practices was positively associated with more favorable eating behaviors in children. These findings underscore the importance of promoting culinary education and parental involvement in cooking as strategies to support healthy childhood eating behaviors. Full article

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity represent growing public health challenges globally, driven by complex interactions between demographic, behavioral, and familial factors. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among school-aged children and adolescents attending urban schools in the Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia (Abha and Khamis Mushait). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 urban school students aged 6–18 years. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized procedures, and lifestyle behaviors were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate binary logistic regression. Variables with p < 0.05 in univariate analysis, alongside conceptually relevant predictors, were included in the final model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was high, particularly among older age groups and secondary-school students. Significant associations were found between BMI category and age, school level, parental education, and family history of obesity. Lifestyle behaviors including fast-food consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, prolonged screen time, and short sleep duration showed strong relationships with overweight/obesity. In the adjusted model, key predictors included frequent fast-food intake (AOR = 2.74), low fruit/vegetable intake (AOR = 2.20), physical inactivity (AOR = 1.70), high screen time (AOR = 2.40), short sleep duration (AOR = 1.55), and positive family history of obesity (AOR = 3.10). Conclusions: Childhood overweight and obesity in the Aseer Region are influenced by both modifiable lifestyle behaviors and familial predisposition. Targeted interventions promoting healthy dietary habits, adequate physical activity, reduced screen time, and sufficient sleep are essential. Preventive strategies should prioritize adolescents and children with a family history of obesity to effectively reduce obesity risk. Full article

Background: Croatia has the highest prevalence of obesity among European Union member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. Understanding public perceptions and behaviours related to body weight is essential for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Objective: This study compared Croatian adults’ satisfaction with body weight, physical fitness, and dietary habits in 2022 and 2024, exploring potential behavioural changes following national awareness campaigns and the introduction of new anti-obesity measures. Methods: Data were collected via computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI) from representative national samples of adults aged 18 years and older (N = 798; 398 in 2022, 400 in 2024). Analyses used descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables, and independent t-tests for continuous variables. Results: In both years, fewer than half of respondents were satisfied with their body weight or physical fitness. Obesity prevalence rose slightly among men (from 18.9% to 25.4%), while rates among women remained stable. Although 93% of women and 78% of men were aware of BMI, only 21% knew their exact value. Individuals with obesity were significantly more dissatisfied with their body shape (p < 0.001). One-third reported dieting within the past six months, and only one in ten sought medical advice for weight management. Lack of time and the high cost of healthy foods were the most frequently cited barriers to healthier lifestyles. Conclusions: Body weight satisfaction and lifestyle habits among Croatian adults remain suboptimal. Targeted, gender-sensitive, and web-based interventions are needed to promote awareness, improve self-perception accuracy, and enhance obesity prevention efforts. Full article

Background: Obesity is a chronic disease that has negative health consequences for children. Peer support models have been used to manage chronic diseases like diabetes; however, little is known about how a peer support intervention might promote healthy infant growth to prevent pediatric obesity. The aim of this project was to explore parental perspectives on how a peer support intervention might be developed to support healthy infant weight gain and nutrition. Methods: Data were collected from November 2022 to October 2023 at a single pediatric primary care clinic. Semi-structured interviews explored parents’ perspectives of how a peer parent coach could promote healthy infant nutrition and growth. Interviews focused on (1) common infant feeding and nutrition questions, (2) the role and importance of peer support during the newborn period, and (3) strategies for addressing and facilitating connections to food-related resources and addressing food insecurity. Results: A total of 18 interviews were conducted. Average parental age was 32.1 years (range 20–46 years). Thirty-three percent of the participants identified as Black, 28% identified as White, 11% identified as Asian, and the remaining identified as Other or preferred not to report. Half of the sample reported a household income of <$20,000, 67% reported having public insurance, and 11% reported household food insecurity. Themes that emerged included: peer parent coaches can (1) provide emotional support to families with young infants, (2) education focused on infant nutrition, and (3) facilitate connections with nutrition resources. Participants also noted the importance of understanding a family’s unique culture when counseling on infant growth and nutrition. Conclusions: Multiple themes were identified about how a peer support intervention could support healthy infant nutrition and growth. Future work should test the feasibility and acceptability of a peer support intervention to promote healthy infant weight gain. Full article

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are the two main viral diseases threatening cassava production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). CMD can be effectively controlled using resistant varieties; however, currently, there are no cassava varieties that exhibit durable resistance to CBSD. As the deleterious effects of CBSD become more pronounced with the maturity of the cassava, we assessed the potential benefits of early harvesting on mitigating the impact of CBSD on the performance of two improved CMD-resistant cassava varieties, Nabana (MM 96/4653) and Sawasawa (MM 96/3920). The percentage yield reduction was calculated by comparing the yield of infected treatments to that of uninfected treatments. At 9 months after planting (MAP) and 12 MAP, overall fresh root yield from farmer-selected healthy planting material of varieties Nabana and Sawasawa was significantly higher than the yield of crops established using CBSD-infected cuttings of the same varieties. Fresh root yield losses due to CBSD for Nabana were 44% at 9 MAP and 86% at 12 MAP, while for Sawasawa, they were 40% at 9 MAP and 72% at 12 MAP. Healthy planting material of the two varieties yielded 5% more at 12 MAP than at 9 MAP, while infected planting material yielded 52.5% less at 12 MAP than at 9 MAP. These results highlight the benefits of using healthy planting material in conjunction with early harvesting to minimize losses among CBSD-susceptible cassava varieties. These results suggest the need for a robust seed system that can deliver disease-free planting material of market-preferred varieties to farmers, thereby promoting food security. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute stress is known to influence food-related motivation and decision-making, often promoting a preference for energy-dense, palatable foods. However, traditional laboratory paradigms have limited ecological validity. This study examined the relationship between stress-induced physiological changes, eating behavior traits, and food cravings using a virtual reality (VR) adaptation of the Trier Social Stress Test (VR-TSST) followed by a VR supermarket task in adolescents. Methods: Thirty-eight adolescents (mean age 15.8 ± 0.6 years) participated in the study. Physiological parameters (HR, QT, PQ intervals) were recorded pre- and post-stress using a portable ECG device (WIWE). Perceived stress and eating behavior traits were evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21C), respectively. Immediately after the VR-TSST, participants performed a VR supermarket task in which they rated cravings for sweet, fatty, and healthy foods using visual analog scales (VAS). Paired-samples t-tests examined pre–post changes in physiological parameters, partial correlations explored associations between ECG responses and eating traits, and a 2 × 3 mixed-model Repeated Measures ANOVA assessed the effects of food type (sweet, fatty, healthy) and uncontrolled eating (UE) group (low vs. high) on post-stress cravings. Results: Acute stress induced significant increases in HR and QTc intervals (p < 0.01), confirming a robust physiological stress response. The ANOVA revealed a strong main effect of food type (F(1.93, 435.41) = 168.98, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.43), indicating that stress-induced cravings differed across food categories, with sweet foods rated highest. A significant food type × UE group interaction (F(1.93, 435.41) = 16.49, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.07) showed that adolescents with high UE exhibited greater cravings for sweet and fatty foods than those with low UE. Overall, craving levels did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that acute stress selectively enhances cravings for high-reward foods, and that this effect is modulated by baseline uncontrolled eating tendencies. The combined use of VR-based stress induction and VR supermarket simulation offers an innovative, ecologically valid framework for studying stress-related eating behavior in adolescents, with potential implications for personalized nutrition and the prevention of stress-induced overeating. Full article