Search Results (411)

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a growing public health burden in the European Union (EU), largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet. This systematic review aimed to synthesize observational evidence on the associations between nutritional exposures and incident T2DM across the EU-28, with a focus on regional heterogeneity and implications for EU-level nutrition policy. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020219994). Searches were conducted in different databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) identifying 23,437 records, from which 104 observational studies were included. Eligible studies involved adults (≥18 years) without T2DM at baseline and assessed dietary exposures in relation to T2DM incidence. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed in duplicate using the NHLBI tool in Covidence. Results: Most included studies were cohort studies (77.9%), primarily conducted in Western, Northern, and Southern Europe. Diets characterized by high consumption of whole and minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fermented dairy, consistently showed associations with lower T2DM risk. In contrast, high intake of red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods was linked to higher risk. Adherence to Mediterranean or plant-based dietary patterns was associated with lower risk, whereas high animal-protein dietary patterns were detrimental. Conclusions: Nutritional determinants play a decisive role in shaping T2DM risk in the EU. Evidence supports prioritizing dietary patterns rich in plant-based and minimally processed foods while reducing ultra-processed and meat-based products. Tailored region-specific policies are needed to address the T2DM epidemic and guide effective prevention strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: In FY 2024, 12.3% of the U.S. population was enrolled in the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, the principal food and nutrition program of the U.S. government. Herein, we analyze the cost of the Harvard (HHEP), Mediterranean (MED) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating patterns (EPs) to ascertain if they are affordable with the maximum allowable SNAP benefit. Methods: We utilize the 2021 Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) framework to analyze the cost of each of these alternative EPs across 15 age/sex groups. Results: We find that the MED and DASH EPs’ costs typically exceed the daily maximum SNAP benefit for those consuming more than 2100 calories. Conclusions: Our result suggests that reliance on fluid milk, allowance of more refined grains, starchy vegetables, red meat, added sugar and sodium and indifference toward food quality and freshness when calculating the maximum SNAP benefit reduces its cost in comparison to diets less reliant on fluid milk and more reliant on whole grains, fish, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables, a commonality shared by the HHEP, MED and DASH EPs. Health-centered alternative diets such as MED and DASH cannot be purchased with maximum allowable allocations of SNAP benefits, meaning that a poverty tax is placed on SNAP beneficiaries. Full article

Background/Objective: Aging is associated with a decline in metabolic health, including impaired glucose regulation. Both diet and biological sex impact metabolic health, yet sexual heterogeneity in diet response is understudied. We report on exploratory analyses of sex-specific associations between diet and insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, and android and intermuscular fat composition in older adults. Methods: This secondary analysis uses baseline data from a previously completed clinical trial (n = 96), the MASTERS study. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to calculate insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity as measures of metabolic function, while dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography were used to assess body composition. Univariate analyses were used to identify sex-specific associations between metabolic health and single nutrients, as well as other dietary components. Feasible solutions algorithm (FSA) modeling was employed to identify food groups that were most associated with insulin sensitivity. Results: In men, greater intakes of vegetable protein (p < 0.0001) and whole grains (p = 0.001) were associated with higher insulin sensitivity, while refined grains (p = 0.003) and conjugated linoleic acids (p < 0.001) were negatively associated. In women, insulin sensitivity was positively associated with alcohol (p < 0.001) and xylitol (p = 0.007). FSA modeling identified whole grains, nuts, and seeds as food groups that predicted higher insulin sensitivity in men, while alcohol remained the strongest predictor in women. Conclusions: Men showed higher insulin sensitivity with plant-based diets, while alcohol intake was the dietary factor most associated with insulin sensitivity in women. The findings of these exploratory analyses support the need for sex-specific clinical trials and dietary guidance for aging populations. Full article

Background: The oral microbiota is the largest and most diverse microbial community in the human body, shaped by numerous factors such as body composition, dietary habits, and oral health status. However, relationships between these parameters and the salivary microbiota in adolescents are not yet well understood. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the salivary microbiota of healthy Turkish adolescents and to examine its associations with body mass index (BMI), diet quality, decayed-missing filled teeth (DMFT) index, and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 adolescents aged 14–18 years, classified into four BMI z-score categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese). Anthropometric measurements, nutritional information, and oral health parameters (DMFT, CPITN) were assessed. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Alpha and beta diversity, differential abundance (LEfSe), and correlations with HEI components were analyzed. Results: Underweight adolescents exhibited significantly higher alpha diversity than obese participants (p = 0.024), while beta diversity did not differ across BMI, HEI, DMFT, or CPITN categories. LEfSe analysis revealed BMI-specific taxa: Leptotrichia sp., Haemophilus sp., and Treponema socranskii were enriched in the underweight group; Prevotella denticola in the obese group; and Selenomonas sputigena in the normal-weight group. HEI components, including whole fruits, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, showed positive correlations with Desulfobacterota and Proteobacteria. Poor oral hygiene was associated with higher species richness but not with large shifts in community structure. Conclusions: Salivary microbiota diversity and composition in adolescents vary with BMI, diet quality, and oral hygiene. These patterns are consistent with the idea that targeted nutritional and oral health interventions could influence the salivary microbiome during adolescence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Depression is a prevalent mental health problem among undergraduate students, and dietary patterns may play a role in its prevention. Phytochemical-rich diets have been proposed to be potential protective factors against depression due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the association between the Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) and depressive symptoms among undergraduate students in Türkiye. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 789 undergraduate students at Erciyes University between May 2024–May 2025. Dietary data were collected using a 101-item Food Frequency Questionnaire, and the DPI was calculated as the percentage of total daily energy derived from phytochemical-rich foods. Depressive symptoms were assessed via the Burns Depression Checklist (BDC). Statistical analyses included correlation and logistic regression models adjusted for gender, income, and academic department. Results: Participants with higher DPI scores exerted significantly lower BDC total and sub-dimension scores, including activities and personal relationships, physical symptoms, and suicidal urges (all p < 0.05). The inverse association between DPI and total depression score remained significant across all adjusted models (p < 0.001), and a significant linear trend was observed across DPI quartiles (p-trend < 0.001). Conclusions: Higher dietary phytochemical intake was associated with lower depressive symptom levels among undergraduate students. These results suggest that phytochemical-rich dietary patterns, characterized by increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, may contribute to improved psychological well-being. Promoting the intake of phytochemical-dense foods could be a practical nutritional strategy for supporting mental health in young adults. Full article

In a world increasingly characterized by rises in anxiety, depression, mood disorders and cognitive decline, our mental well-being often depends not only on our environment, but also on our food. In this systematic review, 25 clinical nutritional trials analyzed the relationship between dietary patterns and mental health across the lifespan. The PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles from 2013 published up to June 2025 and included studies with a minimum 3-month follow-up and a minimum of 50 participants. The results showed that, in most studies, the Mediterranean diet reduces depressive symptoms by 32–45%. It works because it is rich in polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber; lowers systemic inflammation; promotes gut diversity; and improves dopamine and serotonin modulation. On the other hand, five studies have shown that the MIND Diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) (with daily leafy greens, berries at least twice a week, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and nuts) and a whole-food plant-based diet lower C-reactive protein and improve mood in patients with chronic stress and fatigue. Plants provide antioxidants and phytochemicals that neutralize oxidative stress in neurons. This report emphasizes the need to promote well-being and increase public demand for food that also improves quality of life and mental health. Full article

Background: High-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic inflammation impairs liver function, promotes fibrosis, and may progress to hepatocellular carcinoma, thereby posing a significant threat to human health. Meanwhile, fermented whole grains have attracted growing attention owing to their diverse beneficial biological properties. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of co-fermented quinoa and black barley (FG) on HFD-induced chronic hepatic inflammation using male C57BL/6J mice. Results: FG intervention significantly attenuated excessive body weight gain and reduced hepatic adipose accumulation in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, FG alleviated hepatic inflammation by downregulating the transcriptional and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as the transcriptional levels of toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88). Metabolomic analysis identified several hepatic and fecal metabolites, such as vitamin A and L-tryptophan, that were upregulated by FG treatment. The strong negative correlation of these metabolites with hepatic inflammatory markers suggests their role as putative mediators of FG’s anti-inflammatory action. Additionally, FG enhanced the relative abundances of probiotic taxa, including g_Lawsonibacter, g_Acetatifactor, and s_Bifidobacterium cricetid, and upregulated the microbial bile acid (BA) biosynthesis pathway. Notably, these enriched probiotics exhibited a positive correlation with the aforementioned fecal metabolites. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FG has the potential to alleviate HFD-induced hepatic inflammation by restoring gut microbiota imbalance and reversing metabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Jiangnan diet—a traditional dietary pattern prevalent in Eastern China—is a newly proposed dietary pattern. This study provides additional epidemiological evidence for the promotion of the Jiangnan diet through examining the association between the Jiangnan diet and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out during 2020 among 1084 community-dwelling adults aged 55 years and above across multiple sites in Zhejiang Province, China. Data collection encompassed basic information of the population, cognition (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment), dietary intake information (using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, FFQ), life pattern, depressive symptoms (using the Mental Health Assessment Scale for the Elderly), and physical examinations (e.g., height, weight). The dietary patterns were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Factor analysis was used to analyze the 16 categories of food intake of the participants, and dietary patterns and the “Jiangnan diet” were extracted. The Jiangnan diet scores were categorized into quartiles: Q1 (lowest) to Q4 (highest). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the association between adherence to the Jiangnan diet and the prevalence of MCI, with results expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The estimated prevalence of MCI in the study population was 24.6%. The dietary pattern characterized by whole grains, low salt, and low oil was identified as the “Jiangnan diet”. Participants with the highest adherence to the “Jiangnan diet” pattern had 79.2% lower odds of MCI than those with the lowest adherence (odds ratio = 0.208, 95% CI = 0.120~0.362, p < 0.0001) after adjusting for age, frequency of social activities, depression, hypertension, alcohol consumption, and energy intake. Conclusions: High adherence to the Jiangnan diet was associated with lower odds of MCI. To further verify the relationship between the Jiangnan diet and MCI, future studies will focus on longitudinal research exploring different dietary patterns and disease outcomes across various regions. Full article

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has grown in popularity in the past several decades, yet previous research has largely focused on the dietary habits and body composition of elite HIFT athletes and utilized only quantitative study designs, potentially limiting our understanding of typical HIFT athletes. This study aimed to comprehensively describe the common dietary habits and body composition of HIFT athletes. Data were only analyzed descriptively. Among 62 HIFT athletes (age: 36 ± 11.7 years), we estimated body fat percentage (BF%) using a Siri 3-compartment model, and we assessed dietary habits, dietary supplement (DS) use, and open-response rationales for DS use/disuse via an online questionnaire. Qualitative data from open-response questions were coded and grouped via inductive thematic analysis. Body composition varied among both male (n = 36, BF% = 6.5–27.6%) and female participants (n = 26, BF% = 10.6–37.6%). Most participants reported regular consumption of lean meats and home-cooked meals, yet few participants (~20%) regularly consumed the recommended twice daily servings of dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Most (77.4%) HIFT athletes reported DS use, with the average HIFT athlete using approximately six DS; dairy protein, creatine, caffeine, and electrolyte drinks were the most reported DS. Improving health, recovery, and nutrient intake were common reasons for using DS, whereas a lack of noticeable results was the most common reason for discontinuation. Some HIFT athletes may rely on DS to address nutrient gaps rather than whole foods. Full article

Background: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and its impact is particularly acute among Black/African American men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70.9% of Black men aged 20 and older are overweight or obese. Despite this alarming prevalence, there remains a limited number of studies that specifically investigate the root causes of obesity in this population. Addressing this gap is critical to developing culturally relevant interventions that promote health equity. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary patterns, that are associated with overweight/obesity, in Black men aged 18–65 across the United States of America, to gain an in-depth understanding of variables influencing BMI in Black men. Methods: This study utilized a quantitative approach to collect information from participants. A survey questionnaire was developed and administered via Qualtrics to participants using a web link. The survey collected information across 18 dietary variables. Data was exported to Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis. A simple linear regression was used to determine dietary variables correlation strength and significance with BMI. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used to determine if a variable was statistically significant. Variables were then organized based on significance vs. non significance and correlation strength. Result: The study sample consisted of 466 Black men aged 18 to 65 years. The mean BMI was 30.21. Approximately 19% (n = 87) had a BMI within the healthy range (18.5–24.9), 41% (n = 190) were categorized as overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9), and another 41% (n = 189) were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30.0). The findings revealed that fruit and vegetable consumption and whole grain cereal consumption were significantly and positively correlated with BMI. Other variables, such as fried foods, processed foods, and sugary drinks, though historically associated with obesity, did not show statistical significance in this population. Conclusions: Results suggest that while multiple dietary factors influence BMI, fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption are significantly correlated with BMI in Black men living in America. The findings from this study serve as a foundational step for designing targeted, culturally sensitive interventions aimed at reducing obesity-related health disparities. Future research should further explore how tailored public health messaging and community-based programming can address the specific needs of this population. Full article

Background and Objectives: Anthocyanin-rich barley varieties have recently gained attention due to their high (poly)phenolic content and potential health benefits, yet human data on their bioavailability remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of (poly)phenolic compounds from a novel hull-less purple whole-grain barley (WGB) genotype. Methods: Eleven healthy volunteers consumed 140 g of purple WGB biscuits, and plasma and urine samples were collected over 6 h and 48 h, respectively. Results: UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed a broad range of metabolites, with 11 (poly)phenolic compounds identified in plasma and 80 in urine. The biscuits were particularly rich in flavones (217 mg/140 g, mainly chrysoeriol derivatives), followed by hydroxycinnamic acids (~54 mg, mainly 4′-hydroxy-3′-methoxycinnamic acid), anthocyanins (44.8 mg), and flavan-3-ols (16.8 mg). In plasma, glycosylated anthocyanins and flavone conjugates (e.g., peonidin-3-O-glucuronide, chrysoeriol-O-glucuronide) were detectable within 1–2 h, consistent with early absorption. In contrast, microbial-derived catabolites—including valerolactones, phenylacetic and benzoic acids—were mainly excreted in urine between 8 and 24 h, reaching concentrations above 1000 nM. Conclusions: These findings provide novel insights into the bioavailability and metabolic fate of barley (poly)phenols, supporting their potential contribution to host and gut health. As a proof-of-concept study, it complements the limited data available from pigmented cereals and underscores the need for validation in larger cohorts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) remains a critical public health issue in Saudi Arabia, shaped by complex interactions among genetic, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors. This study explores interplay of modifiable and non-modifiable determinants of DM among Saudi adults. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 3411 adults aged 18 years and above in the Jazan region, southwest of Saudi Arabia, in May–June 2024. Data was collected via a structured, pretested questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, dietary patterns, physical activity, smoking habits, and family history of DM. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to identify associations with self-reported diabetes. Results: Out of 3411 participants (1735 males and 1676 females), 424 (12.4%) reported DM. Diabetics were older (48 vs. 32 years), more often male, married, had lower education, had larger families, had higher BMIs, and exhibited more tobacco use (p < 0.05), and a family history of diabetes was strongly associated with diagnosis of DM (p < 0.001). Diabetics were more likely to choose low-fat meats, avoid sugary foods, and select low-fat products (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, predictors were age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.06–1.09), male sex (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.26–2.16), family history (OR = 7.68, 95% CI: 5.67–10.57), traditional housing (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.11–3.05), and whole grain intake (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52–0.85). Conclusions: DM in Saudi Arabia is driven by both inherited and behavioral risks. These findings support the urgent need for integrated, culturally tailored prevention strategies that combine early screening for individuals with higher risk. Targeted actions such as relevant lifestyle interventions can help reduce disease burden and align with Saudi Vision 2030 health priorities. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Planetary Health Diet (PHD) was developed to address global health and environmental challenges by promoting sustainable and nutritionally adequate eating patterns. This study evaluated adherence to the PHD among Korean adults and examined its association with the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), with the aim of informing the development of a Korea-specific PHD adherence index. Methods: Using data from the 2013–2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), dietary intake of adults aged ≥19 years was analyzed. Adherence was assessed by comparing food group consumption with PHD reference ranges, and KHEI scores were calculated to examine their association with PHD compliance and nutrient intake. Analyses were also stratified by sex to examine differences in intake patterns. Results: Men generally consumed larger quantities and had higher frequencies of intake across most food groups, whereas women consumed more fruits and dairy products. However, both sexes showed insufficient consumption of whole grains, legumes, and nuts, and red meat intake far exceeded the suggested limits. Participants with higher KHEI scores demonstrated greater intake of plant-based proteins and lower intake of red meat and saturated fats. Nutrient profiles also improved with higher KHEI scores. Conclusions: These findings suggest that better diet quality, as indicated by higher KHEI scores, is aligned with more sustainable eating behaviors and that that the KHEI may serve as a practical proxy for assessing adherence to the PHD. However, persistent gaps in whole grain, legume, and nut intake, together with excessive red meat consumption, highlight the need for culturally adapted guidelines and strategies to promote sustainable dietary shifts in Korea. Full article

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is a globally recognized ancient grain renowned for its attractive nutritional profile and diverse potential applications. Considering its physicochemical characteristics, nutritional value, and probable applications is essential for optimizing its benefits across various food industries. This review aims to comprehensively investigate teff, its physicochemical characteristics, diverse dietary applications, and health benefits. Teff is rich in macro- and micronutrients, making it an excellent addition to various food products. Bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, also enhance their functionality. Therefore, teff appears to be a whole grain with favorable technological characteristics and nutritional benefits for various food applications. Also, being gluten-free, teff is acceptable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Also, it reduces cholesterol levels, supports heart health, stabilizes blood sugar levels, strengthens bone density and strength, and provides immune system support. In conclusion, teff shows excellent potential for developing innovative and nutritious solutions to meet the growing needs of consumers. Full article

Background: Among patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction, adherence to the principles of healthy eating becomes particularly important. These behaviors may potentially depend on the level of education. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between the level of education and dietary behaviors potentially beneficial to health among patients hospitalized due to a previous myocardial infarction. Methods: This study includes 164 patients of the Silesian Center for Heart Diseases in Zabrze (Poland). The research tool used was the KomPAN questionnaire for assessing dietary beliefs and habits. The analysis focused on the part of the questionnaire related to the consumption of products with potentially beneficial health effects. To assess diet quality and its association with educational level, the pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI) was used. Results: The participants consumed an average of 3.42 ± 0.81 meals per day, with individuals with higher education consuming more meals daily (3.85 ± 0.78). Daily consumption of vegetables and fruits was most common among patients with higher education (69.23% and 63.16%, respectively), followed by those with secondary (47.37% and 63.16%), vocational (37.93% and 40.74%), and primary education (33.33% and 33.33%). Statistically significant correlations were observed between education level and frequency of consumption of vegetables (rs = 0.25, p = 0.001), fruits (rs = 0.24, p = 0.003), legumes (rs = 0.21, p = 0.009), whole grain bread (rs = 0.23, p = 0.006), and coarse groats (rs = 0.24, p = 0.002). The dietary patterns of all study groups were characterized by a moderate level of pro-health features (pHDI among all study participants was 49.87 ± 12.40 points). However, a statistically significant correlation was found between education level and the pro-health diet index (rs = 0.24, p = 0.002), with this index increasing with higher education levels. Conclusions: Dietary behaviors with potentially beneficial health effects among patients hospitalized due to a myocardial infarction may be related to education level. A higher level of education in our study is associated with more favorable dietary choices compared to a lower level of education. Full article