Nutrition and health最新文献

Background: Integrating transgender and gender-identity-diverse (TGD) content in dietetics education is essential for addressing knowledge gaps among future registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). TGD populations have unique nutrition-related needs, yet there is limited evidence related to this topic within the field of dietetics. Aim: We aimed to explore dietetics students' perceived preparedness to work with TGD clients and experiences with TGD content through case-based learning. Methods: Graduate dietetics students (n = 23) engaged in a case study on dietary and health behaviors of an adult transgender woman in winter 2025. Students completed a survey about their perceived knowledge gained following the case and wrote reflections about further training opportunities and how the case informed their future career. Descriptive statistics were calculated for close-ended responses. A content analysis approach was used to analyze open-ended responses. Results: Most participants (n = 21/23, 91%) found the case helpful in preparation for working with transgender clients. Participants agreed they developed dietetics competencies such as demonstrating cultural humility (n = 17/23, 74%) and implementing culturally sensitive strategies (n = 18/23, 79%). Themes were identified related to improving dietetics training opportunities related to the TGD population including more training, training on counseling skills, and more exposure to cultural humility. Themes regarding how the case informed career perspectives included individualized care, awareness of diverse populations, and realization that the field needs more evidence-based guidance. Conclusion: TGD content delivered through case-based learning positively impacted dietetics students' knowledge and confidence in working with TGD clients in future practice. Understanding students' knowledge gaps can help inform dietetics education to ensure comprehensive training and equitable nutrition care among future RDNs.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease often affecting the central nervous system, resulting in neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). Cognitive dysfunction, a common manifestation, significantly impacts quality of life. Vitamin D3, recognized for its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties, is a potential therapeutic option for NPSLE. Objectives: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluates the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on cognitive function in NPSLE patients. Methods: NPSLE patients (N = 72) of standard SLE care were allocated into an intervention group (n = 34) receiving vitamin D3 (40,000 IU) supplementation/week for 6 weeks, then 2000 IU/day for 3 months, and a control group (n = 38) without vitamin D3. Serum vitamin D3 concentration, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores, and brain hypo-perfusion images by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were obtained at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. Results: Baseline characteristics (age, gender, BMI, waist-to-hip-ratio) were independent between groups. After the intervention, concentration of vitamin D3 (ng/mL) rose from 16.2 ± 4.9 to 28.3 ± 5.3 within the "intervention group" (P ≤ 0.001). Similarly, the mean differences of MMSE scores were significantly higher in Cases than Controls (2.2 vs. 0.3). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed large effect sizes for vitamin D concentration (η²_p = 0.714) and medium effect sizes (η²_p = 0.460) for MMSE scores. Furthermore, an insignificant (P > 0.05) shift (moderate to mild) of brain hypo-perfusion level was observed over time. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation effectively increased serum vitamin D concentration by supporting its role as an adjunctive therapy in NPSLE patients, leading to improvements in cognitive function and brain perfusion levels.

BackgroundPolyphenols, a diverse class of over 8000 naturally occurring phytochemicals, are abundant in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and beverages like green tea. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted their anticancer potential, particularly their ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell signaling pathways.AimThis review explores the roles of isolated polyphenol classes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes against various cancers.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus using keywords related to cancer, polyphenols, and antioxidants. We included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and other comprehensive reviews published between 2006 and 2025.ResultsFlavonoids constitute approximately 60% of dietary polyphenols and demonstrate antiinflammatory effects through reactive oxygen species scavenging, protein kinase inhibition, as well as antiinflammatory properties. Phenolic acids regulate apoptotic pathways and suppress oxidative damage, while lignans exert anticancer effects through hormonal modulation. Stilbenes, including resveratrol and pterostilbene, exhibit chemopreventive and epigenetic properties, enhancing the efficacy of conventional therapies.ConclusionsThe review underscores the synergistic potential of polyphenol-rich diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, in reducing cancer risk and supporting treatment outcomes.

BackgroundPeople living with severe obesity are at an elevated risk of poor oral health. Contributing factors to poor oral health in this population group include cariogenic dietary behaviours and social determinants of health. There has been minimal discussion of the possible impacts of disordered eating behaviours on oral health particularly for those living with obesity.AimThis short communication aims to increase the awareness among dental teams of disordered eating behaviours and possible impacts on oral health particularly for patients living with obesity.MethodsA short evidence-based report was developed to highlight the relevance and importance of increasing dental professional awareness of disordered eating behaviours.ResultsData on prevalence of disordered eating behaviours in the general population and individuals living with severe obesity have been reported. Some studies have revealed there may be a higher prevalence of some forms of disordered eating behaviours among people living with obesity. Potential negative sequelae on oral health include increased risk of missing teeth, periodontal disease, and active dental caries.ConclusionsCollaboration between the disciplines of oral health and nutrition and dietetics, and with primary care providers such as general practitioners, is important to foster successful nutritional strategies for both general and oral health in patients living with obesity. Suggested approaches include joint professional society statements and increased training for the dental profession on oral health impacts of disordered eating behaviours to facilitate early identification, provision of tailored oral health care and signposting for support. The integration of the dental team into current obesity management will add to their supportive role in the overall management of people living with severe obesity.

BackgroundPhysical constraints of small apartment kitchens and the influence of the surrounding community food environment may impact food practices of apartment residents. Social media portrayal of these features may influence public perception of apartment living.AimThis project aimed to describe the public depiction of small apartment kitchen and cooking facilities.MethodsContent analysis of TikTok videos posted with small apartment-related hashtags was determined the portrayal of kitchen facilities, residents' food practices, and hypothesised barriers to healthy cooking and eating practices. Current residents of small apartments compared these video depictions to their own experience.ResultsWe found TikTok videos rarely showed food practices (cooking, shopping and eating), kitchen size and function were usually portrayed with a positive or neutral sentiment, and that overall the depiction did not match current apartment residents' lived experience.ConclusionPopular TikTok videos of small apartment kitchens present a glamorised view of microapartment living.

Background: High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, as they are a major source of added sugars. Parents play a critical role in shaping children's dietary behaviors, and their nutritional literacy is particularly important in influencing SSB intake. Aim: This study examined the factors influencing SSB consumption among parents of elementary school children in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 188 parents of children aged 10 to 13 years. Data were collected through a self-administered survey that measured the frequency of SSB intake, categorized as low (0-1 serving per week), moderate (2-6 servings per week), or high (≥7 servings per week). The survey also assessed nutritional literacy, SSB knowledge, and awareness of the recommended daily intake of added sugar. A generalized linear model with ordinal logistic regression was used. Results: Approximately 66.5% of parents reported moderate SSB consumption. Chi-squared analysis showed significant differences across nutrition literacy variables: parents who frequently read nutritional labels, utilized nutritional information, and referred to nutrition facts consumed fewer SSBs (p < 0.001). In the regression models, SSB knowledge remained a significant predictor of lower SSB intake (adjusted OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.18, 1.51], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although parental nutrition literacy is important, targeted knowledge about SSBs is a stronger factor in reducing SSB intake. These findings emphasize the need for culturally relevant interventions and school-parent nutrition programs that equip Nigerian parents with specific knowledge to reduce SSB consumption and support healthier family diets.

BackgroundThiamine deficiency is an important cause of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is especially common among women who follow customary dietary restrictions.AimTo estimate the prevalence of subclinical thiamine deficiency among lactating mothers following customary dietary restrictions and to compare it with age-matched controls.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study, conducted on healthy lactating mothers. Study subjects consisted of two groups namely "Exposure group" (mothers on customary dietary restrictions and "Control group" (mothers consuming more diverse diet). Relevant demographic and clinical information were noted. Thiamine status was checked by blood thiamine diphosphate (TDP) estimation using high-performance liquid chromatography. A TDP concentration below 90 nmol/L was considered as thiamine deficiency.ResultsExposure group mothers significantly belonged to lower socioeconomic class and had fewer years of formal education. Mean Maternal TDP level was lower in the Exposure group (148.5 ± 62.9 nmol/L) compared to the Control group (183.5 ± 76.1 nmol/L). 11.64% of mothers in the Exposure group and 3.5% of mothers in the Control group were found to be thiamine-deficient. There was a significant correlation between maternal and infant blood TDP levels.ConclusionWomen following customary dietary restrictions significantly belonged to lower socioeconomic class and had fewer years of formal education. The prevalence of subclinical thiamine deficiency was higher in the Exposure group mothers. These findings highlight the need for awareness campaigns to educate women of childbearing age on the importance of a diverse, balanced diet and thiamine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation.

The global prevalence of oxidative stress-related disorders is increasing; hence, understanding the dietary sources that are involved in maintaining high antioxidant levels gains great importance. This study aims to explore the relationship between adherence to the healthy eating index (HEI) and the alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) with an antioxidant profile of young women. Diet quality was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire to calculate HEI and AHEI scores. The serum total oxidant/antioxidant status was evaluated by measuring ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, and nitric oxide (NO) levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 women aged 18-24 years. While no significant associations were found between any parameters and adherence to AHEI recommendations, serum FRAP levels were significantly correlated with HEI scores (r = 0.297, P < 0.001). Higher serum FRAP was associated with greater reported consumption of fruit, dark green vegetables, total vegetables, and empty calories, as well as a lower intake score for polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis confirmed a direct association between HEI scores and serum FRAP levels (β=3.03, P = 0.001). Overall compliance with a HEI diet was related to higher levels of antioxidant index in healthy young women.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can be influenced by nutritional status and dietary habits. In particular, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is increasingly being investigated in relation to disease severity and nutritional status. Aims: This case-control study, including 50 psoriatic patients and 40 healthy controls, aimed to examine the correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and disease severity, nutritional status, and disease presence in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The clinical severity of psoriasis was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and body composition was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. All participants' Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (PREDIMED) scores and 24-h food consumption records were evaluated. Results: The body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and fat mass (FM) values of psoriatic patients were found to be significantly higher than those of the healthy control group (p < 0.05). The PREDIMED score of psoriatic patients was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between the PREDIMED score and BW, FM, and HC (p < 0.05). PASI levels decreased as PREDIMED scores increased (r = -0.314, p = 0.048). According to logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age and sex, the likelihood of being healthy was approximately 6.363 times higher in those with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001). Conclusion: When psoriatic patients were compared with healthy controls, significant differences were observed in PREDIMED scores. Notably, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with reduced disease severity, suggesting a potential mitigating effect even in the presence of obesity.

Rising consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in India is a significant public health challenge, contributing to obesity, type 2 diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). SSB-attributable deaths exceed 10,000 annually. The associated economic burden is projected to reach 2.47% of India's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2060. This study evaluates the impact of taxation as a policy instrument to reduce SSB consumption in India. Data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 2022-23 household survey and Euromonitor retail sales data were used. SSB affordability was measured using the relative income price (RIP). A three-stage econometric model following Deaton's methodology was applied to estimate own price, cross-price and income elasticities using cross-sectional data. These estimates were used to simulate the effect of a uniform tax increase. Between 2015 and 2024, SSB affordability increased by 33%. The overall own-price elasticity was estimated at -0.8, with low-income households showing greater responsiveness (-0.97) than high-income groups (-0.77). Overall income elasticity was 0.48, rising to 0.59 for high-income households. Low-income households allocate a higher budget share (2.01%) to SSBs than high-income households (1.22%). Tax simulations suggest that a new 18.5% ad valorem excise tax could reduce consumption by ∼10% and increase annual tax revenue by 50%. A uniform 40% peak Goods and Services Tax (GST) had a smaller consumption impact. Findings support implementing excise taxes based on sugar content and a harmonized tax structure across SSBs. Evidence-informed fiscal policies are essential to mitigate NCD risks, as failure to act risks reinforcing harmful consumption patterns.