Search Results (97)

Background: Skipping breakfast, a prevalent issue among children and adolescents, has been reported to be associated with academic performance and long-term health. However, less attention has been given to the types of breakfast foods consumed. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the association between breakfast variety and dietary knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among preadolescents. Methods: The study included 1449 students in grades 4–6 from Zhongshan city, Guangdong province. Data were collected through face-to-face field investigation using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed sociodemographic characteristics, as well as dietary KAP. Results: Among all participants, 1315 reported consuming breakfast daily. Dietary diversity varied significantly: 8.8% consumed only 1 type of food, 52.9% consumed 2–4 types, and 38.3% consumed ≥5 types. Students who consumed a greater variety of breakfast foods exhibited more favorable dietary and lifestyle patterns. Specifically, those who consumed ≥5 types of food showed statistically significant associations with healthier practices, including reduced intake of sugary beverages and night snacks, stronger adherence to dietary guidelines, more positive attitudes toward improving eating habits, longer sleep durations, increased participation in meal preparation, greater dish variety in meals, and higher engagement in daily physical activity. Conclusions: Breakfast variety was associated with KAP, particularly when breakfast types ≥ 5, providing more sufficient and favorable evidence for breakfast consumption. Full article

Plant polyphenols have emerged as potent bioactive molecules that can modulate key cellular pathways associated with aging and chronic disorders. The Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese style of life are rich in polyphenol-containing foods and beverages, and epidemiological evidence links these dietary patterns to increased longevity and reduced morbidity. This narrative review examines the chemical description of plant polyphenols, their mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormetic effects, and how supplementation or a diet rich in these compounds may provide further life extension. We discuss the major classes of polyphenols present in the Mediterranean dietary pattern (e.g., resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol) and in the Japanese diet (e.g., epigallocatechin gallate and soy isoflavones), comparing their biological behaviors and cooperative effects on metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions. We also examine a few preclinical and clinical studies that explain the beneficial impact of these chemicals on aging-associated biomarkers. Furthermore, both dietary habits are characterized by low consumption of processed foods and sugary carbonated drinks and reduced utilization of deep-frying with linoleic acid-rich oils, a practice that reduces the formation of harmful lipid peroxidation products, notably 4-hydroxynonenal, known to be implicated in accelerating the aging process. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is also characterized by a low/moderate daily consumption of wine, mainly red wine. This work debates emerging evidence addressing issues of bioavailability, dosage optimization, and formulation technologies for polyphenol supplementation, also comparing differences and similarities with the vegan and vegetarian diets. We also explore how these chemicals could modulate epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression patterns pertinent to health and aging. In conclusion, we aim to show a consolidated framework for the comprehension of how plant polyphenols could be utilized in nutritional strategies for potentiating life expectancy while stimulating further research on nutraceutical development. Full article

Digital food-ordering apps make it simple to buy indulgent drinks yet hard to judge their health risks. We conducted five online experiments (N = 1048) to compare two messages for sugary beverages: self-promotion that stresses taste and self-disclosure that plainly warns “high sugar/high calories”. Brands that chose self-disclosure were seen as more socially responsible and transparent, which in turn raised trust and lifted purchase intent. These gains were strongest for users who care deeply about the category or the brand and remained robust even among highly health-conscious shoppers. The results show that, for “vice” foods, honest warnings can outperform glossy claims. Our study extends signaling and attribution theories to digital food markets and offers managers a straightforward playbook for complying with new labeling rules while still driving sales. Full article

Background: The majority of Australian children exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended dietary intake of free sugar, particularly through the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Front-of-pack nutrition labels increase perceived risk and deter the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. However, past studies of young children have focused almost exclusively on a parent’s choice of beverage for children. This study investigated the influence of four label designs (text-based warning, tooth decay pictorial, teaspoons of sugar, and Health Star Rating) on the beverage choices of N = 1229 Australian children (aged 4–11 years) and their parents. Methods: In an online vending machine scenario, parent–child dyads were separately asked to select which beverage they would choose for themselves before and after being randomised to one label condition. The beverages displayed included 100% fruit juice, soft drink, soft drink with a non-nutritive sweetener, flavoured milk, plain milk and bottled water. Beverage healthiness was determined by a 1–10 rating based on a review by a panel of experts (10 dietitians and nutritionists). Results: Mixed-model ANOVAs showed that for parents, each label design performed comparably; however, for children, small but significant differences were seen in the effectiveness of different label designs, with the teaspoons of sugar label, text-based warning, and tooth decay pictorial found to be more impactful in promoting healthier drink choices than the Health Star Rating. Conclusions: These findings can inform public health advocacy efforts to improve food labelling and could be incorporated into educational resources to help children understand the nutritional profiles of different sugary drinks. Full article

Probiotic microorganisms from sugary kefir were incorporated into Brazilian non-alcoholic beers to enhance their functional and nutritional properties through aerobic static fermentation over 24 h. Non-alcoholic beers inoculated with sugary kefir showed appropriate acidity (pH reduction from ~3.74 to ~3.52), color, and microbial balance, along with excellent sensory acceptance (scores of 6.9–8.4 on a 9-point hedonic scale). The kefir microbiota included Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. tolerans, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri, Lentilactobacillus kefiri, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc citreum, Acetobacter lovaniensis, and yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Lachancea meyersii, and Kazachstania aerobia. Genetic analysis confirmed the absence of undesirable or pathogenic microorganisms. Fermentation led to reductions in sucrose (~0.35 to ~0.22 g/L) and °Brix (~5.55 to ~3.80), with increases in lactic acid (~0.55 to ~1.25 g/L) and acetic acid (~0.08 to ~0.14 g/L), confirming active microbial metabolism. Ethanol levels remained within legal limits for non-alcoholic beverages. The process preserved sensory attributes while enriching the beverage with well-documented kefir microorganisms. These findings highlight sugary kefir as a promising biotechnological tool to enhance the functional profile of non-alcoholic beers without compromising their sensory quality. Full article

Excessive sugar consumption has been reported to be associated with various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental problems. In the UK, effective strategies have been implemented to reduce sugar intake, including the Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign, product reformulation, traffic light labelling, portion control, and the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL). This review of empirical studies (n = 11) shows that product reformulation, especially in beverages and packaged foods, is effective, as consumers can prefer reduced-sugar alternatives when clearly labelled. The UK traffic light labelling scheme and portion control were also reported to help consumers make informed, healthier food choices. The SDIL, introduced in 2018, was also found to significantly lower sugary beverage consumption. While progress is evident, further nutrition education, public awareness, particularly for people with low socioeconomic status, and more comprehensive policies for long-term positive dietary behavioural shift are essential to limit diseases and conditions associated with high sugar consumption. Future research must evaluate the combined effects of these interventions and examine their long-term effectiveness across diverse population groups. Full article

In Mexico and worldwide, the increased prevalence of both weight gain and obesity is associated with the consumption of sugary drinks. Mexico implemented a tax of one peso per liter on sugary drinks in 2014, and in response, the industry reformulated these beverages; however, the health effects are relatively unknown. Male and female Wistar rats consumed caloric sweeteners (CS: dextrose, saccharose, and HFCS at 7%) and non-caloric sweeteners (NCS: sucralose and stevia at 0.3%) for 16 weeks to determine the impact on metabolic and adiposity indicators. The weight, food intake (AIN93M diet), and beverage intake of the rats were recorded weekly. At the end of the treatment, the gonadal (GAT), mesenteric (MAT), and retroperitoneal (RAT) adipose tissue were dissected, and serum metabolic indicators were quantified. No differences were observed in weight gain, but there were higher beverage and energy intake, mainly in female rats. All groups with CS and NCS increased 2.0–2.4 or 1.3–1.9 times their intake of beverages, respectively, compared to the control groups (p < 0.01). With dextrose intake, male rats showed a significantly greater amount (mg/g body weight) of GAT (3.7 ± 0.6 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3), MAT (2.8 ± 0.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.3), and RAT (4.6 ± 0.6 vs. 2.7 ± 0.2) in the stevia group, p < 0.05. Additionally, male rats in both CS and NCS groups presented elevated triglyceride concentrations (mg/dL), and the dextrose (299.7 ± 62.3) and sucralose (352.4 ± 36.2) groups registered the highest means, compared to the control group (122.3 ± 51.2, p < 0.05). The consumption of CS and NCS of beverages has effects on the volume ingested, as well as metabolic and adiposity indicators; therefore, they should not be considered innocuous. Full article

Background/Objective: Early-onset diabetes (EOD), diagnosed at ≤35 years, is a growing public health crisis in low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan. Identifying modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors is critical for developing effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with EOD in Sindh, Pakistan, focusing on genetic, lifestyle, and metabolic determinants. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across diabetic clinics in Sindh, with primary data collection at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (Karachi, Pakistan) and secondary sites in Hyderabad, Larkana, and Sukkur. Following institutional ethical approval and informed consent, we enrolled 754 individuals (type 1 and type 2 diabetes, age at diagnosis: 15–35 years). Data on anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and lifestyle parameters were collected via structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s Chi Square tests and multivariate logistic regression in determining associations. Results: Logistic regression revealed key predictors of early-onset diabetes (EOD). A two-generation diabetes family history showed a strong association (aOR:1.86, 1.12–3.43). Significant lifestyle risks included physical inactivity (OR:1.40, 1.03–1.90), frequent sugary beverage intake (OR:1.93, 1.89–1.98), and abnormal sleep duration (<6 h: OR:1.58, 1.04–2.40; >8 h: OR:1.86, 1.21–2.85). Hypertension was a major metabolic predictor (elevated BP: OR:1.79, 1.28–1.54; Stage I: OR:1.81, 1.34–1.77). Cardiovascular disease and uncontrolled fasting glucose lost significance after adjustment, indicating confounding effects. Conclusions: This study highlights familial predisposition, sedentary behavior, poor diet, sleep disturbances, and hypertension as key contributors to EOD in young Pakistani adults. Early screening and targeted lifestyle interventions are urgently needed to mitigate this escalating epidemic. Full article

Background/Objectives: Uric acid is a key metabolic byproduct of purine degradation and plays a dual role in human health. At physiological levels, it acts as an antioxidant, protecting against oxidative stress. However, excessive uric acid can lead to hyperuricemia, contributing to conditions like gout, kidney stones, and cardiovascular diseases. Emerging evidence also links elevated uric acid levels with metabolic disorders, including hypertension and insulin resistance. Understanding its regulation is crucial for preventing associated health complications. Methods: This study, part of the Tlalpan 2020 project, aimed to predict uric acid levels using advanced machine learning algorithms. The dataset included clinical, anthropometric, lifestyle, and nutritional characteristics from a cohort in Mexico City. We applied Boosted Decision Trees (Boosted DTR), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to identify the most relevant variables associated with hyperuricemia. Feature engineering techniques improved model performance, evaluated using Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE), and the coefficient of determination (R²). Results: Our study showed that XGBoost had the highest accuracy for anthropometric and clinical predictors, while CatBoost was the most effective at identifying nutritional risk factors. Distinct predictive profiles were observed between men and women. In men, uric acid levels were primarily influenced by renal function markers, lipid profiles, and hereditary predisposition to hyperuricemia, particularly paternal gout and diabetes. Diets rich in processed meats, high-fructose foods, and sugary drinks showed stronger associations with elevated uric acid levels. In women, metabolic and cardiovascular markers, family history of metabolic disorders, and lifestyle factors such as passive smoking and sleep quality were the main contributors. Additionally, while carbohydrate intake was more strongly associated with uric acid levels in women, fructose and sugary beverages had a greater impact in men. To enhance model robustness, a cross-feature selection approach was applied, integrating top features from multiple models, which further improved predictive accuracy, particularly in gender-specific analyses. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the metabolic, nutritional characteristics, and lifestyle determinants of uric acid levels, supporting targeted public health strategies for hyperuricemia prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with child obesity, an understudied issue in the southern United States, where obesity rates are the highest in the country. We examined the factors associated with high SSB intakes among children aged 2–12 years in two major cities in Louisiana, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey. The sample consisted of caregivers of children aged 2–12 years who eat restaurant meals (either dine-in, delivery, or take-out) at least once a month and reside in or near New Orleans or Baton Rouge, LA. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with high child SSB intake frequency (≥4 times/week), including restaurant use, caregiver attitudes towards SSB, and their demographics (n = 1006). Results: Most caregivers reported weekly child SSB consumption (74.6% ≥ 1×/week; 38.1% ≥ 4+/week) and restaurant use (58.8% ≥ 1×/week). High SSB frequency (≥4+/week) was associated with a higher frequency of restaurant use, lower caregiver education, agreement with the statement that SSBs are an important part of family meals, and disagreement with the statement that restaurants should not offer SSBs with children’s meals (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results revealed a high frequency of SSB consumption among children who dine at restaurants monthly, with significant associations observed between SSB intake, restaurant meals, and pro-SSB attitudes. These findings may support the need for regulations, such as healthy default beverage policies for children’s menus, to potentially reduce SSB intake and shift social norms, particularly in regions with high childhood obesity rates like Louisiana and the southern USA. Full article

Background: Dietary lipids, sedentary habits, and eating behaviors influence childhood obesity, but their interrelations remain unclear. Aim: To assess the relationships between young children’s dietary lipid profile and children’s eating behavior, as well as their sedentary habits, providing evidence-based insights that can help mitigate obesity risk in this vulnerable population. Design: A longitudinal randomized controlled trial conducted over 9 months, involving 90 children aged 2–6 years with overweight or obesity who were followed under a program that promoted healthy lifestyle habits for all participants and regularly monitored their parameters. Methods: The dietary lipid profile, eating behavior, and sedentary habits were assessed at baseline and after 9 months using validated tools, including 24 h recalls, the child eating behavior questionnaire (CEBQ), and screen time questionnaires. Results: Reductions in screen/sedentary time were significantly associated with decreased total fat (−11.1 g/day) and saturated fat (−4.3 g/day) intake, compared to smaller reductions in unchanged screen hours and increases with prolonged screen use. A positive correlation was observed between changes in dietary fat and the CEBQ domain “Desire to drink” (r = 0.528, p < 0.001), with regression analysis confirming a direct relationship. Conclusions: Managing screen time and eating behavior is crucial for improving dietary lipid profile and reducing childhood obesity risk. Strategies should include reducing sedentary behaviors, limiting sugary drinks, and promoting water as the main beverage, alongside effective nutrition education for families. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in habits regarding the health and lifestyle of the Spanish population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected during the pandemic from 22,181 participants and after the pandemic from 3907 participants using the NutSo-HH Scale, assessing demographic, nutritional, and lifestyle variables. Key findings reveal a slight increase in exercise duration (+6.61%) post-pandemic, along with reductions in fried food (−3.57%), juice (−6.45%), and alcohol consumption (−9.66%). Conversely, there were notable increases in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (+2.16%), soft drinks (+6.47%), and coffee/energy drinks (+38.95%). Sleep quality, body image, and self-perceived health showed minor declines. These findings indicate that despite some positive behavioral changes, there is still a significant dependence on unhealthy dietary choices, negatively impacting both mental and physical health. The results highlight the need for public health strategies which encourage healthier eating, increased physical activity, and better sleep quality to reduce the long-term effects of lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic. Focused interventions are necessary to curb the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages while fostering overall well-being. This study underscores the vital role of ongoing surveillance and customized public health initiatives to enhance general health in the post-pandemic era. Full article

Background/Objectives: Considering the high consumption of coffee in Brazil, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and the intake of added sugar, non-caloric sweeteners, sugary beverages, and foods. Methods: A modified case-crossover study was conducted using data from the national “Household Budget Survey (POF)” which 38,854 participants. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h recalls on two non-consecutive days. Days with and without coffee consumption were compared (case-crossover) to evaluating the effects on sugar, sweeteners, sugary foods, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), and milk. Results: 87% of Brazilians aged 10 and older consumed coffee on a giving day. The consumption of all food groups decreased as days of coffee consumption increased, except for non-caloric sweeteners and sugar, which increased. In the case-crossover analysis (2192 men and 2580 women), women who consumed coffee on one of the two days showed an increase of 10 g of sugar and of 0.10 mL (2 drops) of sweeteners. For men values were 8 g and 0.05 mL. Also, women reduced sugar-sweetened beverages (−56.8 mL/day), while men reduced milk intake (−25.9 mL/day). Conclusions: Coffee consumption was associated with increased intake of sugar and non-caloric sweeteners and lower intake of sweets, SSB, and milk. Reducing sweets and SSB is beneficial but increasing sweeteners and reducing milk are not. Potential strategies include encouraging the use of milk in coffee instead of sugar and sweeteners, as well as reducing the size of sugar sachets, which in Brazil typically range from 5 g to 8 g. Full article

Background: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) account for a significant proportion of sugar in the diet of children and are directly associated with obesity in this group. While there have been many studies on adolescent SSB consumption, few studies have examined the predictors of SSB consumption in primary-school-aged children. The aim of this study was to understand the degree to which a child’s consumption across a range of beverages is influenced by their own attitudes and by their parents’ attitudes and parents’ consumption behaviours. Methods: A survey of 1611 Australian parent–child dyads asked children (aged 4–11) and their parents to rate a variety of drinks in terms of healthiness, taste, and cost and indicate the amount of these drinks consumed in a typical week. Zero-inflated regression analyses were conducted to identify the strength of association between children’s weekly beverage consumption, their perceptions of each beverage, their parents’ perceptions, and their parents’ weekly beverage consumption. Results: Parental consumption of a specific beverage was the strongest predictor of child consumption of that beverage, more so than the children’s perceptions of the beverage. Conclusions: These findings provide insights for developing parent and child education programmes to reduce SSB consumption. Full article

This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and their potential benefits for individuals with mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the etiology and progression of these conditions. The review examines the evidence for the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of dietary components and food groups, focusing on whole foods rather than specific nutrients or supplements. Key dietary components showing potential benefits include fruits and vegetables (especially berries and leafy greens), whole grains, legumes, fatty fish rich in omega-3, nuts (particularly walnuts), olive oil, and fermented foods. These foods are generally rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that may help modulate inflammation, support gut health, and promote neuroprotection. Conversely, ultra-processed foods, red meat, and sugary beverages may be harmful. Based on this evidence, we designed the Brain Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition (BrAIN) diet. The mechanisms of this diet include the modulation of the gut microbiota and the gut–brain axis, the regulation of inflammatory pathways, a reduction in oxidative stress, and the promotion of neuroplasticity. The BrAIN diet shows promise as an aid to manage mental and neurodegenerative disorders. Full article