Nutrition and health最新文献

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.

Dichotomous thinking may cause individuals to classify foods as "good" or "bad" by oversimplifying their thought processes. This study aims to examine the relationship between the Dichotomous Thinking Scale (DTS) and eating attitudes in pre-obese and obese adults, as well as to evaluate its impact on fat phobia. Participants completed a survey consisting of questions about their sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional habits, the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS), the Dichotomous Thinking in Eating Disorders Scale (DTEDS), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and a 3-day food consumption record (two weekdays and one weekend day). As the "Food" subfactor scores of the DTEDS increased, the "Diet" and "Oral Control" subfactor scores of the EAT-26 and the "Total EAT-26" scores also increased (p < 0.05). As the "General" subfactor scores of the DTEDS increased, the total scores of the FPS, the "Bulimia and Food Preoccupation" and "Oral Control" subfactor scores of the EAT-26, and the "Total EAT-26" scores also increased (p < 0.05). As the "Total DTEDS" scores increased, the "Diet," "Bulimia and Food Preoccupation," and "Oral Control" subfactor scores of the EAT-26 and the "Total EAT-26" scores also increased (p < 0.05). Dichotomous thinking has been found to be significantly associated with eating attitudes and fat phobia and increases eating attitudes and fat phobia. However, dichotomous thinking has no significant effect on the total scores of the EAT-26 and FPS.

BackgroundPolyphenols are widely occurring bioactive compounds in fruits and are extensively investigated for their potential health effects. The growing prominence of artificial intelligence tools in nutrition science necessitates evaluating their capacity to provide accurate biochemical data.AimThis analysis aims to assess the reliability of two models ChatGPT-4o mini (free version) and ChatGPT-4o (paid version) in predicting polyphenol compound concentrations and their potential use in nutritional research and health applications.MethodsSeven different berries were selected for the study, and their anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes were queried in three different sessions using both ChatGPT-4o mini (free version) and ChatGPT-4o (paid version). The responses were compared with those from Phenol-Explorer, and the evaluation was based on relative accuracy (%).ResultsNo significant difference in relative accuracy (%) was found between ChatGPT-4o mini (41.36 ± 34.74) and ChatGPT-4o (46.23 ± 34.01) models (p > 0.05; Cohen's d = -0.107). In ChatGPT-4o mini, the highest mean accuracy was observed for total polyphenols (68.01 ± 25.00%; significantly higher than flavonols, p < 0.01), followed by anthocyanins (58.95 ± 32.68%). In ChatGPT-4o, anthocyanins showed the highest accuracy (65.36 ± 38.17%; significantly higher than flavonols, p < 0.01, and stilbenes, p < 0.001) followed closely by total polyphenols (65.72 ± 20.93%). Accuracy for flavonols, phenolic acids, and stilbenes was lower than for other compounds.ConclusionThis study shows that ChatGPT-4o mini and ChatGPT-4o exhibit varying accuracy in predicting polyphenols, with higher accuracy for common compounds like polyphenols and anthocyanins, and lower accuracy for flavonols, phenolic acids, and stilbenes.

BackgroundHypertension is a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with poor medication adherence and inadequate self-care contributing to uncontrolled blood pressure and increased morbidity.AimThis study aimed to assess levels of medication adherence and self-care behaviors among hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia and to explore how patient perceptions-behavior, motivation, and self-efficacy-affect adherence.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 hypertensive patients using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and the Hypertension Self-Care Profile. Data were analyzed using SPSS v29.ResultsLow medication adherence was reported by 88.2% of participants. Females showed higher self-care perceptions, while males had higher adherence scores (P = 0.0088). Younger adults (18-29 years) had the lowest adherence and self-care scores. Significant negative correlations were found between MMAS scores and self-efficacy (r = -0.251).ConclusionPatient perceptions, particularly self-efficacy, are strongly associated with adherence. Culturally tailored behavioral interventions are needed to improve hypertension management outcomes.

BackgroundHow universities support medical students to attain balanced diets represents an important area to help students improve their physical and mental health, alongside their academic performance. Although dietary barriers have been studied in the general population, they have been minimally studied in medical students; a group expected to give dietary advice in their future career.MethodsNine semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourth- and fifth-year medical students at a London university. Participants were asked about their perceived dietary barriers, enablers and strategies to tackle barriers and promote enablers. Transcripts were thematically analysed.ResultsThree superordinate themes were derived from the data: proximity to food options and support network, expenditure of limited resources and prioritising health and knowledge. Key enablers were social eating and feeling well-nourished, while key barriers were inaccessibility, increased time and costs. Some influences were both enablers and barriers. For example, peer influence: positive in instances of good cooking skills, but negative in instances of pressuring to eat out regularly. Additionally, participants suggested both personal and university-based strategies. Some personal strategies included splitting food costs and preparation amongst the household, whereas some university strategies comprised improving the variety and convenience of healthy food on campus.ConclusionMoving forward, the student-suggested strategies have the potential to improve the operational aspect of university-based dietary support; for example, including formal dietary advice and guidance in induction lectures. Through having a greater focus on student diet and nutrition, universities may be able to better nurture academic success, physical and mental health.

BackgroundCameroon, Africa, scores as one of the highest for malnutrition worldwide, significantly affecting maternal and childhood health. In response, the Cameroonian government pledged in 2013 to support nationwide policies that promote and protect breastfeeding and address malnutrition. To meet these needs, the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services created the Nutrition Improvement Program (NIP) to provide nutrition counseling within their hospital system. The NIP trains nutrition counselors through a 3-month training and internship program.AimThis study explored the experiences of NIP trainees in Cameroon using reflective journaling.Methods39 participants documented their experiences during training through reflective journaling. Three researchers independently coded and analyzed the entries to identify common themes through triangulation.SummaryAnalysis of journals unveiled positive and negative experiences and highlighted seven main themes: feelings of fulfillment, self-evaluation and analysis, relationships with the NIP hospital system, their educational environment, resources, barriers to completing the training, and their overall perceptions towards their trainers. The journals unveiled a transformative mindset towards current and new exercises implemented into nutrition counselor training and revealed disparities and areas of opportunity to enhance nutrition counselors' practices. Trainees' reflections called for continued support of the NIP training and increased resources to support the ongoing battle of malnutrition.

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly impacts physical and mental well-being, and dietary interventions such as low protein diet (LPD) and very low protein diet (VLPD) with ketoanalogue essential amino acids (KAEAAs) may improve quality of life (QoL) and slow disease progression.AimsTo evaluate the effects of LPD and VLPD with KAEAA on QoL in pre-dialysis CKD patients (stages 3-5).MethodologyA randomized, open-label study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 November at tertiary care centre, enrolling 199 patients with CKD3 to CKD5 (not on dialysis). Participants were allocated to normal protein (NP), LPD, or VLPD + KAEAA groups in stage 3, and LPD or VLPD + KAEAA groups in stages 4 and 5. QoL was assessed at baseline and after 1 year using the KDQOL-SF-36™ v1.3 survey, evaluating physical component score (PCS), mental component score (MCS), and domain-specific changes.ResultsAmong 199 pre-dialysis CKD patients, stage 3 participants showed significant decline in physical functioning with both LPD (p = 0.00) and VLPD (p = 0.02), while emotional well-being improved slightly. PCS declined across all groups, but MCS improved marginally with VLPD and declined in LPD and NP. In stage 4, both LPD and VLPD diets led to reductions in PCS and MCS. Cognitive function improved significantly with LPD (p = 0.03). In stage 5, VLPD patients showed marked improvements in pain (p = 0.00), kidney disease burden (p = 0.05), physical function, sleep, sexual function, and social support, while LPD offered only modest gains.ConclusionVLPD with ketoanalogues offers superior QoL benefits, particularly in advanced CKD, compared to LPD.

BackgroundWernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological disorder classically associated with alcohol use, but increasingly recognized in non-alcoholics due to nutritional deficiencies, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant and postpartum women. The clinical diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy is often challenging, as the classical triad of symptoms-encephalopathy, ophthalmoplegia and ataxia-frequently presents incompletely or may be entirely absent.AimsWE, although commonly associated with alcoholism, is frequently underdiagnosed in the non-alcoholic population and a delayed diagnosis can result in poor clinical outcomes. This study focuses on cases of non-alcoholic WE, aiming to evaluate the clinical and biochemical presentation in these patients.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in patients presenting with acute confusional states who demonstrated clinical improvement following thiamine administration. Baseline clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters were recorded for all participants. A standardized questionnaire was administered and informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to inclusion in the study.SummaryA total of 18 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients presented with ataxia (100.0%), confusion (100.0%) and acute onset encephalopathy (63.2%). The MRI showed symmetrical hyperintensity in T2 and FLAIR involving mammillary bodies (38.8%), only periaqueductal grey matter (50.0%), thalami (44.4%) and periventricular third ventricle (38.8%). Nearly 33.0% of patients had signal alteration in all regions including the thalamus, hypothalamus and periaqueductal area and atrophy of mammillary bodies. Non-alcoholic WE is potentially reversible and treatment should be promptly initiated in patients, particularly in high-risk populations.

BackgroundSeaweed is a nutrient-dense, sustainable, and underutilized food source. Despite its growing popularity, little is known about its consumption and related perceptions during pregnancy.AimTo (1) explore perceptions of health, environmental concerns, and seaweed consumption among pregnant individuals; (2) characterize their seaweed consumption patterns; and (3) identify factors shaping their attitudes and choices regarding seaweed.MethodsData were collected via an online survey developed for this study, incorporating items from the Health Consciousness Scale and questions assessing perceptions, consumption patterns, and attitudes related to seaweed among 120 pregnant participants across all trimesters. Descriptive and qualitative analyses were conducted.ResultsIn terms of health perceptions, most respondents (91.7%) reported being actively engaged in their health, and a majority (81.7%) agreed that the healthfulness of foods greatly influences their dietary choices. Regarding seaweed consumption, 70.8% of participants had consumed seaweed at least once during pregnancy. In addition, 60.0% of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward seaweed.ConclusionsIncorporating seaweed into dietary recommendations during pregnancy may offer both nutritional and environmental benefits. Future research should prioritize rigorous safety assessments to establish evidence-based guidance for seaweed consumption among pregnant individuals.

Background: Creatine supplementation has been widely studied for muscle health and aging. Recently, its possible effects on brain function and cognition in older adults have drawn attention, though consistent clinical evidence remains limited. Aim: To discuss current challenges and limitations regarding creatine supplementation as a strategy for cognitive improvement in older adults. Methods: Not applicable (commentary article, no original methods involved). Summary: A key uncertainty is whether supplemented creatine crosses the blood-brain barrier in sufficient amounts to affect neuronal metabolism. Although some studies show modest brain creatine increases, methodological constraints, individual variability, and the absence of standardized protocols limit firm conclusions. Assertions of cognitive enhancement based solely on supplementation risk overstating available data. This commentary highlights physiological and methodological barriers and calls for rigorous trials using advanced imaging, standardized dosing, and integration with lifestyle interventions. Until such evidence is available, creatine supplementation for cognition in older adults should be considered a hypothesis rather than an established clinical practice.